How to Differentiate SEO from SEM

« Back to blog

Search engines are usually called answer machines because they provide answers to their users by building an index and crawling. With the use of updated algorithms, they supply a search page that has the result of what a user is looking for, ranked by its relevance and accuracy.

As we go through the process of building a website to allow your potential customers to find you online, we are introduced to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).

SEO is commonly mentioned in the web marketing scene. There are a lot of ways to optimize your website’s visibility and you can either hire someone to do it for you, or you can simply input relevant keywords and produce catchy content by yourself. In SEO, receiving as many organic searches as possible is the main goal. To succeed in SEO, one should be continuously updated by what the biggest search engines are changing and asking for. Additionally, they should be equipped enough with knowledge and tools to be able to compete with other sites, that show up in the same Search Engine Results Page (SERP) as them. Striving for content quality, user’s trust, and web authority is the most important part.  

And then we have SEM. In general, SEM is identified as a type of search engine marketing that involves paying for clicks and ads. Small business owners can pay, for example, Google, so that their site can be advertised. This can also be an effective way to improve local business rankings. Keywords are also significant in this part of advertising.

The web provides a lot of free stuff that we can take advantage of. And since we’re looking for a cost-effective way to research about the best keywords a business can use, these three keyword research tools will come in handy:

Google AdWords: Keyword Planner

With this, you can get the best information from one of the world’s biggest search engine site. You can also get a glimpse of a keyword’s average monthly searches and competition status. This way, you’ll be able to pick keywords that can directly lead people to you.

WordStream Keyword Suggestion Tool

WordStream has the same function as Google AdWords: Keyword Planner, it’s to help you identify the keywords that can have a positive or negative impact on your site. The site will allow you to have 30 free searches and you’ll be able to see a bunch of keyword suggestions you can use.

IMforSMB Bulk Keyword Generator

There are tons of free keyword tools you can use out there. But putting IMforSMB Bulk Keyword Generator in this list is necessary because it’s perfect for small business owners trying to make it in local search results.

 

At the end of the day, Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing are useful when it comes to winning traffic from the growing number of internet users. SEO and SEM complement each other very well, which is why we highly suggest using both methods for your site. 


Comments

No comments

Leave Comment