What is Search Engine Marketing?

digital marketing concepts

Search engine marketing – often referred to as SEM – is a tool that can help businesses of all sizes grow and expand their reach. While there are different ways of online marketing, this is often a go-to option for those looking to increase rankings in search results. 

Let’s take a closer look at how search engine marketing works.

What is Search Engine Marketing?

SEM is an online marketing strategy that businesses can use to expand their visibility by boosting their website’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). 

The acronym SEM should not be confused with SEO. The latter may be used as a part of an SEM strategy, but it is not the only option. For instance, adding new content or rewriting current content on a website is all part of search engine optimization (SEO) to help increase rankings organically. It is a long-term method of marketing that can be used. And although it is very effective, it is not intended to provide results right away. Perhaps this is why many businesses prefer to use pay-per-click (PPC) or paid search marketing options to reach higher rankings in a shorter amount of time. 

In other words, both SEO and PPC are methods of SEM – with a greater focus usually on the instant results achieved with paid search. 

Building an Effective SEM Strategy

Before you can benefit from using search engine marketing, you need to have an effective strategy. That means one that will get your website in front of the right people – and will lead to conversions. 

So, what does an effective SEM strategy look like? It needs to have the following: 

  • The right keywords. Without the proper, specific keywords for targeting, you are not going to get the results you are looking for. This means you need to conduct keyword research. 
  • The right platform. Google Ads may be the biggest one, but there are other options available based on who it is you are trying to reach, how much you are willing to spend, etc. 
  • An innovative ad. Your ad will be displayed in search results – and catch the attention of your intended target. 
  • Funds. Choose the right amount of money to spend. There are some keywords that may be more popular than others. Spending more money gets you more impressions, but there is a lot at play – and a lot of testing that needs to be done – to ensure you are getting the most clicks for the right price. 

Knowing what you are doing and how to do it effectively is vital to the success of your marketing efforts. That means having someone on your side that has a great amount of SEM knowledge – and a clear definition of your goals. 

Search Engine Marketing with BlastOff PPC

Sometimes, having professionals on your side can lead to greater results. At Blast Off PPC, we offer highly skilled pay-per-click management because we get to know our clients and can think outside the box to get the job done. Of course, being results-driven and passionate about what we do also benefits our customers, too. 

To learn more or get started, then contact us today at (972) 246-8928.