Let’s talk about something I hear all the time from funeral home owners dipping their toes into the digital marketing world.
“How does this stuff actually work? Will running ads help my site rank better in organic search?”
It’s a fair question, especially if you’re transitioning from the old-school Yellow Pages and local newspaper ads into the wild world of Google Ads, remarketing, and mobile campaigns. I get it—there’s a learning curve, and that’s why I’m here.
So, let’s cut through the noise and answer the big one:
Does running a PPC (pay-per-click) campaign improve your organic rankings on Google?
Short answer: No.
Google isn’t about to give your funeral home website a boost in organic rankings just because you’re throwing money at their ads. They keep a hard line between paid ads and organic results. If your site climbs in unpaid rankings, it’s because of its own merit—strong content, stellar reviews, and a solid SEO foundation.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Running a PPC campaign can indirectly help your organic rankings.
Let me explain.
How PPC Advertising Boosts Your Organic Search (Indirectly)
While Google won’t just hand you a better organic ranking for running ads, the ripple effects of a well-done PPC campaign can absolutely nudge you up the list. Here’s how:
- PPC Builds Authority in the Searcher’s Mind
When someone sees your funeral home’s ad at the top of their search, it sticks. Even if they skip the ad and scroll down, they’re more likely to click on your organic listing. Why? Because appearing in both spots gives you credibility. - More Clicks, Shares, and Citations
PPC ads can drive traffic to your site that leads to people sharing your content, leaving reviews, or linking to you. All of these signals scream “authority” to Google, which in turn helps your organic rankings. - Higher Engagement and Conversion Rates
When someone encounters your site through a PPC ad, they’re primed to trust you. If they come back later and engage with your organic listing, that increased activity signals to Google that your site is relevant and valuable.
PPC: The Marketing Multitool
Aside from the indirect SEO boost, PPC campaigns are a powerhouse on their own. Here’s why they’re one of the best tools for funeral homes:
- Immediate Visibility: Your ad shows up right at the top of search results—front and center for families who need you now.
- Flexibility: Change your ad copy on the fly and see those updates go live almost immediately.
- Cost-Effective: You only pay when someone clicks, making every dollar work hard.
And let’s not forget: PPC ads aren’t just a way to drive clicks—they build your brand, attract more customers, and even increase the volume of positive online reviews. All of that fuels your SEO fire.
The Bottom Line
PPC won’t directly improve your organic rankings, but it’s like throwing a rock into a pond—the ripples it creates can push your SEO efforts forward in big ways. It’s an investment that works on multiple levels: driving immediate leads, enhancing your reputation, and giving your organic rankings a boost over time.
So, if you’re serious about growing your funeral home’s online presence, PPC advertising isn’t just an option—it’s a no-brainer. It gets you noticed now, builds trust for later, and fuels the kind of momentum that keeps your business thriving. Get in the game, and let the results speak for themselves.
