SEO vs. SEM

If you're new to online marketing, it's easy to become confused or overwhelmed by all of the technical jargon and acronyms.

You hear a lot about SEO (search engine optimisation and SEM (search engine marketing), but what exactly is the difference between the two? Understanding the nuances of each marketing strategy is the first step to boosting your online presence.

 

 

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Perhaps the biggest buzzword on the online marketing scene, SEO encompasses many different strategies designed to increase your website's presence on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. Effective SEO techniques will enable your website to get higher "scores" in the algorithms used by search engines, so your URL will be more likely to show up in higher positions within organic (natural) search results. This is different from the paid placements used in SEM.

At Informatix, we offer robust SEO packages that help your website receive higher levels (and a higher quality) of visitors and buyers.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

You've probably seen those sponsored listings that appear at the top and/or to the right of the regular search results within Google, Yahoo, and other engines. These paid placements are examples of SEM campaigns.

With SEM (also widely known as pay-per-click, or PPC, advertising), you'll pay a pre-set fee whenever someone clicks on your sponsored link. SEM campaigns are managed through marketing programs; the most popular example is Google AdWords, although each search engine offers their own version.

Informatix offers full-service SEM management and analysis for businesses of all sizes and industries.