Not long ago, I thought running Google Ads was going to be easy. I watched a few videos, typed in a few keywords, set my budget, and hit “publish.” A week later, I had a handful of clicks—and zero business.

I figured maybe it just needed time. I let the campaign run for another month, spent more than I planned to, and still wasn’t seeing much return.

That’s when I started wondering whether I should get help. I began searching for a Google Ads agency in Toronto, hoping someone local could make sense of it all. Here’s what I learned, and why I now believe pairing Google Ads with help from an SEO company in Markham is a strategy that actually works.

Google Ads Isn’t Just About Turning It On and Watching Results

Let me be honest—Google makes it sound way easier than it is. You log in, they guide you through setup, and it feels like you’re launching something big.

But the truth? Ads need fine-tuning. They need structure. You have to know what match types to use, how to write compelling copy, and most of all, how to track what’s working and what’s not.

I didn’t know any of that. And I was wasting money because of it.

A Google Ads agency in Toronto, especially one that works with businesses like mine, knew how to fix that. They spotted things in my account I wouldn’t have noticed in a million years.

Why I Wanted Someone Local

There’s a difference between generic advice and someone who knows your market. I live and work in Toronto. My customers are here. My competitors are here.

Working with a local agency meant they understood the neighbourhoods I serve. They knew how people here search online, what kind of messaging feels familiar, and which locations convert better.

They didn’t just “run ads.” They helped me understand why certain ones work. They adjusted targeting, tightened my ad schedule, and helped me build landing pages that actually converted.

That kind of insight doesn’t come from a tutorial—it comes from people who’ve done it before, in your city.

Why I Didn’t Ignore SEO

While I was sorting out my ad issues, a friend asked, “Are you doing anything about your SEO?”

At the time, I wasn’t. I was too focused on Google Ads. But as I thought about it more, I realized: ads only work as long as I pay for them. SEO, on the other hand, sticks around.

That led me to talk to an SEO company in Markham. They helped me understand how search engines look at my site—what slows it down, how Google reads my pages, and which keywords I should focus on long-term.

They didn’t promise quick wins. But they did promise progress. And after a few months, my site traffic started climbing—without me spending on ads every day.

Here’s What Changed When I Got Help

After working with both teams—a Google Ads agency in Toronto and an SEO company in Markham—here’s what shifted for my business:

1. My ads finally started producing actual leads, not just clicks

2. I understood where my money was going and how it was being used

3. My landing pages got better, clearer, and more action-driven

4. My site started showing up organically for local searches

5. I stopped guessing and started making informed decisions

This wasn’t about throwing money at marketing. It was about spending wisely—and getting guidance from people who know what they’re doing.

What I’d Say to Another Business Owner

If you’re thinking about running ads or trying to do everything yourself, let me offer this:

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. In fact, it might save you more than it costs.

I wish I hadn’t waited so long. The sooner you fix what’s broken, the faster you start seeing results.

A Google Ads agency in Toronto can give you clarity and control. An SEO company in Markham can help you build something that lasts. Together, they cover both ends—now and later.

So if you’ve been on the fence, I’d say this: have a conversation. See what they see in your account or on your site. It doesn’t mean you have to sign anything. But you might learn something that shifts your direction.