Google Ads vs SEO: Which Should Your Body Shop Do First?

It's the question every body shop owner asks when they start thinking about digital marketing: Should I pay for Google Ads or invest in SEO? The honest answer? It depends on your situation.

  ## Google Ads: The Fast Lane



  Google Ads put you at the top of search results immediately. You pay every time someone clicks, but you're visible from day one.



  ### Pros of Google Ads


  
    - **Speed** - Turn on ads today, get calls this week

    - **Control** - You decide exactly which keywords to target

    - **Predictability** - Spend more, get more leads (generally)

    - **Measurability** - Know exactly what each lead costs

  


  ### Cons of Google Ads


  
    - **Cost** - Clicks run $15-30 each for body shop keywords

    - **Competition** - Competitors can outbid you

    - **Temporary** - Stop paying, stop appearing

  


  ## SEO: The Long Game



  SEO means optimizing your website and online presence to rank in "free" organic results. It takes longer but builds lasting value.



  ### Pros of SEO


  
    - **Free Traffic** - Once you rank, clicks don't cost anything

    - **Trust** - Many customers skip ads and trust organic results more

    - **24/7 Visibility** - No daily budget caps

    - **Asset Building** - Your rankings become a business asset

  


  ### Cons of SEO


  
    - **Time** - 3-6 months to see significant movement

    - **Uncertainty** - Google's algorithm changes

    - **Ongoing Effort** - Requires consistent work

  


  ## The Real Answer: It's Not Either/Or



  Here's what smart body shops do: **they use both.**



  **Phase 1:** Start with ads to generate immediate leads while your SEO builds.


  **Phase 2:** Simultaneously, start SEO work. Optimize Google Business Profile, build your website, create content.


  **Phase 3:** As organic traffic grows, you can reduce ad spend.


  **Phase 4:** Now you have leads from SEO (free) and can use ads strategically.



  ## Which Should YOU Start With?



  **Start with Google Ads if:**


  
    - Your bays need to be full right now

    - You have at least $1,500-3,000/month for ad spend

    - You've never done digital marketing (quick wins build confidence)

  


  **Start with SEO if:**


  
    - You have 6+ months of runway before you need results

    - Your budget is limited

    - Your competitors have weak online presence

  


  The biggest mistake? **Doing nothing because you can't decide.** Pick something. Start. Adjust as you learn.