SEO vs. Paid Ads: The Real ROI for US Ecommerce Brands

ecommerce SEO vs paid ads

You need more traffic. That’s a given. But where do you invest your next dollar? Do you play the long game with SEO, building a foundation for “free” traffic, or do you hit the accelerator with paid ads for instant results? This is the core dilemma of every US ecommerce marketing strategy.

Answering the ecommerce SEO vs PPC USA question isn’t about picking a side. It’s about understanding how the top brands make them work together.

Instead of debating theory, we’re going to break down the live strategy of a powerhouse direct-to-consumer brand to see how they solve this exact problem.


Disclaimer: Eulav is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a partner of Brooklinen. This analysis is based on publicly available information as of September 2025 and is for educational purposes.


The Teardown: How Brooklinen Dominates Both SEO & Paid Ads

The Brand: Brooklinen, the mega-successful DTC brand that transformed the bedding industry. They are a perfect example of a brand that masters both organic and paid channels.

1. Brooklinen’s SEO Strategy: The Moat of Trust

Brooklinen’s SEO isn’t just about selling sheets; it’s about becoming the go-to authority on everything sleep and home comfort. This is their defensive moat—a long-term asset that generates consistent, high-trust traffic.

  • Content Hub: They run a blog that answers questions their customers have, like “What’s the Best Thread Count?” or “How to Wash Linen Sheets.” This captures shoppers at the top of the funnel.
  • Keyword Domination: They don’t just rank for “bed sheets.” They target high-intent keywords like “best percale sheets” and “linen duvet cover,” capturing customers who are ready to buy.
  • The Result: This strategy builds a massive foundation of organic traffic. When you search for bedding-related questions in America, you’re likely to find Brooklinen. This is the best traffic source for ecommerce USA brands that want to build lasting authority.

2. Brooklinen’s Paid Ads Strategy: The Surgical Strike

While SEO builds their fortress, paid ads are their special forces—deployed for specific, immediate objectives. We can see from their public Meta Ad Library that their ads are highly targeted and conversion-focused.

  • Retargeting Power: A huge portion of their ad budget is likely focused on retargeting. If you’ve visited their site, you’ll see their ads reminding you of the products you viewed.
  • Offer-Driven Creative: Their ads almost always feature a clear, compelling offer: “15% Off Your First Order,” “Free Shipping,” or promoting a specific sale event. This is not about brand awareness; it’s about closing the deal.
  • The Result: Paid ads provide predictable, scalable traffic. When they launch a new product or run a sale, they can instantly drive thousands of qualified buyers to the page. This is the clear winner when comparing ecom ads or SEO America for speed to market.

The Verdict: How to Choose Your Strategy

Brooklinen proves that the real winner is not SEO or PPC, but a combination of both.

  • Start with Paid Ads if: You are a new store and need to generate sales and data immediately. You need to test product-market fit and can’t wait months for SEO to kick in.
  • Invest in SEO from Day One if: You have a long-term vision and want to build a sustainable, defensible brand that isn’t completely reliant on ad spend.

The Power Move: Use the data from your profitable paid ad campaigns (which keywords and products convert best) to inform and prioritize your SEO strategy.

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