What is the difference between SEM and SEO?

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In digital marketing, the terms SEM (Search Engine Marketing) and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are often used interchangeably by a lot of people. Both SEM and SEO help to improve the ranking of a website in the result page of search engines. 

They have a symbiotic relationship with each other, and they will get you amazing marketing outcomes when both are leveraged to their full potential. However, what are the difference between the two?

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Search Engine Optimization or SEO refers to marketing strategies to optimize the website to a higher rank on the search engine result pages. SEO is less costly over the long term and helps build search credibility without charging you for every click.

Keeping SEO consistent with quality content development and social media sharing is very important. For short, you need to have something worth searching for.

The Key Difference Between SEM and SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a part of Search Engine Marketing (SEM), involving both paid and organic strategies. 

SEM is used exclusively to refer to paid search. SEM is a method of attracting traffic on the website through paid advertisements on search engines. On the other hand, SEO is known as the process of acquiring website traffic from free, organic, editorial, or natural search results.

The Primary Definition of SEM and SEO

  • SEM is a PAID search digital marketing strategy
  • SEO is an ORGANIC/UNPAID search digital marketing strategy

SEM or SEO, which is better?

These two marketing approaches should both be part of the online marketing search strategy of your business.

When it comes to choosing the best tactic to boost your visibility in search engines, it is very important to evaluate your business’ needs. It is also important for you to have a full understanding of the differences and how you will maintain your digital marketing efforts. 

Whether you consider starting to build your SEM strategy or SEO or both, MECACA Global Network is more than happy to help you increase your visibility and credibility online. We have teams of professionals to provide a strong and perfect digital marketing strategy for your business. Contact MECACA Global Network today! 

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