If you choose to target keyphrases that are not too competitive and carry out quality SEO there is no reason why you cannot get to number 1 for those keyphrases.
But you should use Adwords alongside in my view too. Some people only click on sponsored links and the sponsored links are positioned by Google to get them clicked on.
On the other hand some people will avoid using sponsored links.
So what I'm saying is you should use both methods.



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