SEO and paid advertising both help you get visibility, but they work very differently. SEO focuses on earning organic traffic over time, while paid ads deliver instant visibility for a cost.
Ads stop working the moment you stop paying, but SEO continues to grow and support your business long term. Most companies find the strongest success by combining both approaches: using SEO for lasting visibility and ads for quick results or promotions. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right balance for your goals.