SEO or SEM. Which is the one for you? Both terms are often used interchangeably but before you can decide which to use, you need to know the difference.
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimisation or SEO for short is organic marketing online. This means that you cannot pay search engines such as Google to show your website higher up in the results. Search engines use the information that is available about your business online, which can include your website, social media profiles, directories and even local services results, to identify how relevant you are to a searcher’s query. So SEO is all about earning your spot in the search results by having the most relevant content for a given keyword search. The better your page’s visibility in search results is, the more likely you are to garner attention and attract prospective and existing customers to your business.
What is SEM?
Search Engine Marketing or SEM often refers to paid advertising. It is one of the most effective ways to grow your business in an increasingly competitive world. However, unlike SEO, Search Engine Marketing means that you pay Google to show your ads in the search results. These so-called pay-per-click ads, come in a variety of formats. Some are small, text-based ads, whereas others, such as product listing ads (PLAs, also known as Shopping ads) are more visual, product-based advertisements.
SEO or SEM? Which is the one for you?
Both SEO and SEM should be fundamental parts of your online marketing strategy. SEO is a powerful way to drive evergreen traffic at the top of the funnel, while SEM is a highly cost-effective way to drive conversions at the bottom of the funnel.
If you are looking to give your business a boost, get in touch today for more information on my SEO and SEM packages.
