Paid Search vs Paid Social: Which is Right for Your Business?

Paid search and paid social are two popular forms of online advertising that businesses can use to reach potential customers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision of when to use one over the other depends on the specific goals and objectives of your business.

What is Paid Search?

Paid search advertising, also known as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, is a form of online advertising that allows businesses to place ads on search engine results pages (SERPs). This type of advertising is ideal for businesses that want to drive traffic to their website and increase their visibility on search engines.

Paid search via Google on a laptop.

Paid search advertising is particularly effective for businesses that sell products or services that are in high demand, as it allows them to target users who are actively searching for specific keywords.

Popular examples include Google Ads & Microsoft Ads.

What is Paid Social?

Paid social advertising, on the other hand, is a form of online advertising that allows businesses to place ads on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This type of advertising is ideal for businesses that want to build brand awareness and increase their reach on social media. Paid social advertising is particularly effective for businesses that have a strong visual component to their products or services, as it allows them to showcase their products in an engaging way.

How to choose which approach to take:

When deciding between paid search and paid social advertising, it is important to consider the specific goals and objectives of your business.

If your primary goal is to drive traffic to your website and increase your visibility on search engines, paid search advertising may be the better option. However, if your primary goal is to build brand awareness and increase your reach on social media, paid social advertising may be the better option.

In conclusion, the decision of when to advertise on paid search vs. paid social depends on your specific business goals and objectives. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider your budget for advertising as well. A combination of both advertising methods is also possible to reach a broader audience and achieve your business goals.

Search + Gather is a digital marketing agency that specializes in PPC. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are looking for affordable help with Paid Search, Paid Social, or Online Conversion.


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