Introduction

Ah, the age-old marketing question: SEO or PPC?

One takes time and patience. The other is fast, focused, and expensive. In a game of SEO vs PPC, who wins? Both can bring leads, and both can burn through budget if handled the wrong way.

If you’re running a business in Norwich or anywhere in Norfolk, you’ve probably wondered where your budget is best spent. Maybe you’ve tried one or both and felt unsure if you were doing it right. Or maybe you’re just tired of SEO jargon and PPC spreadsheets with no clear answer.

Let’s fix that. This blog breaks it down simply, with real-world advice and local context.

What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO, is all about earning your place in Google search results without paying for every click.

It involves creating helpful content, improving your site structure, speeding up your pages, choosing the right keywords, building backlinks, and making your website mobile-friendly.

At Temple Brown, SEO isn’t an optional add-on. It’s a key part of how we build every website.

What is PPC?

Pay-Per-Click, or PPC, means paying for traffic. Every time someone clicks your ad, you pay a fee.

You’ve seen these ads at the top of Google. They’re triggered by search terms like “Norwich electrician” or “best website design in Norfolk.”

With PPC, you choose who to target, when your ads show, and where they appear. You can narrow your focus by location, device, and more. It works quickly and is easy to measure, but once you stop paying, the traffic stops too.

Key Differences Between SEO and PPC

SEO is like building a reputation. It takes time, but the results last. PPC is like running a short-term promotion. It brings fast results, but they disappear when your budget does.

The Long Game: When SEO Works Best

SEO is your strategy when you’re thinking beyond next week.

It works well if you want to build consistent traffic, earn authority in your niche, and grow search visibility without constantly increasing your ad spend.

We helped a Wymondham-based accountant reach page one for several Norfolk-focused keywords. No ads. Just great site structure, location-optimised content, and quality local backlinks.

With SEO, you earn your space and stay there with less effort over time.

The Quick Win: When PPC Might Be Smarter

Sometimes, waiting isn’t an option.

Maybe you’ve got a new product or a seasonal service. Maybe business has gone quiet and you need leads now.

That’s where PPC shines. You can launch a campaign in a day, focus on specific areas like Norwich or Great Yarmouth, and get clicks within hours.

We ran a campaign for a local roofing firm during storm season. We set up ads targeting NR1 to NR6 postcodes. Within 48 hours, they had five solid enquiries.

Real Costs, Real ROI

PPC can be expensive. If a click costs £3 and only one in twenty people enquires, that’s £60 per lead. If you sell a premium service, that’s fine. If you’re offering low-margin work, it might not be worth it.

SEO is different. The upfront investment is higher, especially if your site needs work, but your cost per lead drops dramatically over time.

We always ask clients one thing first. What is a new lead worth to you? That helps guide whether SEO, PPC, or a mix of both is the best fit.

The Local Factor: SEO and PPC in Norwich & Norfolk

This is where things get interesting.

In Norwich, people search differently than they do in larger cities. They trust local businesses and tend to click on organic results more often. This makes local SEO especially powerful.

Using place names in your site structure, building local backlinks, and writing helpful, locally relevant content makes a huge difference.

At the same time, PPC is often cheaper in Norfolk. There’s less competition for keywords, which means you can run effective campaigns without spending a fortune.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely. And many businesses should.

We often recommend using PPC to test what works. You find the keywords that convert, then use SEO to target them for the long term.

We also use PPC to promote limited-time offers or target people who have already visited your site.

Used together, SEO and PPC become more than the sum of their parts. It’s not a choice between fast or smart. It’s about building a strategy that’s both.

What We Do at Temple Brown

At Temple Brown, we don’t believe in shortcuts or one-size-fits-all answers.

Every project starts with our Discovery Process. This is where we learn about your business, your audience, and what you want to achieve. We don’t rush it. We listen, explore, and build a strategy that reflects your reality.

After discovery, we apply our Design and Dataapproach. That means we build sites that look good, work beautifully, and are based on real user behaviour. Whether it’s SEO, PPC, or both, your strategy is guided by insight, not guesswork.

We’re based in Norwich, and we know how people search locally. From estate agents in Eaton to florists in Fakenham, we’ve helped all sorts of businesses improve their digital presence and get more leads.

FAQs: What People Also Ask

Is SEO cheaper than PPC?
Yes, over time. It takes longer to show results but can bring a much lower cost per lead in the long run.

Should I start with SEO or PPC?
If you need fast leads, PPC might be better. But we recommend starting SEO straight away too.

Do I need both SEO and PPC?
You don’t have to, but using both gives you flexibility, insight, and better results.

How fast does PPC work?
It can generate traffic within hours. Leads can come in the same day with the right setup.

How long does SEO take?
You’ll typically see small gains in the first month. Strong results often start showing between months 3 and 6.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Step

Still not sure which way to go?

That’s what our Discovery Process is for. We’ll help you figure out what matters, where your opportunities are, and how to move forward with confidence.

We offer a free website and traffic audit for businesses in Norwich and Norfolk. No hard sell. Just insight and a clear plan.

Email us at hello@templebrown.co.uk
Call us on 01603 369923
Visit us at templebrown.co.uk

Let’s build a digital strategy that actually works.