SEM or SEO, Which is Better for Your Business?

Web search is one of the most impactful tools available today. Not just you, but people from all the corners of the world and different spheres of life use Google to learn new things, find solutions to problems, and cope up with the changing world.

One of such new things may be promoting your business online. Online promotion of business is a comprehensive process involving the right blends of methodical marketing tactics, search engine marketing, and search engine optimization. The trickiest question that arises here is whether SEO or SEM is best for your business.

Whether you are a local business or an online business, you should know that people are always looking for you.

As per the Google statistics of 2019, over 2 trillion searches are made every day.

This means almost 63,000 queries are typed in every single second! The search technology is improving and evolving with time. This means you have got a huge opportunity to leverage, millions and billions of people to connect and interact with.

The problem with most businesses today is that they are aware of the enormous traffic that search engines can bring to their business. But, lack the knowledge to do so. Now, what is going to distinguish you from others in this market is the strategy you use to convert this traffic into leads and eventually potential customers. You can gain online exposure through various platforms but Google is the main domain to be conquered. A right bang and you will be able to fill up your marketing buck.

The dilemma that made you land on this page remains. As we move forward we will unveil whether you should focus on SEO or SEM for optimizing your business strategies.

But first, let’s discuss these both, shall we?

What Is a Search Engine?

Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, etc. are all categorized as search engines. A search engine uses algorithms that redirect users to specific web pages. The sole purpose of a search engine is to find a solution to your questions. And now, you’re using one!

Let’s simplify the working of a search engine: type “funny cat videos” into Google. After you press enter, Google crawls through all the web pages in the world and shows the ones related to your search. Every thought of the backend process that happens in between that click and your search result. It’s like magic, isn’t it?

You might be wondering why are we telling you all this. All you want is your brand name in the top search list, just below the paid ads. Right? This is where SEO will assist you.

So, What Is SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?

Search Engine Optimization is the method of directing the traffic to your website using unpaid or organic listings. So, you are creating your online presence so that search engines can easily find you. This is the most crucial step as your potential customers may be searching for you on the web. It mainly revolves around creating high-quality content with the right keywords and Voila! You are at the top of the list.

Keyword research and content generation are the prime part of SEO, but on digging deeper you will find many other things that need to be taken care of. You have to build the right links, optimize the user experience, create online directories and whatnot. And over time, you will earn the right traffic for your website.

Then What Is SEM (Search Engine Marketing)?

In Search Engine Marketing, you direct the traffic to your website by purchasing ads on the search engine. Advertisers bid on keywords that your customers are most likely to search for your product or similar services. Your ad will top the list if you have the right keywords.

Search engine marketing is a quick way to generate leads. And of course, you got to spend some dollars on it. The best part about SEM is that your ad speaks for you and motivates the buyers in just a wink.

The question remains, which tactic is better for the business?

Long story short, it depends.

And for those of you waiting for a long answer, we would say that SEO and SEM are both beneficial for your online marketing strategy. On one hand, SEO is a long term strategy that will make regular buyers land on your website. Whereas SEM is a quickie, you will get instant benefits from it. From a much wiser perspective, the combination of both strategies will work the best for you. So, all you need is the right team that will assist you in your Search Marketing Journey. That’s how you can make more bucks with minimal efforts.

Want the right SEO and SEM tactics for the jump start of your business? Has any digital marketing related to queries? Contact Us! We have got you.