Search engine marketing, or SEM, is a vital piece of every digital marketing strategy. We use it to increase the visibility and ranking of websites on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. To be successful in today’s world, SEM is key as search engines are the starting point of 68% of online experiences.
Let’s take a closer look at what search engine marketing is, how it differs from SEO, and why it’s an essential element of every digital marketing strategy.
Search Engine Marketing Explained 
So, what is search engine marketing? It’s the process of using paid advertising to increase the visibility and ranking of a website on search engines. You can do this through paid search ads, display ads, and other forms of digital advertising.
For example, an eCommerce company that sells outdoor gear might use SEM to promote its website and products on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
Another example of SEM is a marketer advertising on TikTok.
SEM vs SEO
SEM and SEO may seem similar at first glance. Both aim to increase the visibility and ranking of a website on search engines. However, the methods used to achieve this goal are quite different.
SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing a website and its content to improve its ranking on search engines through organic means. This process includes techniques such as content marketing, keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.
SEO aims to improve a website’s visibility and rank on search engines organically, without using paid advertising.
On the other hand, search engine marketing uses paid advertising to improve a website’s ranking. This process includes techniques such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, display advertising, and other forms of paid search.
The goal of SEM is to increase a website’s visibility and ranking on search engines through paid advertising rather than organic means.
Why is Search Engine Marketing Important?
Search engine marketing is important for several reasons. It provides companies, regardless of size, the following benefits:
- Increased visibility and ranking on search engines. SEM allows businesses to increase their visibility and ranking on search engines through paid advertising.
- Targeted traffic. It can drive targeted website traffic, leading to more conversions and sales.
- Complement and enhance existing SEO strategy. SEM can be used to complement and enhance an existing SEO strategy to improve the website’s ranking on search engines.
- Measurable results. It provides quantifiable results, meaning that businesses can track and measure the success of their campaigns.
- Flexibility. You can tailor your campaigns to specific goals and audiences. Customization allows businesses to reach their target market and their specific goals more effectively.
- Cost effective. SEM can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience and drive targeted traffic to a website.
- Increased brand awareness. It can increase brand awareness by reaching a larger audience and promoting the business’s products or services.
- Competitive advantage. SEM can give businesses a competitive advantage by making them more visible on search engines and reaching a larger audience.
With these essential benefits, you can boost your company’s revenue, market reach, and customer loyalty. SEM is an effective digital marketing tactic, especially when you or a digital marketing agency know how to use it to its full potential.
Who Needs Search Engine Marketing?
Businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from SEM. It’s a versatile and effective marketing strategy that can help increase visibility and drive sales.
Small Businesses and Large Corporations
SEM can be especially beneficial for small business owners as it can help increase their online presence and reach a wider audience. This can be especially important for small businesses that operate in a competitive industry, as SEM can help them stand out and attract more customers. For large corporations, SEM can drive more sales and support product and service launches into new markets.
SEM can be used to promote specific products or services or to increase brand awareness. Additionally, it can help all businesses, large and small, target particular demographics and reach a more defined audience.
The Best Search Engine Marketing Portland
SEM is an essential part of any digital marketing strategy. If you’re looking for the best search engine marketing in Portland, look no further than Mad Fish Digital.
Our team of experts can help you create a custom SEM strategy to help you achieve your business goals. We can help you increase visibility, market reach, and revenue. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed online.