top of page

Understanding the Difference Between an SEO & SEM


Search engine marketing (SEM) refers strictly to paid advertising, while search engine optimization (SEO) refers to organic advertising. Both track traffic patterns and can potentially generate customer engagement, but they are separate marketing strategies. SEM acquires traffic via paid advertisements, while SEO typically monitors engagement patterns through organic ads. Therefore, it is important to not use these terms interchangeably. If you do, then you are likely not describing your specific marketing strategies and needs correctly.


Both types of search marketing optimize the possibility of a company page being viewed when an individual is scrolling through the search engine results pages. The goal is to increase visibility and enhance the possibility of someone clicking on your page. That is why it is important for businesses to have a company blog.


By posting regular articles about what a business is an expert in, traffic can be brought to the company website more easily. In other words, if someone is searching for social media tips for Instagram, then they will likely click on the blog of a company that specializes in social media marketing. From there, the potential customer can further research the company and what other topics that are experts in. As a business, be sure to write about topics that you can further explain to an individual in order to pique their interest and promote the possibility of a new client.


A company blog would be an SEO marketing strategy, because the business is not paying for an advertisement. Instead, they are simply posting articles on their website in order to organically increase traffic and improve search ratings. When a company website is more visible on the internet, then more potential customers will be attracted.


If you are more interested in paid advertisements, then it is important to learn about Google ads. Brands should first conduct keyword research in order to understand what their target market responds to. Then, when customers search for these keywords, their paid advertisements will show up at the top of the Google search results. Google lists it as a paid advertisement, and these companies are typically reliable and gain a significant amount of clicks. Each time some clicks on the ad, Google will charge the brand.


Although these strategies are distinct from one another and require different methods, they can create similar results. Both SEO and SEM will increase website traffic, search engine visibility, and enhance customer engagement. They also both require a business to understand their target audience at a deeper level through research and analyzing results. Whether or not you are paying for an advertisement or not, businesses should still connect with customers to understand what keywords are popular. Consider demographics, future customers, and what the business is trying to achieve.









___________________________________________


Daniel James Consulting is a Full-Service Business Consulting Firm based in New York that designs solutions tailored specifically to the needs of your business in order to ensure you achieve continued success by designing, developing and implementing plans, metrics and platforms, be it a one-man operation, non-profit, startup or large organization. Our packaged solutions or a la carte selections include Website Design, Marketing & Advertising, Search Engine Positioning, and Graphic Design. Business Management Solutions are also available for companies of all sizes. For more information please visit: www.danieljamesconsulting.com

Comments


bottom of page