Why Search Still Converts: Understanding the Buyer Journey in SEO vs. Social

In a time where brands chase virality, it's worth remembering that buyers behave very differently on Google than they do on Instagram.

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Matthew Lu
Creative Director
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April 15, 2025
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5-minute read
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Social Media Drives Discovery

On social, you’re not looking for something, you’re stumbling upon it.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are built for exploration, not decision-making. Your audience is scrolling, swiping, or being entertained.
This is top-of-funnel real estate. Great for storytelling and brand recall, but not always where the purchase happens.

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Search Is About Solving

When someone types a query into Google, they’re not browsing. They’re looking to solve.They have intent.

Whether it’s “best work bags Singapore” or “branding agency for restaurants,” they’re already halfway down the decision funnel and they’re actively looking for options.This makes SEO one of the highest-converting channels when done right.

“On social, they’re browsing. On search, they’re solving.”

Why Both Matter But Play Different Roles

Think of social as the stage and search as the spotlight. Social builds familiarity, aesthetic, and vibes. SEO, when done with strategy, capitalizes on that awareness when the user is finally ready to act.

The best brands don’t choose one, they connect both.

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Let Search Inform Content

Your social strategy shouldn’t live in isolation.

If “brand identity cost Singapore” is a high-ranking search term, why not build a post breaking it down in plain language? SEO and social content can inform each other, creating a feedback loop that improves both discovery and conversion.

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