In the ever-evolving digital world, your nonprofit must use effective visibility strategies. SEO, paid ads, and SEM are complementary approaches that can boost your online presence, but what distinguishes them?
SEO + Paid Ads = SEM

Understanding SEO for your nonprofit
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a strategy focused on improving your website’s organic ranking in search engine results. It’s like establishing yourself on a new planet: it requires investment and continuous adaptation, but it builds a sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystem.
How to improve your nonprofit’s organic search ranking?
- Create valuable content related to your mission
- Use relevant keywords
- Optimize meta descriptions
- Develop high-quality backlinks
- Ensure good page load speed
- Add thoughtful anchor text
- Enhance your Google My Business profile
SEO is a low-cost, long-term investment that increases visibility and credibility.
Understanding paid ads for your nonprofit
Paid ads are a form of advertising that allows you to appear at the top of organic search results. Every click on an ad at the top of the search results comes with a monetary cost.
How to develop paid ads for your nonprofit?
Is your nonprofit on a tight budget? Google Ad Grants is made for you! This program offers up to $10,000 US in monthly advertising credits for non-profit organizations.
- Create targeted ad campaigns with no investment
- Promote your programs, events, and donation calls
- Reach potential new donors
- Increase the visibility of your mission

Embrace a hybrid approach
The best strategy for your nonprofit is to combine SEO with paid ads :
- Use paid ads for specific immediate campaigns
- Build strong SEO alongside for long-term results
- Reinforce your SEO strategies with learnings from paid ads
Think of your digital strategies like a space flight. SEO is your cruising trajectory, while paid ads are your acceleration booster.
SEO and paid ads are not competitors but strategic allies. For your nonprofit, they represent two complementary paths to greater visibility and enhanced social impact.