Seeking sustainable organic growth? You’re not alone! In a recent discovery session with one of our clients, we uncovered a concerning reality: this established business owner was spending over $14,000 annually on digital ads yet seeing minimal returns. For over 15 years, this entrepreneur had built a successful national presence, yet she was feeling frustrated with the lack of control and diminishing ROI from paid advertising. During our conversation over coffee, she confided that it was time to rethink where her resources were going.
The Challenge: High Ad Spend, Low Return
This client’s challenge is far from unique. Many business owners pour money into ad campaigns with little to show for it. Ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram may seem like a quick way to drive traffic, but they can often become a costly treadmill with diminishing returns.
At 316 Strategy Group, we believe in a different approach—one rooted in sustainability, control, and organic growth. Together, we explored how focusing on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and owned digital assets can bring more stable, long-term rewards.
Below are some key insights from our strategy discussion.
Key Insights from Our Strategy Discussion
- Social Media Platforms Are Not Assets You Own
- While platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can be powerful for reaching audiences, the reality is you don’t own them. If these platforms change algorithms or shut down, your content and followers can vanish overnight. Imagine years of hard work disappearing with a single update!
- You Own Your Website and Email List
- Your website and email list are the only digital assets you truly control. By investing in these, you’re building a strong foundation that isn’t at the mercy of external changes. SEO and content strategy can drive traffic to your website, while email marketing lets you communicate directly with your audience on your terms.
- Social Algorithms Limit Your Reach
- Did you know that your content typically reaches only 3% of your followers on social media? And worse, you have no control over who that 3% is. In contrast, email newsletters allow you to directly reach your subscribers without an algorithm filtering who sees your content. You get to decide when, how, and who receives your message, leading to more engaged interactions.
Stop feeding the beast and build systems that lead to sustainable organic growth.
Stop Feeding The Beast
Our client was tired of “feeding the beast” with endless ad spend just to maintain visibility. Together, we realigned her strategy to focus on sustainable organic growth, SEO optimization, and leveraging her owned channels like her website and email list. This shift not only reduced her dependence on paid ads but also empowered her to take back control of her brand’s digital presence.
Today, she’s already seeing the benefits of this pivot—increased website traffic, better customer engagement, and more consistent sales leads—without the hefty monthly ad bills.
Now, for those who might be wondering if we’re dismissing the value of a strong lead generation system that includes paid ads alongside SEO, let us be clear: we’re not. We wholeheartedly believe in the power of a well-rounded strategy that integrates both. However, our goal with this case study (and many others) is to highlight the importance of eliminating wasteful ad spend that isn’t producing results, while simultaneously building a solid foundation through SEO and organic efforts. By reducing inefficient ad costs, businesses can better allocate resources towards channels that offer sustainable, long-term growth.
It’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about making smart investments that drive the best possible outcomes.
Is It Time to Rethink Your Digital Strategy?
If you’re finding yourself in a similar position—spending a significant amount on ads with little return—it’s time to reassess your digital marketing strategy. Consider investing in assets that you truly own. By focusing on organic growth and SEO, you can build a more resilient online presence that pays dividends over the long term.
Let’s have a conversation about how 316 Strategy Group can help you reclaim control of your marketing strategy. If you’re ready to shift from costly ads to sustainable growth, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Are You Ready to Invest in Long-Term Growth?
Connect with us today to explore how SEO and a tailored digital strategy can transform your business through sustainable organic growth. 316 Strategy Group is the best SEO company in Omaha. Contact us today to learn more about what search engine optimization can do for your business.
