What is the difference between SEO and Google Ads?
In short and in plain language
SEO helps you in the normal, unpaid search results. You do not pay per click there. But it takes time.
Google Ads are paid ads on Google. They show up right away. They only run as long as you pay for them.
Both work well together. Ads give you a fast start. SEO works in the long run.
SEO improves your placement in the unpaid, organic search results. It works long-term and costs no amount per click, but it takes time to take effect. Google Ads, by contrast, are paid ads that appear immediately above the results, can be targeted precisely to region and search term, but only run as long as you provide the budget.
The two complement each other well. Ads deliver the fast start and immediate enquiries, while SEO builds sustainable visibility in the background that carries even without ongoing ad spend. Many companies start with Google Ads and reduce the budget once organic visibility takes hold.