Managing Expectations:
Understanding ROI for SEO and Google Ads

When it comes to investing in SEO and Google Ads, it’s important to manage your expectations. While these marketing channels can be very effective, they don’t guarantee overnight success. In fact, it can take several months (sometimes even years if you’re looking for top, highly competitive, national rankings) to see a significant return on your investment.

That said, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, make sure you’re targeting the right keywords. If you’re not targeting keywords that people are actually searching for, you’re not going to get any traffic to your website. Second, make sure your website is well-optimised for search engines. This means having high-quality content, good UX (user experience) using relevant keywords throughout your site, and having a good website structure.

Finally, be patient. SEO and Google Ads are long-term investments. It takes time to build up trust and authority with Google, and it takes time for your website to rank well for competitive keywords. But if you’re patient and you do things right, you can expect to see a significant return on your investment.

seo-vs-ppc

Understanding ROI for SEO and Google Ads:

 

ROI represents the value generated from an investment relative to its cost. In the context of SEO and Google Ads, ROI is typically measured by the increased website traffic, conversions, sales, or other desired outcomes generated from these marketing efforts. We see it as the actual amount of income you generate versus your spend.

So if you’re spending ยฃ2000 a year on your SEO and you are not getting at least ยฃ4000 a year in new business back (i.e. 100% ROI) from this, something needs to be tweaked.

SEO ROI:
SEO is a long-term strategy that aims to improve organic search visibility and drive targeted traffic to a website. While ROI can vary, research suggests that a well-executed SEO campaign can yield an average ROI of 5:1 or higher.

In fact our own stats show that we have produced ROI’s in general of much higher than this and in some cases in excess of 100:1. However, admittedly the average is in the region of 2:1 to 10:1.

However, it’s important to note that SEO is a continuous process that requires ongoing effort, and results may take time to materialise.

Google Ads ROI:
Google Ads, with its pay-per-click (PPC) model, allows businesses to target specific keywords and reach their desired audience instantly. ROI for Google Ads campaigns can also vary based on factors like industry, competition, and campaign effectiveness. On average, a well-optimised Google Ads campaign can generate an ROI ranging from 2:1 to 5:1 or more, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

 

seo-vs-ppc

SEO is a low risk, high reward investment

SEO is a low risk, high reward investment: Even if you only have a small budget to invest in SEO and Google Ads, you can still expect to see a good return on your investment. For example, if you spend ยฃ200 per month on SEO, you can expect to generate around ยฃ500 in revenue. This is a very good ROI for such a low investment.

Of course, the amount of revenue you generate will depend on a number of factors, such as the keywords you’re targeting, the quality of your SEO work, and the competition. However, even if you don’t see the same level of ROI as businesses with larger budgets, you can still expect to see a positive return on your investment.

However, please be very careful who you entrust your SEO (and thereby your money/investment to)ย  unfortunately there are a lot of charlatains and snake oil salesmen in the industry.

SEO ROI Compared to Other Investments

The ROI for SEO and Google Ads is very competitive when compared to other investments.

For example, the average ROI for property is around 7%. This means that for every ยฃ100 you invest in property, you can expect to generate ยฃ7 in profit.

The average ROI for gold is around 10%. This means that for every ยฃ100 you invest in gold, you can expect to generate ยฃ10 in profit.

The average ROI for stocks and shares is around 12%. This means that for every ยฃ100 you invest in stocks and shares, you can expect to generate ยฃ12 in profit.

As you can see, the ROI for SEO and Google Ads is very competitive when compared to other investments. This is because these marketing channels can help you to reach a large audience of potential customers who are actively looking for what you have to offer.

 

Want your business to benefit from the great ROI on SEO?

Lets have a chat – book a free consultation now – Click here

Is Google the best source of organic traffic?

