Why You Should Skip SEO & Focus on Paid Ads

Happy Sunday 👋 

I’m currently sun bathing, trying to get in some Vitamin-D, while writing this newsletter for you. As an entrepreneur, things get crazy all the time, so I’m prioritizing my health a little more. Next up will be cold plunges (hopefully next week I’ll be writing this while I’m in a cold tub)

Let’s cut to the chase, SEO is incredible but it’t not the best first move for startups.

I see so many founders investing time and money into content, backlinks, and SEO strategies, only to realize it takes months to pay. If you’re trying to get traction, waiting 6-12 months for SEO to bring in leads and customers isn’t a viable strategy.

Not just that, but while you're scaling your company, you don’t really know what your customers really want. You’ll likely pivot to new things, meaning your SEO strategy will completely change.

What’s the alternative? Organic growth paired with Paid Ads.

If you want instant visibility, fast user acquisition and a scalable growth engine, Paid Ads will let you test out the market need immediately.

1. Paid Ads vs. SEO: What’s the Difference?

Both Paid Ads and SEO are marketing strategies that bring in customers - but they operate very differently.

The Key Takeaway? Paid Ads give you immediate control, speed, and scalability - all things that startups need to survive.

2. Why SEO Isn’t the Best First Move for Startups

SEO is valuable, but here’s why it shouldn’t be your first growth strategy:

❌ It takes 6-12 months to see meaningful results
❌ Requires ongoing content creation & backlinking
❌ Algorithm changes can destroy your rankings overnight
❌ High competition - especially for early-stage startups

For startups, time is money. The first 6-12 months are critical, and waiting around for SEO to work isn’t an option.

3. Why Paid Ads Are the Best Growth Strategy for Startups

If you’re looking to grow fast, Paid Ads should be your go-to strategy. Here’s why:

✅ Instant Visibility - Show up in front of your target audience immediately
✅ Hyper-Targeted Reach - Advertise to exactly the people who need your product
✅ Scalable & Adjustable - Increase or decrease spend based on performance
✅ A/B Testing Capabilities - Test different messaging, landing pages, and offers in real-time
✅ Drives Conversions, Not Just Traffic - Unlike SEO, Paid Ads put your offer in front of people ready to take action

Think of Paid Ads like fuel for your startup - it gets you moving fast while you build everything else around it.

4. Case Study: How Paid Ads Drove 1,700+ Leads for Robotor

Let’s look at real numbers from a company that leveraged Paid Ads for growth.

Robotor, one of my clients, needed a way to quickly generate high-quality leads without waiting months for SEO.

We launched a Paid Ads campaign targeted at decision-makers in Robotor’s industry.

The result? Over 1,700+ leads in just a few weeks.

🔗 Read the full case study here

5. How Startups Can Use Paid Ads Effectively

If you’re ready to get started with Paid Ads, here’s a simple framework:

1️⃣ Choose the right platform: Google Ads, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter - wherever your audience is.
2️⃣ Target the right audience: Use interest-based & retargeting campaigns.
3️⃣ A/B test creatives: Try different messaging, visuals, and landing pages.
4️⃣ Track & optimize: Use analytics to double down on what works.

Want help setting up high-performing Paid Ads for your startup? Let’s chat.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Growth - Accelerate It 🚀

SEO is a long-term play, but if you’re a startup that needs fast, scalable, and predictable growth, Paid Ads should be your first move.

Start smart. Start fast. Start with Paid Ads.

📩 Have you used Paid Ads for your startup? Reply and let me know your experience!

If you’re looking to scale or get started with Paid Advertising, you can chat with my or my team here high-converting Paid Ad strategies.

I’ve helped over 40+ founders now, check out the work we’ve done here.

I hope this helps you make the right decision. At the end of the day, get that early traction originally, then start scaling fast!

Thanks,

Harsh Kang

Founder @ Roveir

Connect with me on LinkedIn