In our weekly video series, Duct Tape and Popsicle Sticks, where we share marketing advice, tips, and ideas for business owners and leaders of nonprofit organizations; we recently did shows about search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). We get a lot of questions about both of those topics and felt the need to address the question of Search Engine Optimization VS. Search Engine Marketing (SEO vs. SEM). Since there are aspects of SEO and SEM that overlap, we thought it was important to clarify and explain the differences between Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing.

Watch This week’s Duct Tape and Popsicle Sticks video: Search Engine Optimization VS. Search Engine Marketing

In our opinion, it is essential for businesses to invest in a comprehensive search engine optimization program. This will become one of the most valuable tools for becoming more visible on the internet and driving traffic to your website.

Search Engine Optimization vs Search Engine Marketing

So, let’s take a few minutes and break down some differences between the two.

Search engine optimization (SEO) uses organic methods, ie, keywords, website structure, content, and link building to boost your ranking in the search engines to help you show up in search results.

Search engine marketing (SEM and otherwise known as AdWords, pay per click, or paid search) uses paid ads to appear in search results. For example, they are the ads at the top of a Google page that say “sponsored”. SEM uses advertising platforms like Google or Bing to reach your target audience.

SEO can take months to see results but is very cost effective. With a good SEO program, you’ll get very specific analytics about your web traffic and activity. It will be a major force in driving traffic.

SEM can drive traffic very quickly but can be an expensive experiment if not done properly.

We recommend that every business invest in search engine optimization. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to show up high ranking in the search engines. SEM can be a great supplement to a well-run SEO program. SEM can be quite effective when you are trying to reach a specific type of customer at the exact moment they are prepared to buy. It’s also useful if you are running a sale or have a specific offer or event you wish to promote. SEM will also help you reach #1 on Google almost immediately.

It’s important to note that SEO and SEM need to be part of an overall marketing strategy. On their own, you won’t see the full results you would get if they are part of a comprehensive marketing strategy.

We are more than happy to spend 90 minutes (complimentary) talking with you about your marketing plan and strategy. No strings attached. We promise you’ll walk away with valuable information.

SEO Services

SEM Services

Recent Articles on SEO and SEM:

What is Search Engine Marketing (SEM)?

Why Your Business Needs Search Engine Optimization

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