 

Google is generally considered to be the most important source of organic traffic, as it is by far the most popular search engine worldwide, with over 90% market share in many countries. Bing, Yahoo!, and other search engines also contribute to organic traffic, but to a much lesser extent.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in certain countries or regions, there may be a significant market share held by a local search engine. In China, for instance, Baidu is the dominant search engine, while Yandex is popular in Russia.

Additionally, some businesses may find that they receive significant organic traffic from sources other than search engines, such as social media, referrals, or email marketing. While these sources are not considered “organic” in the strictest sense, they can still provide valuable traffic and conversions.

Overall, while Google is the most important source of organic traffic for most businesses, it’s important to consider other sources of traffic as well and develop a well-rounded digital marketing strategy that leverages multiple channels to reach potential customers.

 

 

Follow us on Facebook

[wp_social_ninja id=”987502840″ platform=”facebook_feed”]

What some of our happy customers have to say about us on Google

Posted on Google Google
Kimberley profile picture
Kimberley
18 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This company offers an exemplary service - Chantal is professional and efficient - I can think of no one in this field who is more impressive with their knowledge, skill or passion. If you enlist the help of Canterbury Website Design & SEO then youโ€™ll get top-notch attention and service; Chantalโ€™s expertise will help your cause or business more than blossom. Highly recommend the laudable work ethic, attention to detail combined with the customer service and all results.
Posted on Google Google
Simon Critchett profile picture
Simon Critchett
9 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We've been working with Canterbury Website Design for five years now and they've been a reliable, knowledgeable partner throughout. They look after our websites and SEO, and we've seen solid, consistent results over that time. Communication is straightforward and they understand our business. Happy to recommend them to other local businesses looking for a trustworthy web agency.
Posted on Google Google
Valerie Illidge profile picture
Valerie Illidge
26 February 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Iโ€™ve worked with Chantal for many years across multiple websites for our business, and I can honestly say her knowledge and expertise have been invaluable. From the very beginning she has provided clear guidance, practical advice, and solutions that have helped our school improve its online presence. What stands out most is how consistently supportive and reliable she is. She takes the time to explain things, responds quickly when we need help, and always makes sure everything is running smoothly. Her experience really shows in the quality of her work and in the confidence she gives you that your website and digital marketing are in safe hands. The results weโ€™ve seen over the years speak for themselves, and the service she provides represents excellent value for money. I wouldnโ€™t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, trustworthy, and highly professional web and SEO
Posted on Google Google
Daniel Kent profile picture
Daniel Kent
1 September 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I had a very good experience with CWD. They work was well done and very efficient. Communication was excellent
Posted on Google Google
Rachael Pielow profile picture
Rachael Pielow
5 August 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Chantal was extremely professional and efficient during the process of getting my old website reinstated. I cannot recommend her highly enough and look forward to working together on other projects.
Posted on Google Google
EIC Partnership profile picture
EIC Partnership
16 July 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Canterbury Website Design & SEO have been a huge part of getting our new website over the line. Chantal and her team worked miracles to resolve our WordPress issues, enabling us to launch on time, and her maintenance plan gives us peace of mind that our site functions as intended (whilst staying on budget) - allowing us to focus on our core business. 10/10 would definitely recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Saints hairdressing profile picture
Saints hairdressing
31 October 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Chantel we cant thank you enough for our fabulous website! you really took everything on board what we wanted you to create for our website you put great effort, time and understanding of the salon to get the vibe we wanted to show through our website. Chantel has great knowledge and understanding for any business websites and we would highly recommend to anyone needing or updating a website
Posted on Google Google
Dominic Gunn profile picture
Dominic Gunn
26 September 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
As a charity supporting the Social, Emotional and Mental Health of children and young people, we need to be able to present our research, training and events clearly for everyone seeking our services. Canterbury Website Design have been so helpful in guiding us through the process of setting up and maintaining our own website. They have been quick to respond with easy to follow advice and made important adaptations, enabling us to promote our work effectively.
