Many people are confused with SEO and SEM. Though they work together independently, they do complement each other in so many aspects. It involves completely different strategies. However, the outcome is the same, which is to increase your website traffic and visibility. So, before you begin planning your search marketing campaign, familiarise yourself on the differences and similarities of SEO vs SEM first. This way, you’ll create a more effective online marketing plan for your business and eventually get your desired results.
SEO vs SEM: Key Differences & Similarities
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Organic Search
The most basic difference between SEO vs SEM is if it’s organic or not. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the organic or non-paid search strategy. Its primary aim is to improve your website ranking in many search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Baidu, and Bing. SEO relies heavily on your website content with deliberate use of keywords, titles, meta descriptions, URLs and inbound or external links.
As a start, your target should be to appear in the top 10 search results on the first page. To do this, you have to integrate an SEO plan into your website. There are millions of search results online, so you have to work hard on standing out in any search engine with quality content and SEO.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Paid Search
On the other hand, search engine marketing (SEM) is the paid search strategy. It mainly targets getting the top rank for your website by placing it on top of the first page as an advertisement. This strategy will surely and quickly drive more traffic to your website compared to SEO. But it also requires a lot of learning to do before you ace the competition.
In Google, there are many types of SEM campaigns to choose from such as text ads, display ads, shopping ads, and video ads. Each type corresponds to a specific goal. Hence, you need to carefully select the most appropriate ad type to suit your product/service, website, and goals.
Your budget is one of the first things to plan in this strategy. It is necessary to include key performance indicators like click-through-rate (CTR) and cost-per-click (CPC). Furthermore, the campaign has to be properly executed or else, it will not bring much traffic to your site. Lastly, you have to monitor and analyse your campaign to keep track of your efforts.
SEM is a complicated digital marketing strategy. But if you thoroughly plan your search marketing approach, you will be able to maximise your budget and get the most out of your campaign revenue-wise.
SEO & SEM: A Powerful Combination for Search Marketing
In the world of online marketing, change is the only constant thing. You have to keep up to speed or you’ll get left behind in a blink of an eye. If you’re not sure whether you need either strategies, both, or none at all, know this – the only way to ace the tough digital competition is to do what your key competitors are doing – SEO and SEM!
Whether it’s organic or paid search, it’s best to maintain both strategies if you want to ultimately reach your goals. SEO is the foundation of search marketing. With the relevant keywords, links and correct ad setup, your website traffic will grow and your conversation rates will significantly improve. Make sure to establish an SEO-friendly website first, and work your way up using sponsored search ads to acknowledge the site’s credibility. Having both these tactics incorporated in your digital marketing campaigns will definitely get you the results and sales you desire.
Strengthen your search engine presence with SEO and SEM!
Now that you know how SEO and SEM complement each other, it’s time you take advantage of its potential and win the competition!
Remember, both SEO and SEM strongly depend on competitive keywords that speak equally to the target audience. Only with the right keywords, SEO and SEM will effectively position your website on top of the search list.
If you can’t find the right keywords for your product or you are having trouble with your page ranking, we can help you with that. Let IH Digital help you win keywords and boost your website’s presence on Google, Yahoo, and Baidu. Talk to our SEO & SEM experts to learn more about our services today.
