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SEO and SEM: what they are and how they differ

Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 3:41 am
by rabia829
When we talk about digital marketing we have to refer to two fundamental concepts: SEO and SEM. These two terms, both related to web positioning , sometimes lead to confusion. In order to clarify all doubts, we explain what each one is, how they differ and how to apply them in your digital strategy.

What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization . SEO encompasses all the actions that are carried out on a website so that it appears in the first results of zalo phone number data search engines. In this way, with SEO optimization we get Google to recognize our content as relevant and position it better.

Some of the SEO optimization actions that must be worked on in the web design process are: studying and choosing keywords, optimizing loading speed, images, linking or content structure (h1, h2, titles, meta description, etc.). These improvement actions are complemented by off-page SEO, which are those that are carried out outside the web. Overall, the objective is to increase the visibility of a website in search engines.

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What is SEO?
What is SEM?
SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing . SEM refers to the set of techniques to improve web positioning through online advertising. Normally when we talk about SEM we refer to appearing in the first search results through Google ads.

The Google Ads tool , through a bidding system , makes it possible for your ads to be displayed among the first results. In this way, when a user makes a search related to your keywords, your website will appear. But it is not enough to just invest money; campaigns must be continuously optimized for them to work.

Differences between SEO and SEM
Although both SEO and SEM seek to improve the visibility of a website in search engines like Google, they are different concepts. The main difference between both techniques is that SEO positioning focuses on appearing among the first results, organically. That is, a website is displayed naturally without advertising. On the contrary, SEM does involve investing money in ads.

In addition, the results of advertising on Google Ads are immediate ; once the campaign is created with its respective ads and keywords, your brand can already appear in the results. On the other hand, the results of SEO optimization are medium/long term , since it takes time for Google to crawl, index and position a website.

It is important to note that although SEO does not involve investing money, it does not mean that it is free or easy. It requires knowledge, experience and constant dedication, which is why it should be carried out by an SEO specialist . Keep in mind that approximately 75% of users do not go beyond the first page of search results. Hence the fight for the top positions.