January 3, 2026

Most Users Skip Google Ads in Favour of Organic Results

Research consistently shows that a large majority of users scroll past paid ads on Google, with estimates suggesting 70–80% of people ignore sponsored listings and focus on organic search results instead.


Key Insights on Search Behaviour and Ad Performance:


  • Ad Blindness: Many users exhibit “ad blindness,” instinctively bypassing paid placements to reach the natural, unpaid results.


  • Preference for Organic Results: Around 70–80% of searchers choose organic links over ads when deciding what to click.


  • Click-Through Rates (CTR): Organic listings outperform ads significantly. The top organic result can capture about 27.6% of clicks, while leading search ads typically achieve only 4–6% CTR, depending on the industry.


  • Importance of Page One: Roughly 75% of users never go beyond the first page, making top placement critical for both paid and organic strategies.


  • Paid Ad Performance: The first three ads account for nearly 46% of paid clicks, yet overall organic traffic opportunities are estimated to be 20 times greater than paid search.


  • User Motivation: Many users aren’t necessarily opposed to ads—they simply trust organic results more, viewing them as relevant and credible.


Bottom line: While Google Ads can deliver quick visibility, user behaviour strongly favours scrolling past ads to engage with organic search results.


Talk to us today about our Lead Generation service which is built to supercharge your Google listing, helping your business to be found then chosen more often.


By Gavin Nash April 16, 2026
When businesses consider partnering with a marketing agency, the choice often comes down to a local firm or a large national agency. While national agencies may boast big names and flashy portfolios, local marketing companies consistently deliver stronger, more meaningful results—especially for businesses operating within regional or community-focused markets. Understanding your local audience One of the biggest advantages of working with a local marketing company is their deep understanding of the area you operate in. Local agencies know the community, the culture and the nuances that influence buying behaviour. They understand what resonates with local audiences because they live, work and do business alongside them. This insight translates into messaging that feels authentic rather than generic, helping brands connect more naturally with their customers. Who answers your calls or email requests? Accessibility is another major benefit. With a local agency, you’re not just a line item on a spreadsheet or one of hundreds of accounts. You can meet face-to-face, have direct conversations and build real working relationships with the people handling your brand. Decisions are made faster, communication is clearer and collaboration feels far more personal. When something needs adjusting, you can pick up the phone and speak directly to the decision-makers, not a junior account manager a time zone away. Flexible and responsive Local agencies also offer greater flexibility and responsiveness. National agencies often rely on rigid processes designed to scale across large client lists. While these systems may work for corporate brands, they can be frustratingly slow and inflexible for small to medium businesses. Local marketers adapt quickly, tailor strategies to your goals and shift direction when the market or your priorities change. That agility can be the difference between capitalising on an opportunity and missing it entirely. Value for money Value for money is another key consideration. Large agencies carry significant overheads—big offices, large teams and complex structures—which are inevitably passed on to clients. Local marketing companies typically offer more competitive pricing while delivering senior-level expertise. Your budget goes directly into strategy, creative and execution, rather than into layers of management and administration. Local reputation There’s also a stronger sense of accountability when you work locally. A local agency’s reputation is closely tied to the success of its clients. They rely on word-of-mouth, repeat business and long-term relationships within the community. This creates a genuine incentive to deliver results and provide honest advice rather than upselling services you don’t need. Supports local Choosing a local marketing company is an investment in your local economy. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen the community you serve, creating a positive cycle of growth, collaboration and shared success. While national agencies may suit global brands with complex, large-scale needs, for many businesses the smarter choice is closer to home. Local marketing companies offer insight, accessibility, flexibility and value—delivering strategies that are not just seen, but felt, by the audiences that matter most.
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