They work on different timescales and costs
SEO improves the website and local presence over time. Google Ads pays for visibility through an auction while campaigns are running. Both depend on a relevant offer, useful landing page and an enquiry process that works.
When SEO may be the sensible foundation
Choose sustained improvements when your service pages are weak, coverage is unclear or you want to develop local visibility. SEO can also make an established website more useful to visitors already arriving through other channels. Progress depends on the starting point and competition.
When paid search may fit
Consider a focused campaign when you have budget, a suitable page, clear margins and capacity for the advertised work. Boiler installations and urgent repairs should be considered separately. Advertising does not solve poor response times or an offer that does not match the search.
When to combine them
A business can use paid search to test selected services while improving its organic content. Review enquiry quality from both routes separately. Successful adverts can reveal buying questions, but paid performance is not proof that a page will rank organically.
What BFL charges
Website and local SEO are £499 a month without a setup fee. Google Ads management is a separate £499 a month plus advertising spend. Combining them needs enough budget for both delivery and traffic. See the cost breakdown.
A simple decision process
- Check whether the website clearly explains the advertised service and captures enquiries.
- Agree profitable work, real coverage and response capacity.
- Review local competition and existing performance.
- Choose a funded starting scope and measurable milestones.
- Review qualified enquiries and won jobs before expanding.
You do not need to select the channel alone. Choose “Not sure” on our form and describe the work you want.
