Beccalori.com » SEO Blog|Issue#1|Establishing Terminology|SEO vs. SEM

August 31st, 2007

What is the difference between SEO and SEM?  Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) are really part of a joint strategy.  The question is not which one should you engage in, but how can you optimize a strategy that includes both.

In most cases, when someone refers to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), they speak specifically about best practices, strategies, and tactics for achieving high rankings in the organic (non-sponsored) section of Search Engine Result Pages on the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, Ask, and AOL.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM), or Pay Per Click (PPC) is a different term, used to describe the process of bidding for text ad placement in the Sponsored Links section of the search engines.

Just about every company or website seeking traffic can benefit from combining both strategies.

When I speak of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in this SEO Blog, therefore, I REALLY am talking about this joint strategy.  So before, we embark together on this journey, it’s important that we are speaking the same language.

Next up: What information should I have ready before beginning an SEO project?

Entry Filed under: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)