Let’s look at key SEO vs. PPC statistics to understand the pros and cons of each marketing method and make an informed decision.
Search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) are two of the most popular online marketing strategies available, and many companies use both in tandem for maximum effect. But how do they compare? In this article, I will cover some key SEO vs PPC statistics from many different studies and research.
SEO vs PPC Statistics: Key Findings
Arguments for SEO:
- 53% of website traffic comes from organic search, while only 27% comes from paid search.
- 70% of online marketers think that SEO is better than PPC.
- 70% to 80% of users totally ignore paid ads.
- On average, 28.5% of people click on the first organic search result on Google.
- 11% of search ad clicks are fake or invalid
- About 26% of US internet users use ad blockers.
Source: (Yoast, DataBox, Search Engine Land, Search Engine Journal)
Arguments for PPC:
- 74% of brands say that PPC ads are a big part of what keeps their business going.
- 65% of people who see PPC ads click on them.
- Paid advertising has a 200% ROI.
- The average SMBs spend 7x more on PPC than SEO.
- 93% of marketers make use of search advertisements.
- 62% of marketers plan to increase PPC budgets.
- 45%of small businesses make use of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
Source: (Swydo, Wordlead, Techjury.)
Learn more: https://www.businessdit.com/seo-statistics/
#1. Organic Search Overpowers Paid Ads
Source: Yoast
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Outreach Monks, Search Engine Land, Higher Visibility, Bright Edge, Seo Design Chicago, Linkedin, Monster Insights and more.
| What does the data suggest | Justification |
|---|---|
| High significance of organic search | Organic search is twice as effective as paid search in driving traffic, thus optimizing SEO should be a top priority. |
| Relatively lower effectiveness of paid search | Despite driving less traffic, paid search is still valuable. However, a balanced allocation of resources is needed. |
| Need for a combined strategy | The data points towards the importance of combining organic and paid search strategies for maximum traffic. |
#2. Digital Marketers Confirm: SEO Takes the Lead Over PPC
Source: Databox
Significance of the Data: High
Mentioned By: LinkedIn, GetResponse, Outreach Monks, Hubspot, Gitnux, Search Engine Journal, Cariad Marketing and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
|---|---|
| The dominance of SEO over PPC | SEO is seen as highly effective by a majority of digital marketers, suggesting an increased ROI compared to PPC. |
| PPC may require strategic rethinking | With the perception of SEO’s effectiveness, PPC strategies may need enhancements for better performance. |
| Potential SEO investment surge | With 70% favoring SEO, it indicates a likely shift in the allocation of marketing resources towards SEO. |
#3. Users Snub Paid Ads, with up to 80% Choosing to Completely Ignore Them
Source: Search Engine Land
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Smamarketing, Finances Online, Linkedin, Small Biz Genius, Business 2 Community, Search, Engine People, Gitnux, Search Engine Journal and more.
| What Does The Data Suggest | Justification |
|---|---|
| Organic content is more impactful | Users’ tendency to ignore paid ads highlights the significance of organic, genuine content in marketing strategies. |
| Skepticism towards paid ads | Users’ behavior signifies a distrust in paid ads, necessitating more authentic, transparent marketing practices. |
| SEO and content marketing are key | The heavy bias towards organic results underscores the necessity of effective SEO and high-quality content. |
#4. The Winning Position: Google’s First Organic Search Result Garners an Average of 28.5% Clicks
Source: Search Engine Journal
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Digital Information World, Backlinko, Sistrix, Yougov, Infront Webwork, Smart Insights, Ignite Visibility and more.
| What Does The Data Suggest | Justification |
|---|---|
| The primacy of organic search result rankings | Being the first organic search result significantly increases the probability of user engagement, driving more traffic. |
| Necessity for effective SEO strategies | A successful SEO strategy is crucial for securing top placement and capturing a substantial share of clicks. |
| Need for constant optimization and monitoring | Continuous refinement and analysis of SEO practices is vital to maintain the top position and its associated click-through benefits. |
Arguments for PPC: title
#1. 74% of Brands Identify PPC Ads as a Massive Growth Catalyst
Source: Swydo
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Increditools, Acquisio, Swydo, Digital Third Coast, Embryo Digital, Linear Design, First Page Strategy and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
|---|---|
| PPC Advertising is Critical for Brand Growth | Proven efficiency of PPC ads in driving business reinforces its strategic significance in marketing execution. |
| Budget Allocation Towards PPC Campaigns is Beneficial | The success reported by the majority of brands indicates potential ROI in PPC investment. |
| Skill Development in PPC Management is Essential | Ensuring proficiency in PPC strategies can lead to higher business outcomes, reflecting industry trends. |
#2. Brands Witness 200% ROI in Paid Ad Campaigns
Source: Wordlead
Significance of the Data: High
Mentioned By: Lunio, Techjury, Digital Third Coast, Klient Boost, The Social Shepherd, Acodez, Small Biz Genius and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
|---|---|
| High effectivity of PPC ads | PPC ads engage 65% of customers, indicating their role in influencing buying decisions. |
| Consumer openness to digital advertising | This high click-rate signals customer receptivity to well-targeted, relevant ads. |
| Value in investing in PPC campaigns | Businesses can potentially capitalize on this customer behavior to maximize conversions. |
#3. Paid Advertisements Prove Lucrative, Returning 200% on Investment: ROI Doubles
Source: Techjury
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: True List, Webfx, Okdork, Neil Patel, Traffic Soda, Small Biz Genius and more.
| What does the data Suggest | Justification |
|---|---|
| High ROI on Paid Advertisements | This indicates that investing in paid ads leads to substantial returns, making it an efficient use of marketing budget. |
| Need for Strategic Ad Placement | To maximize the 200% ROI, ads should be placed in channels and at times where target audiences are most engaged. |
| Continuous Monitoring and Optimization | Regular data tracking and ad optimization is crucial to sustain high ROI and spot potential areas for improvement. |
