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Google Ads vs SEO: Does Running Ads Improve Organic Rankings?

July 29, 2025
Google Ads vs SEO: Does Running Ads Improve Organic Rankings?

Let’s cut to the chase: you’re wondering if running Google Ads is the secret handshake to better organic rankings. Maybe you’re picturing Google’s algorithm as a friendly bouncer who lets you skip the line if you slip them a few ad dollars. Spoiler: it’s not quite that easy. But, as with all things in digital marketing, the answer is a little more nuanced — and, dare we say, a bit more interesting.

Welcome to the Blogging Machine take on the age-old debate: Google Ads vs SEO. We’ll break down what the data says, sprinkle in some expert insights, and show you how to get the most out of your content strategy — without needing to bribe any algorithms.

The Official Word: Google Ads and Organic Rankings

Let’s start with the facts. Google has been very clear (and, frankly, a bit repetitive) about this: there is zero direct connection between running Google Ads and your organic search rankings. You can run ads until your credit card weeps, but it won’t buy you a golden ticket to the top of the organic results.

As Google’s own documentation and countless spokespeople have stated, “PPC does not directly impact organic rankings.” (source). This has been their stance for years, despite persistent rumors and the occasional marketer’s conspiracy theory.

But if you’ve ever noticed your brand popping up more in organic results after a big ad campaign, you’re not imagining things. There’s more to the story — just not in the way you might think.

The Indirect Magic: How Google Ads Can Help Your SEO (Sort Of)

Here’s where things get interesting. While Google Ads won’t directly boost your organic rankings, they can create a ripple effect that benefits your SEO in subtle, but meaningful, ways.

1. Brand Awareness: The “Hey, I Know That Name!” Effect

When users see your brand in both paid and organic results, it’s like running into the same person at the coffee shop and the gym. Suddenly, you’re memorable. Google’s own research found that brand awareness from ads can positively impact organic listing performance (source).

According to HubSpot, 70-80% of search engine users focus primarily on organic results, but having your ad visible alongside your organic listing can make your brand stick in their minds. Next time they see you in the organic results, they’re more likely to click.

2. Double Trouble: Increased Click-Through Rates

Having both a paid and organic result on the same search page is like having two raffle tickets instead of one. Rand Fishkin, a well-known SEO expert, points out that this “dual presence” can increase the likelihood of a click (source). More clicks mean more engagement, and more engagement can mean better rankings — eventually.

3. User Signals: The Algorithm’s Secret Love Language

Google’s algorithm is a bit of a gossip — it pays attention to what users do. If someone sees your ad, remembers your brand, and later clicks your organic result, that’s a positive user signal. Over time, higher engagement rates and improved user signals can indirectly benefit your rankings (source).

4. Remarketing and Data Collection

Running Google Ads gives you access to valuable data about your audience. You can use this to refine your content strategy, target high-performing keywords, and create blog posts that resonate. It’s not a direct SEO boost, but it’s a powerful feedback loop.

Google Ads vs SEO: What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s get real for a second. Google Ads and SEO are two sides of the same digital marketing coin. Ads give you instant visibility (for a price), while SEO is the long game — building authority, trust, and organic traffic over time.

  • Google Ads: Fast, targeted, and measurable. Great for promotions, launches, and testing new ideas.
  • SEO: Slow burn, but sustainable. Builds credibility and drives consistent, cost-effective traffic.

The smartest marketers use both. Ads can inform your SEO strategy, and vice versa. But if you’re hoping that running ads will magically catapult your blog to the top of Google, you might want to sit down and have a cup of coffee. It’s going to take more than that.

Why High-Quality Content Still Wins (And How We Can Help)

Here’s the not-so-secret sauce: engaging, well-written, and SEO-friendly articles are what really move the needle. Google’s algorithm is obsessed with relevance, quality, and user experience. Keyword stuffing? That’s so 2010. Today, it’s all about content that answers questions, solves problems, and keeps readers coming back for more.

That’s where we come in. At Blogging Machine, we use AI to generate SEO-optimized articles that attract readers and improve search rankings — without you having to write a single word. Our platform automates content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research, so you can focus on running your business (or, you know, finally taking a lunch break).

Professional Advice: What the Experts Say

  • John Mueller (Google Search Advocate): “Running ads doesn’t help with SEO. But if it helps you reach your audience and they love your site, that can have an indirect effect.” (source)
  • Neil Patel (Marketing Expert): “Paid ads can drive traffic and brand awareness, which can lead to more branded searches and backlinks — both of which help SEO.” (source)

Regulations, Policies, and Recent News

Google’s policies are crystal clear: ad spend does not influence organic rankings. This is not just a guideline — it’s a core principle of their search algorithm. Any company claiming otherwise is probably selling snake oil (or at least, very expensive water).

For the latest on Google’s stance, check out their official Search Central Blog.

FAQ: Google Ads vs SEO

Q: Will running Google Ads improve my organic rankings? A: No, not directly. But increased brand exposure and engagement can have indirect benefits.

Q: Should I invest in Google Ads or SEO? A: Ideally, both! Ads give you quick wins; SEO builds long-term value.

Q: Can Blogging Machine help with both? A: We specialize in SEO-optimized content, but our insights can help you target the right keywords for your ad campaigns, too.

Q: How long does SEO take to show results? A: Typically, 3-6 months for noticeable improvements, but it depends on your industry and competition.

Q: Is keyword stuffing still a thing? A: Please, no. Focus on relevance, engagement, and quality. Google’s smarter than that.

The Bottom Line

Running Google Ads won’t buy you a shortcut to the top of the organic search results. But it can help you build brand awareness, drive engagement, and collect valuable data — all of which can support your SEO efforts in the long run. The real key? Consistent, high-quality content that your audience actually wants to read.

If you’re ready to scale your organic traffic without the headache of constant content creation, let Blogging Machine do the heavy lifting. We’ll handle the writing, the optimization, and the research — so you can finally focus on everything else on your to-do list.

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