The concept and main objective when it comes to effective marketing and increasing traffic and revenue are to implement a well-planned-out strategy. Using optimising tools to get the job done will make things much quicker.
SEO and SEM have been seen as the way of the future, and with their success across all industries and markets, who are we to argue? However, the question does lead to others, such as whether one would work without the other. Do we need both to succeed, or is one a link to the other, which, when in sync, amplifies the efficacy of the task? Taking a look at both, the differences between them, and why using them together is the better choice will be covered below.
Understanding The Terms
SEO
Most of us have heard of the term SEO but do we know what it means, what it entails, and how to use it appropriately to achieve the desired results? For the most part, yes, but delving deeper will help you better execute your ideas.
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. In the simplest terms, it is the process of optimising your website so that it ranks higher on search engines. And you know that it is working well when your website and page are visited through clicks organically, creating a digital footprint. This web traffic is what we are after to increase awareness of the brand or product. So, by using keywords, link building, or on-off page optimisation, we better the chances of ranking the page higher on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP).
When you use SEO tools, you create a link between your business, products, and the customers searching for them. Thus, when you use specific keywords in your content or website that your target audience is likely to type in the search bar, you increase the probability of your page being ranked higher. As a result, your user experience is significantly improved, and you increase the quality of visits to your domain.
SEM
While SEO is the one more spoken about as a marketing tool, SEM is equally vital for success but has one difference which essentially creates hesitation among its users: it is a paid service. SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing, which is a strategy implemented to rank your page higher on the results page, but you have to pay for this to happen.
It works by your page advert appearing when the relevant keywords or phrases are typed in. By refining the searches based on customer footprints, you can control how the links appear or are created to maximise potential and return client visits. This pay-per-click (PPC) form of advertising is effective because it drives customers immediately to your website.
The Plus Side Of Working Together
The old saying the more, the merrier couldn’t be truer and does well to bring these two search engine optimising tools together as a winning combination. With one tool angled to rank higher based on a paid position while the other is more based on keyword results, your webpage will soon become the talk of the town. You want to increase quality web traffic, and the collaboration of the two will offer just that.
When both tools are used simultaneously, you gain an advantage in both the short and long term, with a paid tool offering immediate efficacy and an organic search tool more success in the long run.
Often presented to businesses as a one or the other choice, this could result in the wrong decisions. A company that is difficult to find is of no use to the brand, the owner, and certainly not to the customer. There are many benefits of using SEO and SEM together. Like, can help you improve your online visibility, attract more potential customers, and drive more traffic to your website.
Results
SEO offers organic results, which lead to the longevity of the site or its keywords, but it takes time. SEM creates fast, paid-for results effective from the get-go while still relying on a solid foundation.
Conversion
As a team, these two tools help refine your target audience. With built-in algorithms, these search tools display results relevant to the user; thus, those searching for a specific product and presented with your page already have the intention to buy. A winning combination for both you and the consumer.
Awareness
Getting the recognition you deserve is what will set you apart from other businesses and brands – if people are not aware of your company, then there is no use. By integrating optimisation tools into your marketing campaign and strategy, your product and company will appear on more search results pages, giving you broader exposure and helping you reach a larger demographic.
Growth
SEO and SEM both work well for established companies as well as startups. By increasing foot traffic to your existing site, you have the opportunity to engage with new clients. As a startup, SEM offers you immediate exposure to potential customers so that you can get the ball rolling.
Paid Versus Organic
If you think about your time spent researching a specific topic or product, do you click on the first link you see (usually an SEM paid link), or do you scroll to the organic (free) options a few bars down? Most people opt for the organic option, with many considering a paid version more of a click-bait tactic initiated to distract you from the competitors, which essentially comes with a trust issue. Therefore, many companies opt for both SEM and SEO so they can reach all demographics across all platforms and, ideally, engage with as many customers as possible.
On the other hand, a lot of companies are not sure if investing in online advertisements would reap any benefits and hence leave out SEM. But, when both marketing strategies are used, you have the benefit of doubling the efficacy of the same target keywords. As a result, your online visibility increases, and your brand becomes a frequent name to mention in conversation. With increased revenue sales and popularity, you will soon reach target audiences you may not have initially considered.
There is always room to grow and expand, so making use of available tools makes sense if you want success for your company. Whether you are looking for the best online experience for your customers or ease of use and navigation on your current website, you want, above all, positive exposure, and SEO together with SEM can help you achieve the success you deserve.
Conclusion
Combining SEO and SEM can offer several benefits for businesses looking to improve their online visibility, attract potential customers, and drive more website traffic. By using both strategies cohesively, companies can create a robust digital marketing strategy that drives results and helps them achieve their business goals. Whether you’re a new business or an old name in the industry, it’s essential to understand the advantages of using SEO and SEM together and how they can help you grow your business.
If you are looking for a digital marketing agency in Singapore to help you improve your online presence, look no further and contact Digital M today. We can curate a customised SEO and SEM strategy to take your business to the next level.
