If you’re opening a new med spa, you’re likely wondering where to invest first—SEO or Google Ads. The answer depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. Google Ads delivers fast, predictable results, while SEO builds a strong foundation for long-term growth. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and costs of each so you can make an informed decision for your med spa.
What is SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your med spa rank organically in Google search results, meaning you don’t pay for each click. It’s a long-term strategy designed to build trust and visibility in your local market.
Typical Timeline: 3 to 9+ months to gain traction.
Key Areas of SEO for Med Spas:
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Optimizing service pages with targeted keywords (e.g., “Botox in [City]”).
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Building your Google Business Profile and local citations.
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Earning backlinks from reputable sources.
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Managing your reputation through review campaigns.
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Fixing technical SEO issues like broken links and slow site speed.
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Publishing high-quality content that attracts potential clients.
Benefits of SEO:
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Lower cost per lead over time.
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Builds trust and authority in your market.
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Creates sustainable, compounding growth.
Drawbacks of SEO:
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Takes time to see results.
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Requires ongoing effort and expertise.
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Competitive in dense urban markets.
SEO Pricing: Most med spa SEO packages range from $1,800 to $4,500 per month. This typically includes content creation, Google Business Profile optimization, backlink building, technical fixes, and review management.
How Soon Can You Expect SEO Leads?
You may see early signs of progress in 3 to 4 months, but real lead flow typically builds between 6 to 9 months. Factors like your website’s starting point, local competition, and the consistency of your SEO strategy all influence the speed of results. While slower to ramp up, SEO leads tend to be high-intent, lower cost, and more sustainable compared to ads.
What is Google Ads?
Google Ads (PPC) allows your med spa to appear at the top of Google search results almost instantly by bidding on specific keywords. You pay for every click, but it’s one of the fastest ways to generate bookings.
Typical Timeline: Immediate visibility once your campaigns are live.
Key Areas of Google Ads for Med Spas:
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Targeting high-intent keywords (e.g., “med spa near me” or “Botox specials”).
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Using negative keywords to eliminate irrelevant clicks.
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Creating conversion-focused landing pages that turn visitors into leads.
Benefits of Google Ads:
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Quick visibility and immediate lead generation.
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Full control over your budget and targeting.
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Ideal for promotions, new service launches, or filling your schedule fast.
Drawbacks of Google Ads:
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Cost per click can be high in competitive markets.
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Leads stop as soon as you pause your ads.
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Requires constant monitoring and optimization to avoid wasted spend.
Google Ads Pricing: Management fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 per month (not including ad spend). Most med spas spend $1,000 to $2,500 per month on ad spend, depending on location and goals.
What’s the Typical Cost Per Lead?
For med spas, Google Ads leads usually cost $25 to $75. Your cost is influenced by factors like keyword competition, landing page quality, and the effectiveness of your negative keyword strategy. We often see the best results when combining precise targeting with custom landing pages and ongoing campaign optimization.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
Whether you choose SEO or Google Ads, execution is key. Underfunding SEO or trying to DIY your PPC campaigns can lead to wasted money and zero results. Poorly executed SEO can leave your site buried in search results, while a mismanaged ad campaign can burn through your budget on irrelevant clicks. The real risk isn’t choosing the wrong channel—it’s doing either one halfway.
SEO vs Google Ads: Comparison Table
| Factor | SEO | Google Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Time to See Results | 3–9 months | Immediate |
| Cost Per Lead | Decreases over time | Can remain high |
| Trust Building | Strong (organic presence) | Moderate |
| Long-Term Impact | Sustainable | Stops when budget ends |
| Budget Flexibility | Medium (monthly retainer) | High (set daily spend) |
| Skill Requirement | Technical + content strategy | Ad platform expertise |
| Management Fees | $1,800–$4,500 monthly | $1,000–$2,500 monthly |
| Ad Spend | None | $1,500–$5,000 monthly |
Should I Start with SEO or Google Ads for My Med Spa?
Start with Google Ads If:
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You’re opening a new med spa and need bookings quickly.
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You’re launching a new service and want immediate demand.
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You’re running a limited-time offer and need fast visibility.
Start with SEO If:
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You have an established spa and want sustainable, long-term growth.
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You already have good reviews and strong word-of-mouth.
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You’re planning a 6+ month growth strategy.
Do Both If:
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Your budget allows you to invest in both short-term and long-term channels.
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You want to generate leads now while building organic traffic for the future.
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You want to test and scale based on what delivers the best ROI.
Ready to Choose Your Path?
Whether you need fast leads, long-term visibility, or both, we can create a strategy tailored to your med spa.
Learn more about our SEO services for med spas.
Explore our high-ROI Google Ads campaigns.
Call us at +1 (231) 388-7727 or schedule your strategy session today.
