In today’s digital marketing landscape, the battle for online visibility is intense. Arm yourself with strategic knowledge!
Both SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) are essential to drive traffic to your site and get your business seen. But which one should you prioritize? Knowing when and how to use these powerful strategies can make all the difference in achieving your business goals.
TO THE POINT: If you’re seeking immediate results and have a budget for paid advertising, SEM may be the right choice. If you’re looking for long-term growth and are willing to invest in content and optimization, SEO is the way to go.
UNDERSTANDING SEO
SEO enhances your website’s visibility on search engines without paid promotions. It’s all about securing a prime spot in the coveted “free” search results. Why does SEO matter? Consider this: 53 percent of all website traffic begins with an organic search.* SEO ensures that your website appears on the search engine results page, attracting clicks and boosting traffic. *Source: BrightEdge
DECIPHERING SEM
SEM supercharges your online visibility through paid advertising, primarily via platforms like Google Ads. Its primary goal is to position your ads prominently in search engine results when users enter specific keywords or phrases. SEM includes various ad formats, from text to display and video ads.
The combination of organic and paid search makes up 80% of all trackable website visits.
SEO VS. SEM
KEY DIFFERENCES:
• TIMEFRAME. SEO is a longterm strategy that nurtures organic visibility and growth over time. SEM typically delivers immediate results, making it ideal for short-term goals and quick wins.
• INVESTMENT. SEO technically falls under the “free” category, revolving around ongoing efforts to enhance your website and content. There may be associated costs over time, such as tools or outsourced expert services. SEM requires a dedicated budget for paid advertising, with costs incurred per click or impression.
• CLICK DYNAMICS. SEO generates clicks through organic search results, where users naturally click on your website based on its relevance. SEM drives clicks through paid ads, where you pay for each click generated by your advertisements.
WHEN TO LEVERAGE SEO
SEO is a strategic choice if you’re committed to building sustainable online visibility that endures and pays off over time. It doesn’t require a hefty initial spend, so it can be more cost-effective for businesses with budget constraints. SEO is also a great way to build trust among your target audience through consistent, valuable content delivery and careful online presence optimization.
WHEN TO HARNESS SEM
SEM’s ability to drive immediate traffic and visibility makes it an indispensable tool. If you have short-term objectives that demand quick results, like boosting sales for a limitedtime offer, SEM can deliver that rapid impact. It can also help you stand out and capture valuable market share within competitive industries.
COMBINING SEO & SEM
True digital marketing magic happens when you combine SEO and SEM to cover both the long-term and immediate needs of your business. By occupying prime real estate in both organic and paid search results, you maximize your brand’s presence and attract more potential customers. When users encounter your brand in both organic and paid search results, they’re more likely to trust your expertise and convert into loyal customers.
Got Questions?
If you have questions about outsourcing some or all of your marketing efforts, the team at exploreMedia can help! Reach out to [email protected] to learn more.
Savanna Pruitt is exploreMedia’s SEO and Content Manager.
