Search engine optimization (SEO) is actually a component of search engine marketing—a function of the SEM process, if you will. SEO is the act of optimizing a website for organic or natural search engine listings. Search engine optimization is arguably the most cost-effective function in a search engine marketing campaign, yet still 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 thereof.
Search strategists and tacticians have a way of plunging my head into a little bit of a spin.
When all I wanted was an answer to the question "How do I deploy digital strategies into my communications plan to increase revenue potentials?", we almost always eventually get lost into a discussion about how important search is.
I have no grudge about search. But I don't want every "digital strategy meeting" to always end up a search-driven strategy - because, well, there are so many things in the digital medium - on-PC, on-phone, on-TV, on-OOH - that need to be considered. Not to mention the different nuances a business or a brand needs.
The other thing that really gets me going: this thing about SEO and SEM - as acronyms.
Search tacticians and strategists tend to "interchange" the two.
So - finally, here. A differentiation of the two - one that is clear, one that is straightforward, one that is actionable.
This one is from www.strategic-ranking.com.
So... go. Search!
Indeed however (okay the academic in me comes out - love the word "however") in a way one really you can't 'blame' them afterall, it has been put forward by Google that 8 out 10 users go online to search with an intention hence proponents of SEO and SEM put this thought forward which is why meetings tend to get into the business of search when discussing a brand strategy online)
afterall people are online in search for questions and answers so people say....and some say that "you can have the best website but if no one knows about it, its really no point" hence the search strategists come into the picture - we need to drive traffic there for you! so they say :)
SEO and SEM is used interchangeably and I cringe when i hear that. the latter is paid and the former is organic...and the former is more trustworthly? as compared to SEM (PPC - here is another acronym for you mate)...
Well to end, search is only one variable in the whole digital thingy - there are many other variables at play...online and offline...and dont forget this online, users are in control (and brands cringe when they hear that).
Opps forgot something, with regards to your subject question, well, as you know SEO takes time to gather traction whereas SEM takes about 10 mins to set the campaign up - so it depends what you want a tactical campaign or strategic or both...and what's your objective..
Posted by: Jonwchin | 30 May 2010 at 07:38
Me again...
In my humble opinion Marketing is far too complex than just search ("likes", fans, comments etc) and digital marketing ain't going to be the silver bullet. . How about branding, pricing, quality, promotion, logistics, consumer behavour etc etc.
As much as I love to simplify thing. Marketing is way more complex....
That's all from me :)
Posted by: Jonwchin | 30 May 2010 at 07:46
I actually believe that using both will yield better results. So thanks for these tips.
Posted by: SEOP.com | 10 June 2010 at 23:52