If you’re a fence contractor trying to get more people to your website, you’ve probably heard the words “organic traffic” and “paid traffic.” These two ways of getting visitors can both work, but they work in different ways. Knowing how each one works can help you make smarter choices about how to spend your time and money.
This blog breaks it all down, plain and simple. No fluff. Just clear info to help you grow your fence business online.
What Is Organic Traffic?
Organic traffic means people find your site without you paying for the click. They type something into Google, your website shows up, and they click. That’s it.
It comes from search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. If your site shows up when someone searches “fence company near me,” and they click, that’s organic traffic.
You don’t pay Google directly for this. But it doesn’t mean it’s free either. It takes time and effort to show up on search engines.
Where Organic Traffic Comes From:
- Google search results (not ads)
- Bing or other search engines
- People typing your website directly after seeing you somewhere else
- Links from other websites
What Is Paid Traffic?
Paid traffic is when you pay to get people to your site. You run ads, and when someone clicks, you get a visitor.
With paid traffic, you’re basically buying a spot at the top of the search page or showing up in social feeds like Facebook or Instagram.
Where Paid Traffic Comes From:
- Google Ads (Search, Display, YouTube)
- Facebook and Instagram Ads
- Local Service Ads
- Sponsored posts on other sites
Organic vs Paid Traffic: Key Differences
| Feature | Organic Traffic | Paid Traffic |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per click | $0 | You pay per click |
| Time to see results | Slow (months) | Fast (days or even hours) |
| Trust level | Usually higher | Sometimes seen as ads |
| Long-term value | Builds over time | Stops when you stop paying |
| Control over audience | Limited | Highly targeted |
Pros of Organic Traffic
1. No Cost per Click
You don’t pay each time someone clicks your link.
2. Long-Term Results
Once you rank well, you can keep getting traffic without running ads.
3. Builds Trust
People tend to trust websites that show up on their own.
Cons of Organic Traffic
1. Takes Time
You won’t see results overnight. It might take months.
2. Hard to Control
Google decides where your site ranks, and it can change.
3. Needs Work
You have to keep your site updated and useful.
Pros of Paid Traffic
1. Fast Results
You can get leads within hours of launching an ad.
2. Targeted Audience
You can show ads to people in your city or even zip code.
3. Flexible Budget
You can start small and increase later.
Cons of Paid Traffic
1. Can Get Expensive
If you don’t watch your budget, costs can pile up.
2. Stops When You Stop Paying
Once your ad budget runs out, the traffic stops too.
3. Lower Trust
Some people skip ads and scroll to the real search results.
Which One Should Fence Contractors Use?
There’s no one size fits all answer. It depends on your goals, your budget, and how fast you need leads.
If You Need Leads Now:
Paid traffic is the way to go. Run a Google Ad or Facebook Ad and start getting calls.
If You’re Building for the Long Run:
Start working on SEO and local rankings. It’ll take time, but it’ll pay off.
Best Option? Do Both.
You don’t have to pick one. Many of the fence companies we work with at FenceWebs run ads while building organic traffic. That way, they get leads now and also build their online presence over time.
What Goes Into Organic Traffic?
Getting organic traffic isn’t just about crossing your fingers and hoping. Here’s what you need:
1. Good Website
It needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to read.
2. SEO
That means using the right keywords, adding helpful content, and making sure Google can read your pages.
3. Local SEO
Make sure your Google Business Profile is set up and your name, address, and phone number match across the web.
4. Content
Post helpful blogs, answer common fence questions, show before/after photos.
What Goes Into Paid Traffic?
Running ads also takes some planning. It’s not just “set it and forget it.”
1. Pick the Right Platform
Google Ads work well when people are already searching for a fence company. Facebook Ads are good for getting in front of people who aren’t looking yet.
2. Set a Budget
Start small, test what works, then grow. You don’t need a huge budget to start.
3. Write a Clear Ad
Tell people what you do, where you are, and how to contact you.
4. Send Them to the Right Page
Don’t just send them to your homepage. Send them to a page that matches your ad (like “Fence Repair in Dallas”).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
With Organic Traffic:
- Ignoring local SEO
- Using the wrong keywords
- Having a slow or outdated website
With Paid Traffic:
- Not tracking results
- Running ads to a bad website
- Picking the wrong audience
How FenceWebs Can Help
We work only with fence contractors. That means we know what works and what doesn’t. Whether you want to rank higher on Google, fix your Google Business Profile, or run better ads, we’ve done it all.
For 5 years, we’ve been helping fence companies grow online without the guesswork.
We don’t try to sell you stuff you don’t need. We build sites that work, run ads that bring real leads, and make sure you’re showing up where people are searching.
Final Thoughts
Paid traffic is fast but costs money. Organic traffic is slow but lasts longer.
If you’re serious about growing your fence company, don’t rely on just one. Use both, and you’ll see better results.
Want help figuring out where to start? Reach out to FenceWebs. We’ll talk through your goals, look at what you’ve got, and help you come up with a simple plan that makes sense.
No fancy talk. No pressure. Just real help for real fence contractors.
