The Power of Combining Organic and Paid Social Media Growth Strategies

While some may pit organic and paid strategies against each other SMRT stresses that leveraging both avenues can significantly benefit a business.

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Curtis Howe
CEO of SMRT Marketing
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July 21, 2025
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5 min read

The Power of Combining Organic and Paid Social Media Growth Strategies

In the fast-paced world of social media marketing, businesses often grapple with the question of whether organic growth is still worth the effort. Should they focus solely on running ads, or is there still value in nurturing organic engagement? Let’s talk about this crucial dilemma, emphasizing the importance of integrating both organic and paid strategies for optimal results.

Over the eleven years in the social media space, SMRT  has observed a common debate among clients and businesses: organic versus paid social media. Organic social media entails regular posting, content creation, and fostering engagement without paid promotion, while paid involves running advertisements on various social media platforms.

The truth lies in doing both. While some may pit organic and paid strategies against each other SMRT stresses that leveraging both avenues can significantly benefit a business. Here's why:

Organic Reach as a Signal for Ad Success: Social networks often consider a business's organic presence as an indicator of legitimacy and user engagement. Just as search engines analyze organic search results to gauge relevance, social platforms use organic reach as a signal for ad effectiveness. Without a robust organic presence, ad performance may suffer, leading to higher costs and lower efficiency.

Synergy Between Organic and Paid: Investing in organic content—such as videos, graphics, and engaging posts—not only establishes a strong foundation but also complements paid advertising efforts. As organic engagement grows, social platforms recognize the business as more desirable, thereby boosting the performance of paid ads. This synergy leads to lower costs per impression and click, maximizing the impact of advertising dollars.

The Ideal Scenario: While some businesses thrive solely on organic growth, combining both organic and paid strategies is often the most practical approach. Businesses with compelling organic content may attract a loyal following without the need for paid ads. However, for most businesses, integrating both strategies ensures long-term sustainability and short-term effectiveness.

Agency Guidance: SMRT advises businesses to evaluate their marketing agencies' approach. If an agency focuses solely on paid ads or organic content, it may overlook the benefits of a combined strategy. Businesses should communicate their need for both organic and paid efforts to maximize results and achieve their marketing goals.

Strategic Coordination: For businesses relying solely on organic growth, incorporating paid ads can provide a significant boost. By coordinating both strategies, businesses can enhance their online presence, generate more leads, and ultimately drive success.

In conclusion, the debate between organic and paid social media growth is nuanced, with the most effective approach being a combination of both. Businesses that invest in organic content while strategically leveraging paid advertising are poised for sustained growth and success in the dynamic landscape of social media marketing.