- Ads = speed. SEO = compounding.
- Best strategy: Ads first, SEO in parallel, shift budget as SEO matures.
- Track blended CAC across both channels for true ROI.
The short answer
Google Ads gets you traffic today. SEO gets you traffic forever. Most successful businesses use both — Ads for speed, SEO for compounding.
When to prioritize Google Ads
- You need leads or sales this month
- You're testing a new offer, market or landing page
- Your niche has low SEO competition but active buyers
- You have a proven funnel that converts
When to prioritize SEO
- You want long-term, compounding traffic
- Your customers research heavily before buying
- Your product has strong margins
- You can invest 3-6 months before seeing full results
The compound playbook
Run Google Ads to generate leads and revenue now while your SEO builds. As organic traffic grows, gradually shift budget from ads to content and links. Within 12-18 months, SEO can carry 60-80% of your traffic at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently asked questions
What's the typical SEO timeline in Kenya?
+
What's the typical SEO timeline in Kenya?
+Expect early wins in 60-90 days for low-competition terms, and 6-12 months for competitive keywords like 'digital marketing agency Nairobi'.
