What Is Pay-Per-Click (PPC)?
Quick Answer
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) is an advertising model where you pay each time someone clicks your ad, rather than a flat fee for it being shown — used on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads to drive traffic instantly, as opposed to the slower, unpaid route of SEO.
What Does PPC Stand For?
PPC stands for Pay-Per-Click.
PPC vs. SEO — What's the Difference?
| PPC | SEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Pay per click | Free (unpaid results) |
| Speed | Immediate | 3-6 months |
| Duration | Stops when you stop paying | Lasts as long as the page stays relevant |
Why Does PPC Matter for a Small Business?
- It's the fastest way to get in front of customers actively searching right now, without waiting months for SEO to build.
- Budget is fully controllable — you set a daily or monthly cap and stop any time.
How Does PPC Work?
- You bid on keywords or audiences relevant to your business.
- Your ad shows when someone searches or matches that audience.
- You pay only when someone actually clicks through to your site.
Key Takeaways
- PPC charges per click, not per impression shown.
- It delivers immediate traffic, unlike SEO's 3-6 month build time.
- Most small businesses benefit from running both together, not choosing one exclusively.
How NetNav Helps
NetNav helps identify whether your landing pages are actually ready to convert the traffic PPC sends them, before you spend on clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PPC worth it for a small business?
Often yes for immediate, measurable results — especially useful alongside SEO rather than instead of it, since SEO takes months to build.
How much does PPC cost?
It varies enormously by industry and competition — cost per click can range from pennies to £10+ for competitive terms.
What's the difference between PPC and SEO?
PPC is instant but stops the moment you stop paying; SEO is free but slow to build and keeps working after you stop actively working on it.