The language marketers use changes as the industry evolves. As with many other industries, marketing professionals are guilty of using jargon and acronyms that can confuse clients. Given how quickly the industry evolves, however, it isn’t uncommon for marketers to be perplexed by new terminology every so often as well!
Today, we won’t be talking about new technology. We’ll be talking about two classic digital marketing techniques that still bear plenty of weight: search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). Even if you’re familiar with them, chances are you’ve mistakenly used them interchangeably without a clear grasp of their relationship and distinction.
Is SEO a type of search engine marketing? What are the components of SEM? Isn’t organic SEO the most effective long-term strategy?
This article explains everything, but one thing is sure: they have a symbiotic relationship, and when they’re both used to their maximum potential, they can produce excellent marketing outcomes.
What Sets SEO Apart From SEM?
Let’s begin with some definitions. Here’s a simple way to get started: SEM (search engine marketing) is a paid search approach, whereas SEO is an organic search technique.
Although these are two distinct (but interrelated) techniques, both should be part of your company’s online search marketing arsenal. In reality, SEO is a requirement for effective SEM.
A long-term approach, SEO aims to increase the number of visitors to a website by improving its ranking in search engine results. You can accomplish this by continuously optimizing the site to improve its ranking. Because Google’s algorithms are constantly changing, SEO strategies are constantly evolving as well. However, one element remains constant: SEO consists of both “on-page” and “off-page” strategies.
On the other hand, SEM increases a website’s presence on search engines by using paid advertisements. Your ad wording and targeting approach must coincide with keywords that match the search queries of your target buyers, allowing your advertising to appear in relevant search engine results pages (SERPs).
Paid advertisements enable your company to boost the visibility of its web pages, landing pages, blog pieces, and other content. As a result, SEM marketers must use both SEO (for keyword strategy and high-quality content) and pay-per-click (PPC) ads to target potential customers and increase traffic. As a result, SEO goes hand-in-hand with SEM and is, indeed, a part of it.
When Should You Use SEO and SEM?
Okay, you’ve figured out it’s a trick question. SEO is a component of SEM; in fact, it is the cornerstone. Because you can’t have successful SEM without SEO, neither is “better.” You’ve also learned that you should not use the terms “SEO” and “SEM” interchangeably.
Focus on SEO First
Through well-optimized content that prospects and customers find helpful, SEO builds the framework for SEM. SEM efforts fail due to the poor quality of landing pages, web pages, and blog content are not optimized for search. As a result, gaining visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs) becomes incredibly challenging.
Organic SEO aids in the establishment of search credibility, but excellent material must be constantly created and shared on social media and other content distribution and promotion channels. To put it another way, you need to have something that people will look for.
Then, Focus on SEM
Are you just getting started with your company’s website and establishing an online presence to advertise your product or service? If so, you’ll most likely require immediate search visibility as you build up your organic credibility. You’ll be able to accomplish this with a well-planned PPC campaign.
Of course, in the long run, you can’t rely just on PPC. You must generate engaging content for users to engage with once they arrive at your website.
Examine what works best for you, but make sure you grasp the contrasts between SEM and SEO and how you’ll keep your efforts continuing in the future.
For More SEO and SEM Tips and Strategies, Get in Touch with LJordan Designs!
If you need more insights about SEM and SEO marketing, LJordan Designs covers everything from the fundamentals to the most challenging problems. Allow us to be your one-stop-shop for web design, development, and marketing services to help you take your product or service to the next level. Book a service today!