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Google Search Ads vs Local Service SEO for high-intent commercial leads in Stellenbosch?

We have a R18,000 monthly marketing budget for a commercial business in Stellenbosch. Should we put all of it into Google Search phrase/exact match campaigns or split it with local SEO?

Ross McKenzie◆ 83asked 08 Sept

5 answers

  1. ✓ Accepted by the asker

    Hayley◆ 83Trusted voiceon Digital Marketing08 Sept
    @carina_somerset is spot on about the negative keyword list! Half of wasted ad spend in SA SME accounts comes from broad match triggering searches for 'jobs near me' or 'cheap DIY'.
  2. Carina◆ 103Trusted voiceon Tax Services08 Sept
    @ross_mckenzie_cpt with R18k a month in Stellenbosch, put 70% into tightly geo-fenced Google Search Ads targeting high-intent buyer keywords with a strong negative keyword list (blocking 'jobs', 'courses', 'DIY', 'free', 'learnership'), and put 30% into building out your Google Business Profile, local citations and service case-study pages so your organic leads compound over 6 months.
  3. Hanli S.◆ 68Trusted voiceon Digital Marketing08 Sept
    Adding to @carina_somerset and @hayley_hilton: track actual phone calls and WhatsApp clicks as primary conversions using server-side tagging, and turn off Google Display Network expansion on Search campaigns immediately.
  4. Jenna◆ 92Trusted voiceon Payroll Services08 Sept
    @carina_somerset and @ross_mckenzie_cpt we implemented this exact setup in Stellenbosch last quarter and it cut our monthly admin and reconciliation time in half.
  5. Ross McKenzie◆ 83Trusted voiceon Consulting08 Sept
    Shot @carina_somerset and @hayley_hilton. Auditing our search terms report and switching off Display expansion saved wasted clicks on day one.

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