What distinguishes organic search results from paid search results?

The distinction between organic search results and paid search results is fundamentally based on the cost associated with achieving visibility in search engine results. Organic results are generated through search engine optimization (SEO) practices that aim to improve the relevance and authority of a website to rank higher in search results naturally, without any direct payment to the search engine. This means that these listings are earned through their quality and relevance to the search query.

On the other hand, paid search results, often referred to as ads or pay-per-click (PPC) listings, involve advertisers bidding to have their links appear prominently in search results. Businesses pay to have their advertisements displayed when specific keywords are searched, which guarantees them immediate visibility but comes at a financial cost.

The other options do not accurately capture the core difference. For instance, organic and paid results are not defined by their geographical coverage; they both can be international or local. Additionally, organic results aren't restricted to website content alone; they can also include local listings and other formats. Lastly, the concept of subscription does not apply to organic results, as they are based on search algorithms rather than any paid access model.