SEO vs Google Ads — which should I invest in first?
Short answer
Run Google Ads first for 0–6 months to validate demand and capture immediate leads, then layer SEO from month 3 to compound free traffic. The strongest SME stacks run both.
Google Ads = fast, paid, stops the moment you stop paying. SEO = slow (3–6 months), compounding, becomes free after the investment is made. Most SMEs need both: ads buy data, SEO compounds it.
Sequencing rule of thumb: month 1–3 90% Ads / 10% SEO foundation, month 4–6 60/40, month 7+ 40/60 as organic kicks in.
If your LTV is < ₹5,000 and CAC needs to be < ₹400 — invest in SEO first. If you sell ₹50,000+ contracts and need leads this quarter — start with Ads.