Posted on Google Google
Hardy Kerim profile picture
Hardy Kerim
26 September 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We received professional and outstanding work. Chantal was really good at communicating and developing the website the way we wanted. If you need a website for your business Chantal is the right person for the job, she knows her business.
Posted on Google Google
Paula Armstrong profile picture
Paula Armstrong
19 September 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We are loving all the recent changes to our website. It's looking fantastic all thanks to Chantal at Canterbury Website Design. Thank you for your prompt response and quick turnaround.
Posted on Google Google
David Lewis profile picture
David Lewis
12 December 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Bespoke websites created to meet our exacting briefs, that deliver perfectly. Efficient ongoing support and impressive SEO work. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Kevin Campbell profile picture
Kevin Campbell
9 December 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
site looks good many thanks
Posted on Google Google
Matthew Pithers profile picture
Matthew Pithers
9 June 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We recently had our website and seo work done and are extremely happy with the service would highly recommend
Posted on Google Google
Neil Harrison profile picture
Neil Harrison
7 June 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
MelaNoMore is a Melanoma Support Group covering the Surrey and Sussex area. We are made up of a group of non-technical folk who are getting on a bit. Canterbury Website Design have been very helpful to us in setting up our website and emails and do a great job in keeping things simple so we can all understand what is happening. Would thoroughly recommend them to anyone venturing into the world of websites, domains etc. particularly for inexperienced "webbers". They do a great job and provide patient tutorials.
Posted on Google Google
The Canterbury Oven Clean Company profile picture
The Canterbury Oven Clean Company
6 March 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The Team here really know what they are doing. They have designed and built my website exactly how I wanted it to be. Chantal is top in her field and knew exactly what was needed when it came to my companyโ€™s website. Great company to deal with. They have gone over and above what they needed to do. Thanks Chantal and the team.๐Ÿ’ฏbest website/seo company in Canterbury.
Posted on Google Google
Amanda Lynch profile picture
Amanda Lynch
3 March 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Chantal has designed me a fabulous website and vastly improved my on-line presence. She responds promptly to any queries or update requests and helped me achieve a website that met my requirements perfectly. I have no hesitation in recommending her if you are looking to either design and build a website from scratch or to update an existing one.
Posted on Google Google
Sheri Irons profile picture
Sheri Irons
3 March 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I never understood SEO and what it does, but with Chantal on my team she supported us through the process and the service I receive from Chantal's team is brilliant and I can highly recommend them.
Posted on Google Google
Sue Thompson profile picture
Sue Thompson
7 February 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Good personal contact always on the end of the phone .. and good on time delivery of website
Posted on Google Google
Rose Neil profile picture
Rose Neil
7 February 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent customer service
Posted on Google Google
josh harrowell profile picture
josh harrowell
31 January 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Fantastic company always available to help and make changes, very clear and upfront with pricing from start to finish. And most importantly just lovely people
Posted on Google Google
Swaeley Penfold profile picture
Swaeley Penfold
21 January 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great experience with this company, getting more and more leads from google and the website as the months go on.
Posted on Google Google
Nick Hutchinson (Nick) profile picture
Nick Hutchinson (Nick)
20 January 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I had a great experience working with Canterbury WD& SEO. They provide top-notch services that have helped to improve the search engine rankings for my website. The team are very knowledgeable and always available to answer any questions I have. They provided regular updates and detailed reports, which helps me to understand the progress of the campaign. Overall, I highly recommend this company for anyone in need of SEO services.
Posted on Google Google
Elaine Brown profile picture
Elaine Brown
20 December 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Chantal is I feel so passionate about supporting me ongoing with my Website. Not only I feel designing a great website for me way back now in 2019 but also supporting me with understanding around SEO and continued support with this! Thank you Canterbury Website Design & SEO! Good Luck for the soon to be New Year 2023 and beyond!
Posted on Google Google
Rebecca Newman profile picture
Rebecca Newman
