SEO vs SEM

Search Engine Optimization vs. Search Engine Marketing

It's my goal to provide a simplified explanation for these two very important web-marketing tools. Like so many things it's about identifying the onion verses the layers or the whole vs. the pieces.

What's the Difference?
The terms “search engine optimization” and “search engine marketing” are often used incorrectly. Even some ‘experts’ in the field commonly swap the two terms, which tends to add to the confusion. The important thing to note is the two terms have different meanings.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is actually a component of search engine marketing—a function of the SEM process. SEO is the act of optimizing a website for organic or natural search engine listings. Many consider search engine optimization to be the most cost-effective function in a search engine marketing campaign; still it's just one element.

Search engine marketing (SEM) is the process of marketing a website via Internet search engines; whether by improving rank in organic or natural listings, paid or sponsored listings or a combination of all of them.

A comprehensive search engine marketing campaign includes (at least) the following functions:
• Search engine optimization
• Search engine and directory submission management
• Paid inclusion and trusted feed programs
• Pay-for-placement management (includes pay-per-click)
• Link popularity / reputation development
• ROI and performance monitoring and reporting

So don’t be confused by the SEO / SEM terms. Now that you know the difference between the two, it’s not as complicated as it first seemed. Search engine optimization is simply a component of search engine marketing, period.