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Website explainer · 1:47

Organic vs Paid Search: Two Ways a Business Can Appear in Search

Is every result on a search page a paid advertisement? Organic listings and labelled ads are different types of search result.

Jersey Web video: An organic result or a paid ad?

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

  1. Step 1: Organic listings are unpaid

    Their placement is determined by search systems rather than an ad payment.

    On-screen labels: Unpaid listing; Search relevance; Search systems.

  2. Step 2: Advertisements are paid placements

    Ads can appear with a label identifying them as advertising.

    On-screen labels: Advertising system; Ad placement; Visible ad label.

  3. Step 3: Ads do not buy organic rank

    Paying for ads does not purchase a higher organic position.

    On-screen labels: Separate systems; No bought organic rank; Different placements.

  4. Step 4: Both need a useful destination

    The visitor still needs a relevant page after clicking.

    On-screen labels: Relevant landing page; Clear information; Working next step.

  5. Step 5: Keep the reporting distinct

    Use appropriate reports to understand each traffic source.

    On-screen labels: Organic performance; Paid campaign results; Clear report scope.

  6. Step 6: Review customer outcomes

    Compare useful enquiries or other defined actions with the effort involved.

    On-screen labels: Relevant visitors; Useful customer actions; Ongoing review.

A practical check for your business

Keep organic search reporting separate from paid campaign results when reviewing acquisition. Compare the source, reporting setup and intended outcome before interpreting a change in traffic.

Sources and further detail

Common questions

Is every result on a search page a paid advertisement?

Organic listings and labelled ads are different types of search result. Measure each channel against the same useful customer goal.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 7 min read →

Measure each channel against the same useful customer goal.

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