If you’re in the business of selling property, one question comes up a lot:
Should I invest in SEO or Google Ads?
The simple answer is: Both can help—but they work differently.
In this guide, we’ll explain how each one works, how they compare, and which one is better based on your business goals.
Whether you’re a real estate developer, agency owner, or marketer helping a builder grow online—this guide is written in simple, clear language to help you decide what’s right for you.
What Is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.
It’s the process of improving your website so that it shows up on Google search results without paying for ads.
Example:
Someone types “2-bedroom flat for sale in Dhaka” on Google.
If your website shows up on the first page, that’s SEO working for you.
What Is Google Ads?
Google Ads is a paid advertising tool by Google.
You pay to show your website at the top of Google for selected keywords.
You only pay when someone clicks your ad. This is called Pay-Per-Click (PPC).
Example:
You run an ad for “apartment in Bashundhara.”
Your ad appears above the SEO results.
Someone clicks it, visits your site, and maybe becomes a lead.
Why SEO and Google Ads Matter in Real Estate
In real estate, purchasers frequently begin with a Google search.
It could be to find a developer, research price ranges, or book a property visit.
Stat: 68% of all online experiences begin with a search engine.
Whether you use SEO or Google Ads, the goal is the same:
Get your properties in front of people who are ready to buy.
How SEO Helps Sell Properties
Here’s why SEO works so well for real estate:
1. Long-Term Results
Once your pages rank, they keep getting traffic without additional cost.
2. Trust Factor
People trust organic search results more than ads.
3. Local Targeting
You can rank for city-based searches like:
- “Ready flat for sale in Mirpur”
- “Real estate developer in Gulshan”
4. More Website Traffic
Good SEO increases traffic to:
- Listing pages
- Blogs
- Contact forms
5. High-Quality Leads
People that search on Google are frequently ready to act.
Stat: SEO drives 1000%+ more traffic than organic social media.
How Google Ads Helps Sell Properties
Google Ads is ideal if you want fast results.
1. Instant Visibility
Your ad appears immediately on top of Google results.
2. Location Targeting
You can show ads only to people in your preferred areas.
3. Budget Control
You set your daily budget. Pause or change anytime.
4. High Conversion Rates
You can target people searching for:
- “Flats under 50 lakh in Dhaka”
- “Buy apartment in Banani”
5. Great for Testing
Run different ads to see what works best—then scale the winners.
Stat: Businesses make an average of $2 for every $1 spent on Google Ads.
Comparing SEO vs Google Ads for Property Sales
Feature | SEO | Google Ads |
Cost Over Time | Low (after setup) | Ongoing cost per click |
Speed of Results | Slow (2–4 months) | Fast (1–2 days) |
Trust from Users | High | Moderate (some skip ads) |
Best for Long-Term | Yes | No (stops when budget ends) |
Keyword Targeting | Yes | Yes (very precise) |
Lead Quality | High | High (if targeting is right) |
Control & Flexibility | Less (Google decides rank) | More (you control when/what/how) |
Real-World Example: Using Both Together
Let’s say you’re launching a new apartment project in Bashundhara.
Month 1:
- Run Google Ads to get quick visibility and book early appointments.
- Start SEO by optimizing the project page and writing a blog like:
“Why Bashundhara is Perfect for Family Living in 2025”
Month 2–3:
- Keep ads running for priority keywords.
- Add local landing pages:
- /flats-for-sale-in-bashundhara
- /3-bedroom-apartments-in-dhaka
Month 4+:
- Your SEO pages start ranking.
- Reduce ad budget and get more free traffic from Google.
Result:
You build brand visibility, fill your pipeline, and reduce costs over time.
When to Use SEO
SEO is the best option when:
- You want long-term growth
- You are building a brand
- You want free traffic
- You have a good content team or agency
- You want to rank in multiple locations
SEO works well if you’re planning to:
- Launch multiple projects
- Build authority online
- Generate steady leads without spending every month
When to Use Google Ads
Google Ads is ideal when:
- You want leads now
- You’re launching a new project and want fast traction
- You have a limited-time offer
- You want to test which keywords work best
- You have a specific target location or buyer profile
Ads are also perfect when you’re just starting SEO and want traffic in the meantime.
How Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Fit In
While SEO and Google Ads are for search traffic, social media is for brand awareness and engagement.
Platform | Use It For |
Sharing listings, getting inquiries, running retarget ads | |
Showcasing interiors, building design inspiration pages | |
Targeting investors, brokers, and professionals | |
TikTok | Creating fun property walkthroughs, going viral locally |
Social platforms can drive traffic to your website, which also boosts SEO indirectly.
Don’t Forget: Your Website Must Convert
Whether traffic comes from SEO, Google Ads, or Facebook—your website must turn visitors into leads.
Make Sure It Has:
- Fast loading speed (under 2 seconds)
- Mobile-friendly design
- Clear “Book a Visit” or “Contact” button
- WhatsApp or phone number click-to-call
- Photos, prices, and location details
- Social proof like testimonials and reviews
Stat: A 1-second delay in website load time can reduce conversions by 7%.
Tools to Help You Get Started
Tool | What It Does |
Google Keyword Planner | Find ad and SEO keywords |
Google Analytics | Track visitor behavior |
Google Search Console | Track SEO performance and fix errors |
Google Ads | Create and manage ads |
Ubersuggest | SEO keyword and content ideas |
Yoast SEO (WordPress) | Helps with on-page SEO for each page |
30-Day Action Plan: SEO + Google Ads for Real Estate
Week | Task |
1 | Set up Google Ads for 2–3 main keywords |
2 | Optimize website pages for SEO |
3 | Write and post 1 local SEO blog |
4 | Launch retargeting ads on Facebook & Google |
Ongoing | Track results, adjust keywords, test new ads |
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Best?
If you need leads today: Start with Google Ads.
If you want long-term visibility and free leads: Invest in SEO.
If you want both: Use them together—Ads for now, SEO for growth.
Selling property is a high-ticket business.
A single qualified lead could bring you thousands in revenue.
So don’t leave your visibility to chance.
Choose the right strategy, stay consistent, and track your progress.
Want Help Setting It All Up?
At Giga Digital Marketing, we help real estate businesses grow with a custom mix of SEO, Google Ads, and website optimization.
Let us help you choose the right strategy and turn website traffic into booked visits and sales.
Schedule a Free Strategy Call today and let’s build your lead machine.