Where Real Results Begin: Why Search Intent Outperforms Social Scrolling
Rethinking ROI: A closer look at where your marketing energy pays off
Behind Friday Marketing Agency is a team of thinkers, creators, and strategists who’ve worked on some of the most demanding campaigns across industries. Our experts bring backgrounds from top institutions, including Harvard, and years of hands-on experience from both agency and in-house roles. We’re not just marketers; we’re growth-minded partners who know how to dig deep, test what works, and build strategies rooted in real user behavior.
Every day, our team works with one simple question in mind: Where will this client get the best return on their time and money?
This is exactly why we’re revisiting an ongoing debate in the digital space: Should brands invest in search engines or social media if ROI is the goal?
Where People Spend Time Doesn’t Always Match Where They Take Action
Most of us spend hours on digital platforms without really thinking about what that means from a marketing perspective. Here’s a breakdown based on recent data:
- Email — 2 hours 52 minutes daily
- Streaming platforms — 2 hours 37 minutes
- Social media — 2 hours 27 minutes
- Search engines — only 15.4 minutes
At first glance, it might seem obvious: go where people are spending the most time. But more time doesn’t always mean more value, especially when that time is passive, distracted, or purely for entertainment.
What Social Media Offers — and What It Doesn’t
Social media is great for brand presence, community, and storytelling. But while people scroll for hours, they’re rarely in buying mode. They’re not searching for answers — they’re reacting, watching, and moving on.
Streaming services face the same issue. Viewers are there for content, not ads. Even with integrated advertising, the chances of converting a viewer into a customer are slim unless the timing is perfect.
Email, on the other hand, is personal and direct — but it’s not for discovery. It works best when someone already knows your brand.
Why Search Feels Small, but Hits Big
People only spend around 15 minutes a day on search engines — but those 15 minutes matter more than you think.
That’s because search isn’t passive. When someone types something into Google, they’re looking for a solution, an answer, or something to buy. That’s the intent. And it’s incredibly powerful.
Google alone handles over 8.5 billion searches every single day. That’s not background noise. That’s billions of potential moments where someone is ready to take action — and if your brand shows up at that exact time, the impact is massive.
The Money Doesn’t Lie
In 2022, Google pulled in over $224 billion in ad revenue. Meta (Facebook, Instagram) came in at $113 billion. That’s not just a financial stat — it’s a sign of where advertising is most effective when it comes to driving results.
Search engine marketing is built around showing up at the right moment. That makes every dollar work harder.
Why You Need Someone Who Gets SEO
Getting your website to appear at the right time, for the right search, isn’t just about luck. It takes strategy.
This is where SEO comes in — and why having a skilled expert (or team) behind it can make all the difference. From understanding algorithms and doing keyword research to making technical improvements and building trust with search engines, SEO is about shaping your online presence in a way that aligns with how people search today.
It’s not just about showing up — it’s about showing up well.
At Friday Marketing Agency, we help brands understand this landscape and build strategies that don’t just chase attention but drive outcomes.