8 December 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Canterbury Website Design are a fantastic local company. Not only are they great at website design but they really know how to get results to help get your website found.
Posted on Google Google
Sue Westwood profile picture
Sue Westwood
2 December 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Chantal was knowledgeable and helpful, and very speedy response
Posted on Google Google
Clive Wills profile picture
Clive Wills
2 December 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The team at Canterbury website design are very helpful and continue to provide prompt service.
Posted on Google Google
Ean Flood profile picture
Ean Flood
29 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We asked Chantal to create a website for us with very minimal instructions and her and the team got it spot on 1st time, ever since setting the website up we have asked for multiple changes to improve and adapt and it has always been completed within a couple of days. Very happy with the service and professionalism.
Posted on Google Google
Jake Mullery profile picture
Jake Mullery
28 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Canterbury Website Design have provided a fantastic service for my businesses. I cannot fault their communication or the support they provide. I will use CWD again for website building and SEO services without hesitation. 5 Stars.
Posted on Google Google
guy denby profile picture
guy denby
24 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent company, Chantal is very professional,efficient & reliable. Anything we need is done asap, helps us in any way she can. Would highly recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Victoria profile picture
Victoria
22 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I cannot recommend Canterbury Website Design highly enough! From the minute we made contact with Chantal she was so helpful, and was able to get our website up and running very quickly. She transformed all our ideas and requests into a great site even though we didn't have the first clue in how to go about creating an online presence!
Posted on Google Google
julie hardy profile picture
julie hardy
17 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great experience very helpful
Posted on Google Google
Sofiya Burnusuz profile picture
Sofiya Burnusuz
17 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
It was a pleasure working with Chantal. Excellent quality, fast and affordable services. I am happy to have found them and would definitely recommend Canterbury website design and SEO!
Posted on Google Google
Catherine Scarlett profile picture
Catherine Scarlett
16 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
CWD and Chantal have been extremely helpful in designing my first ever website. I`m very excited to see it and am looking forward to getting results very soon.
Posted on Google Google
Doug Hollis profile picture
Doug Hollis
10 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent service and support is promptly provided at all times.
Posted on Google Google
Olivia Moss profile picture
Olivia Moss
10 November 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Chantal has been very helpful from start to finish! Would recommend to anyone needing a website!
Posted on Google Google
Barbara Akers profile picture
Barbara Akers
19 October 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I would describe myself of someone who knows very little about websites and tech-speak, but the service I have received from Canterbury Website Design has been excellent all the way through setting up my website. No query was too much and I was talked through every step of the process. I am delighted with the result and would definitely recommend using this service.
Posted on Google Google
Steve Causton profile picture
Steve Causton
28 September 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
If you are looking for a Website designer Chantel is your lady. I have been a client of Chantel's for 3 years now and would not go anywhere else. She is very responsive, professional and delivers everything you require and more from start to finish. I have and will continue to recommend her services to friends family or anyone looking for what she does. Her services deserve 10 stars ๐ŸŒŸ
Posted on Google Google
Dean Clements (Dean C) profile picture
Dean Clements (Dean C)
17 August 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Looking for a responsive local company, we commissioned Canterbury Website Design to build two sites to replace dated brand sites within our business. Whilst one site was quite simple, the other quite demanding to put together. Chantal and her team demonstrated great patience and delivered just what we were looking for. Great attention to detail. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Max Lobo profile picture
Max Lobo
10 August 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent A++ Very responsive , good communication . It was nice doing business with you Mr. Chantal
Posted on Google Google
Cameron Luke Peters profile picture
Cameron Luke Peters
2 February 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The real deal. I never doubted for a moment that CWD would do everything in its power to present, enhance and propel my small proofreading business. Chantal makes you feel like a local captain of industry, and the results are immediate and beautiful. Perhaps the easiest way I've found to triple my money on investing in a service; all you have to do is wait and watch new clients come streaming in.