Can I Run Google Ads While I Wait for SEO to Work?
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Yes. Lots of owners run Google Ads to get calls now while local SEO builds in the background. Ads stop the day you stop paying, and SEO keeps working after the work is done, so running both covers you now and later. The key is to track calls from each, so you know when SEO can carry more of the load.
Book a CallWhy owners run both
SEO takes time to build. Ads can start bringing calls once they're live. For example, a roofer in Brampton heading into a busy spring can't wait months for rankings, but he also doesn't want to pay for every call forever. So he runs ads now and builds SEO so he's paying for fewer clicks later.
See paid and free results side by side
Google Ads has a paid and organic report. Once you connect your website's Google search data to your ads account, it shows the searches where you show up in ads, in the free results, or both (Google Ads Help). Google says you can use it to find searches where you only show up in the free results, and searches where your free results are weak so ads can cover them.
How to run both without wasting money
- Put ads on your most important jobs first, the ones that pay the bills this month.
- Build SEO on those same services and the areas you actually serve.
- Track calls and booked jobs from each one, every month, not just clicks and rankings.
- When you start showing up well in the free results for a service, look at whether you still need to pay for every one of those searches.
Don't let the calls go to waste
Ads and SEO both bring calls. Neither one books them. A dedicated SDR who follows up with every lead and books the ones who are ready means you get the jobs from both. See how we run paid ads and local SEO.
Questions you should also be asking
- Local SEO or Google Ads: which should I do first?
- Should I bid on searches I already rank for on Google?
- When can I cut my Google Ads spend once SEO is working?
- How do I know if local SEO is worth it for my business?
FAQ
Can I run Google Ads and SEO at the same time?
Yes. Many local businesses run ads for calls now while SEO builds. Ads stop when you stop paying; SEO keeps working after the work is done.
Will running ads hurt my SEO?
No. Ads and free results are separate. Google Ads even has a report that shows both side by side.
How do I see ads and free results together?
Connect your website's Google search data to your Google Ads account and use the paid and organic report.
What should I track when running both?
Calls and booked jobs from each one, every month, not just clicks and rankings.
Should I bid on searches I already rank for on Google?
Sometimes. Check the paid and organic report: if you show up high in free results and ads add few extra calls, test cutting back.
When can I cut my Google Ads spend once SEO is working?
When calls from free results for a service are steady month after month. Cut slowly, one service at a time, and watch booked jobs.
Want a plan for ads now and SEO for later? Book a call and we'll map it out with you.