The effect of Google ads on SEO: How Google ads affect local SEO efforts.

In today’s digital landscape, businesses rely on search engine optimization (SEO) to improve their online visibility and attract local customers. However, with the rise of paid advertising platforms like Google Ads, many businesses are left wondering how these ads impact their SEO efforts. This article aims to explore the relationship between Google Ads and local SEO, shedding light on the effect of Google Ads on SEO and providing valuable insights for businesses looking to maximize their online presence.

The Effect of Google Ads on SEO:

Google Ads, formerly known as Google AdWords, is an advertising platform where businesses can create and display ads across Google’s network, including search results, websites, and mobile apps. While Google Ads and SEO are two distinct strategies, they can influence each other in various ways.

1. Paid versus Organic Search Results:
   Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, where businesses bid on specific keywords to display their ads in search results. These ads are marked as “Ad” and appear above the organic search results. The prominence of paid ads can impact the visibility and click-through rates (CTRs) of organic search results, potentially affecting the organic traffic a website receives.
2. Keyword Research and Insights:
   Google Ads provides businesses with valuable keyword research insights. By analyzing the performance of keywords in paid campaigns, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of user intent and identify high-converting keywords. This knowledge can be leveraged to optimize website content and meta tags for better organic search rankings.
3. Brand Exposure and Recognition:
   Running Google Ads campaigns can increase brand exposure by ensuring prominent placement in search results. When users repeatedly see a brand’s ads, they may develop recognition and trust, leading to higher organic click-through rates. This increased brand exposure can indirectly influence SEO efforts by driving more branded searches and generating backlinks from users who discover the brand through ads.
4. Landing Page Optimization:
   To achieve maximum results from Google Ads, businesses create landing pages that align with their ad campaigns. These landing pages can be optimized for conversions, offering relevant and engaging content. As a byproduct, well-optimized landing pages can improve website metrics, such as bounce rate, time on page, and conversion rate. Positive user signals can indirectly impact organic search rankings.

Strategies to Balance Google Ads and Local SEO:

Now that we understand the potential impact of Google Ads on SEO efforts, let’s explore strategies to strike a balance between the two.

1. Integrated Keyword Research:
   Combining insights from both Google Ads and traditional SEO keyword research can provide a holistic view of keyword opportunities. Identify high-performing keywords from Google Ads and incorporate them into your website’s SEO strategy. Optimize relevant landing pages and create compelling content to capture organic traffic.
2. Advertise for Non-SEO Keywords:
   While organic search traffic is vital, Google Ads allows businesses to target non-SEO keywords that may not rank well organically. By targeting these keywords with paid campaigns, businesses can drive additional traffic and capture users who may have otherwise been missed through organic channels.
3. Optimize Landing Pages for SEO:
   Since landing pages play a crucial role in Google Ads campaigns, it’s essential to optimize them for both conversions and SEO. Ensure that landing pages load quickly, contain relevant keywords, and provide valuable information to visitors. Balancing user experience and SEO optimization can lead to improved organic rankings.
4. Leverage Remarketing:
   Remarketing is a powerful feature in Google Ads that allows businesses to re-engage users who have previously visited their website. By strategically employing remarketing campaigns, businesses can reinforce their brand, increase return visits, and potentially influence organic search behavior.

Conclusion:
While Google Ads and SEO are distinct strategies, they are interconnected in the online marketing ecosystem.

The effect of Google Ads on local SEO efforts can be both direct and indirect. By understanding how Google Ads impacts organic search results, leveraging keyword research insights, optimizing landing pages, and finding a balance between the two strategies, businesses can enhance their overall online presence and drive sustainable growth.

Citations:

1. Google Ads: https://ads.google.com
2. Google Ads Help Center: https://support.google.com/google-ads
3. Moz Blog – The Relationship Between Organic Rankings & PPC: https://moz.com/blog/organic-ppc
4. Search Engine Journal – How to Balance SEO and Paid Search in 2023: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/balance-seo-paid-search/458229/
5. WordStream – How to Optimize Landing Pages for SEO: https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2019/09/19/landing-page-seo

Lawrence Ozeh Member since September 20, 2022

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Lawrence Ozeh is an internet marketer, web developer and an SEO expert. https://blog.rankfasta.com

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