SEO or SEM? Which should you choose and what is the difference?

Last Updated on December 10, 2019

SEO or SEM?

Have you been considering SEO or SEM? There comes a time when businesses are faced with a decision as to where to allocate their online marketing spend. Often, when it comes to targeted search-based advertising, a business will be presented with the option of Search Engine Marketing (SEM, which is also known as Pay Per Click or PPC) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Which should you choose SEO or SEM and what is the difference?

SEM – Pay-Per-Click advertising

PPC stands for Pay-Per-Click advertising (search engine marketing). Generally speaking, SEM refers to paying for search placement ads in a search engine. You bid on keyword phrases and pay when a visitor clicks on your text-based ad.

When it comes to SEO or SEM, keep in mind that Pay-per-click is quick to set up. You can start to benefit from this form of advertising right away but the minute you stop this form of advertising you also stop your PPC traffic. Ask us about our Custom PPC Management Services. 

SEO – Search Engine Optimization

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. This is the art and science of building a website, landing pages and content that is designed to bring targeted search-based traffic to your website based on related keywords. In other words, someone goes to Google and is searching for a business with your products or services, sees your organic search listing, clicks on it and reaches your website.

Building a stellar SEO pipeline can take a lot of work and time, which may lead some business owners wondering should they choose SEO or SEM. Keep in mind however, that the benefits of SEO can be really great and generally long term. Ask us about our Custom SEO Services.

Summary

When you are thinking of SEO or SEM, you should ideally make room in your budget for both forms of advertising. Pay-per-click (SEM) is great for campaigns or when you don’t have time to wait for your SEO strategy to work; however, year after year, the best, most targeted traffic is usually generated from SEO organic search.

In other words, SEO is a long game while PPC is now. As with all your marketing efforts, you can really maximize your efforts by layering your digital efforts throughout the online marketplace.

For more on this topic, check out this Hubspot FAQ entitled What’s the Difference Between SEO and SEM.

If you would like to learn more, call one of our SEO or PPC experts toll-free at 1-888-262-6687.

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Donald Kim

Donald Kim is a Digital Marketing Strategist and Project Manager at 1st on the List. He has an ability to combine his expertise in SEO, Paid Search, and Social Media in order to provide a comprehensive strategy. His holistic approach tailored to each client’s specific needs achieves significant results in terms of new growth and brand awareness. Donald is also an active member of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association.

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