Is it better to invest in Google Ads or SEO if my small business isn't getting enough leads?

I'm running a small business and we've been struggling to generate consistent leads online.

Some people recommend investing in Google Ads because the results are faster, while others suggest focusing on SEO for long-term growth.

Recently, I've also heard about AI search platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews changing how people discover businesses.

If you had a limited marketing budget, would you choose:

• Google Ads
• Traditional SEO
• AI SEO
• Or a combination of all three?

I'd love to hear from business owners or marketers who have actually tried these strategies.