SEO vs Paid Marketing: ROI for E-commerce Businesses

In the era of digital commerce, businesses face the challenge of choosing between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Paid Marketing to maximize Return on Investment (ROI). This study examines the comparative ROI of SEO and Paid Marketing for e-commerce businesses in India. Using a mixed-methods approach combining surveys of digital marketing professionals and secondary data, the research evaluates short-term vs long-term profitability, Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and conversion efficiency. The findings reveal that while Paid Marketing provides rapid traffic, SEO delivers superior long-term ROI. The paper recommends a hybrid approach for optimal digital marketing outcomes.