A Monday Thought: Maybe we're asking the wrong question.
- Sebastian Herrera
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
One of the questions I get asked the most is surprisingly simple.
"Should we focus on organic content or run ads?"
My answer is almost always the same.
It depends.
Not because I'm avoiding the question.
Because the question assumes both were designed to accomplish the same job.
They weren't.
Imagine opening a new restaurant...
Organic content is like becoming known in the neighborhood.
People discover you.
They come back.
They recommend you to friends.
Little by little, your reputation grows.
Advertising is different.
It's putting up a billboard during your opening week.
You're choosing to make sure people know you exist.
Neither approach is better.
They're simply solving different problems.
Over the years, I've seen businesses spend thousands of dollars on advertising...
Only to send people to social media accounts that hadn't been updated in months.
I've also seen businesses create great content consistently for years...
Without ever putting a dollar behind it.
Both approaches can work.
Both approaches can fail.
Not because of the content itself.
Because of the expectation behind it.
That's why the way we create each one is usually different.
Organic content rewards authenticity.
Advertising rewards clarity.
One invites people to get to know your business.
The other asks them to make a decision.
Those are two very different conversations.
And because they're different conversations...
They deserve different planning.
Different messaging.
Different production.
Sometimes different budgets.
There are businesses where focusing on organic content first makes perfect sense.
Especially when resources are limited and the goal is to build a strong foundation over time.
There are others where waiting simply isn't an option.
Maybe a new location just opened.
Maybe a seasonal promotion needs immediate attention.
Maybe sales need a boost now, not six months from now.
In those moments, advertising can become one of the smartest investments a business makes.
Not because it's better than organic content.
Because it's solving a different problem.
And maybe that's the real thought I wanted to leave you with this week.
The better question is...
What problem are we trying to solve right now?
Because good marketing isn't about choosing one over the other.
It's about knowing when each one creates the most value.
Have a great week.
Sebastian Herrera Founder & Marketing Strategist DMC | Built for Growth
P.S. If this made you look at your business a little differently, then it did exactly what it was meant to do. Every Monday, I'll share one practical observation I've learned from working alongside businesses across different industries.
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