Difference Between SEO and SEM

When researching how to optimize websites, webmasters frequently use the terms "SEO" and "SEM". However, many people are not familiar with the terms, differences or definitions. This article will explain the terms and differences, so that you can be on your way to optimizing your website.

Definitions

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. The term SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing. Let me break it down a little further. SEO is anything done on your website to make it more friendly for users. SEM is used to rank your website on webpages, such as Google, Yahoo or MSN. Does your business listing come up on the first page? Where your business appears on the page listings will make a huge impact on how your business is marketed. For example, let's say that you do a search in Google for "hot wings" in Portland, Oregon. Generally most people read only the choices on the first couple pages, they do not continue on to page 3 through 33. Therefore it definitely makes a difference where your business is listed in the ranking list, which is where SEM comes in to play.

Differences

As you read, the two are actually used hand in hand. However, you need both to help make your website run smoothly. You want your website to be user friendly for customers, which is where SEO comes into play. You also want your business to be ranked on the first page for customers to quickly see that you are a top choice. SEO helps your business by embedding tags, html coding and keywords for SEM towards directories and search engines.

Importance

SEM and SEO are both important to market your business. Different companies offer packages to optimize either SEM or SEO, but some companies do offer both. Make sure to research companies that are out there to see which webmaster can work for you. Some companies, such as Weblistingsseo offer a free 30 day trial, so that you can see how well their company works for you.