So What’s Right for You? Let’s Break It Down
If you need fast results…
Go with paid ads. They’re like turning on a faucet.
Especially helpful if:
You’re launching a new offer or event
You need to drive traffic now
You’re validating an idea
BUT: paid results disappear when the budget stops, so plan for what comes next (email marketing? organic marketing? something else?)
If you want long-term brand trust…
Lean into organic marketing.
This includes content like:
Organic builds a foundation that keeps working long after it’s posted.
If your budget is limited…
Start with organic. ESPECIALLY if you have more time than money!
But if your time is also limited (hello fellow business owners!), try:
Focusing on 1-2 platforms only
Repurposing content (blog posts turned into newsletters turned into social media content)
Using a small, strategic ad spend to amplify your best organic content (it’s amazing what a well-used $3 a day will do!)
If you’re overwhelmed by the algorithm…
Ads can cut through the noise.
They let you reach exactly who you want without hoping the algorithm favors you.
BUT: they still need strategy. Bad ads = wasted money. Trust us.
The Best Strategies Often Combine Both
Think of it like this:
Paid ads are like fuel, they get things moving.
Organic content is like the engine, it keeps your momentum going.
Here’s how they work together:
Paid ads drive new eyes to your content
Organic content builds trust once they land on your site or feed
The two together shorten the buyer journey and increase conversions
When your marketing is working well, paid and organic don’t compete, they complement each other.
Final Thought: Choose Based on Strategy, Not Trends
You don’t have to be everywhere (in fact, we recommend you AREN’T everywhere). You don’t have to do everything. But you DO need a clear plan that fits your goals, your season, and your audience.
If you’re not sure where to start, or how to build a strategy that blends both paid and organic marketing effectively, we’d love to help.
We just recently helped one of our clients increase the number of lead generators downloaded on their website by 540% in the first month by re-evaluating the strategy they were using with paid and organic marketing (and we didn’t increase their budget at all)!
Book a free discovery call and let’s figure out what makes sense for you.
FAQ
Q: What’s considered “organic” marketing?
Anything you don’t directly pay to boost—like blog content, SEO, social media posts, and email marketing.
Q: What’s a good budget for paid ads?
It varies! Many small businesses start around $300–$500/month (but we’ve seen strong results with budgets as small as $150 per month). The key is strategic targeting and testing, not just spending more.
Q: Can I grow my business using just organic marketing?
Yes—but it typically takes more time and consistency. If you need quick visibility or lead flow, pairing with paid ads is often ideal.