What is SEO?
As we mentioned above, the acronym for SEO refers to the strategies used so that content (be it a web page, an online store, a blog, etc.) appears in the first results of Google.
This “optimization” in search engines implies understanding (and applying) what are the keys so that when displaying the results of a search, Google recognizes your content as one of the most relevant.
Some of the most important topics are:
- Page load speed (the faster, the better).
- Good browsing experience for the user.
- Relevant content that adds value (you want to stay on your page as long as possible).
- Use of keywords (that allow Google to recognize the theme of the content).
What is SEM?
On the other hand, SEM is a search engine marketing strategy that refers to the direct investment of money. These are known as “Google Ads”, identified on the results page with the “advertising” label.
These paid ads are booked for keywords you want to appear for if a potential buyer does a Google search for those terms.
For example, if I have a sporting goods store: when someone searches for “Adidas Superstar Shoes” if I appear in the first results, the person will likely enter my store to look for those long-awaited sneakers.
Then, from hiring these paid ads, Google shows in the first search results the content that one has included in the ad.
Why it is important to use SEO and SEM strategies
SEO and SEM strategies have become so relevant today (and that is why we hear them named so much) because ranking for the top results in search engines has become quite a fierce fight. Why is it key to be among the first results? Because there is an indisputable reality: the number of clicks, and therefore visits to your store or content, is much higher if one is at the top of the search results page on Google. Also, let’s face it, no one (or almost no one) gets past the first page of results. So if you don’t show up there, basically, it’s as if you don’t exist for the person who searched a keyword related to your brand.Differences between SEO and SEM
The most important differences between these SEO and SEM strategies are:- Investment of money
- The time to see results
