Without changing the marketing strategy, the terms and language also vary. We, as marketers, are probably confused about what certain words and acronyms mean half the time as well.
Two terms and acronyms that are mostly interchangeable without a clear understanding of how they are related and exactly how they differ are Search engine optimization and search engine marketing.
Let us discuss and clear your thoughts about the difference between SEO and SEM.
What is the difference between SEO and SEM?
When it comes to digital marketing, Search engine optimization and search engine marketing are the widely used terms.
Search engine optimization has traditionally been considered as a component of search engine marketing.
However today a search engine marketing is used to refer exclusively to paid search. As per the search engine land, SEO refers to “the process of gaining website traffic by purchasing ads on search engines”. On the other side, Search engine optimization is defined as ” the process of getting traffic from free, organic, editorial or natural search results”.
One is a paid search strategy (SEM), while the other is an organic search strategy (SEO).
Also, read about how you can increase organic CTR in Google.
Understanding of Search engine optimization (SEO)
SEO strategies need to be transformed whenever Google changes its algorithms.
Search engine optimization mainly consists of two essential factors that are on-page SEO and off-page SEO.
Overview of On-page SEO
- On-page SEO includes all the activities that take place on the website.
- Optimized metadata which includes page title and Meta descriptions, heading tags, and image ALT tag by targeting the right Keywords.
- In-depth and well written optimized page copy through strategic keyword research.
- Social sharing integration within your content.
- Optimized page speed
- Effortless and well-formatted page URL with selected and well-researched keywords.
Overview of off-page SEO
- Valuable and high-quality content that your target audience will find useful such as blog, articles and web page copy. This will assist you in establishing your authority over time and results in increased organic traffic on your website and build more opportunity for inbound links which results in more conversions.
- To attract and retain quality inbound links, you can go with the link building. Such back links will help you to make up the majority of off-page SEO.
- Gain attention from social bookmarking sites like Reddit, Digg and more.
- Social media sharing to increase traffic to a website.
This ON-page and off-page SEO strategies will ensure your better performance of your landing pages, web copy, and blog articles.
Understanding of search engine marketing (SEM)
- Search engine marketing strictly includes earning search visibility by using paid advertisements on search engines like Google. Such advertisements are commonly known as pay-per-click (PPC) ads. Some other terms are used for search engines marketing activities such as cost-per-click ads, paid search ads, and paid search advertising.
- These advertisements allow you to target potential buyers through relevant ad copy and keywords that match their search queries. These ads display up in search engine results pages next to organic listings.
- It will help you and allow your business to expand the visibility of its web pages, blog articles, landing pages, and more.
Search engine marketing (SEM) strategies
- Google ad word is the most popular search engine platform for hosting ads. Bing ads and Yahoo search ads are some other opportunities for hosting ads.
- Launch ad campaigns by keeping your audience in mind.
- Create ad groups, including the targeted keywords variations.
- Write relevant ad copy using the appropriate and selective keywords.
- Build an ad budget.
- Analyse Matrix-like clicks, impressions, click-through rates, and average cost-per-click.
These are a few of the essential tips for beginners to understand the consideration when launching and maintaining an effective paid search ad campaign.
So, if you are looking for SEO and SEM services for your website then contact GMCSCO. GMCSCO provide effective SEO SEM services in HSR Layout, Bangalore to drive relevant traffic to your website.