Search Engine Marketing versus Search Engine Optimization, which is better for you?

The right answer is that both, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM), are beneficial to having your web site or blog be more visible in search engine results.

To stream line your process and make the most of the time, energy , and money you contribute to your web presence be sure they are done in the proper sequence: SEO then SEM.

What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimization is aligning the meta tag and page content with acceptable search engine protocols. First, there are many rumors that say meta tags are no longer important to your web presence. Not so. I have done tests on a couple of my sites and the results show meta tags still play an important function to improve your search engine visibility.

First step that is very important on meta tags; the basic three are keywords, description, and title is to  have the right amount of content in each one. The best measurement method is done by software which is free. If you want your meta tags analyzed just send me an email and I will send you your customized report free.

Some common meta tag mistakes include the following:

• using “home” for a title meta tag on the home page
• using “your business name” for a title meta tag on the home page or any page
• using words and phrases that don’t match your content in a description meta tag on any page
• using words and phrases that are the same on all the web pages in any meta tag
• using too little or too many words/phrases in the keyword meta tag on any page

Probably the biggest mistake I have seen lately, especially on WordPress blogs, is not having any met tags present.

What is SEM?

Search Engine Marketing is expanding the reach of your web site. This means you are creating tangible back links to your site in a number of ways.  Keep in mind that the links which are most desirable are organic links, which do not include PPC (Pay Per Click) links. The algorithms of search engines can detect these PPC links and then you end up negatively impacting your PageRank.  This happened to one of my clients before he met me. There is also the true story of the fella on my blog that lost $4M in business because Google penalized him for PPC links. Organic links are the best way to go.

How do you build organic links?  

Ideally, you’ll find sites that have a higher PageRank than you and find a way to place a link there to your site. It is a proven strategy that when you have links from higher PageRank pages, they pull your Page Rank up in their direction.

Next, make sure you place your link on a page that has content relevant to your site content. If you are selling shoes, the link could be on an article comparing types of shoes, If can be on a review of your shoes or a review of your store. The link can be on a press release about your services and products. Another way is making a (relevant content) post in a social network or blog that also includes a link to your site.

Lastly, submit these pages containing links to your web site into the Directories and Search Engines. This is a natural way to distribute your links thereby creating more influence around what you are offering.

Summary

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) needs to be done first. Then proceed with Search Engine Marketing (SEM). You can always adjust your SEO efforts after about 60-90 days of being in the engines.  SEM is making tangible, organic links back to your web site or blog.  These are high PageRank links from reputable sites that have relevant content to your site. Both SEO and SEM are important to increase your web page visibility 1) in search engine results and 2) in making a significant contribution to improving your PageRank.

Steu Mann 541 210 4375
EzWebManifesting.com

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SEO - Search Engine Optimization,& Web Site Design