Measured planning guide

Contractor Search Optimization and Paid Search Compared

Search optimization and paid search solve different problems. Neither guarantees qualified inquiries or profitable work.

Search optimization

This work improves the accuracy, usefulness, and structure of pages that search engines may discover. Results can take time and can change after platform or competitor updates.

Paid search

Advertising can create immediate visibility while a campaign is funded. Cost, placement, inquiry quality, and conversion vary by market, targeting, landing page, and account history.

How to choose

  • Set a test budget the business can afford to lose.
  • Track qualified inquiries through booked work.
  • Review search terms, excluded traffic, and landing page accuracy.
  • Stop or change a channel when measured economics do not support it.