Many people are confused because these two phrases are often used interchangeably. There is actually a big difference. SEM or Search Engine Marketing is the broader term; it includes all strategies for promoting your website on the search engines. SEO or search engine optimization is a method of getting a website ranked in the natural or organic search results.

3 Types of Search Engine Marketing

1. Organic SEO: This is a process for improving your website’s rankings. Optimizing is part science and part art. It prepares a web page to be found for certain key search phrases. Organic SEO uses keyword phrases prominently on the web page itself (headings, body text, hyperlinks, etc.). This is usually coupled with a link popularity strategy.
2. Local Search: This uses organic SEO methods mixed with city, state and zip codes. These “geo modifiers” bring in searchers looking for local businesses. This also includes Google 7-pack listings and other local directories.
3. Pay per Click: This is advertising on Google and other search engines. These ads come up based on the keyword query and appears under the sponsored results. You only pay for visitors that click through to your website. This includes Google Adwords, Yahoo! Search Marketing and Bing (Microsoft adCenter).

There are other types of Internet marketing (an even broader term then SEM) that can be used to promote your businesses with the search engines.

Social Media Marketing: This includes blog marketing, social networking, Twitter and more. You can set up profiles on popular social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace , etc. You can publish your own blog or participate in online forums as an expert.

Article Marketing: Write and publish educational articles and place them on article syndication sites. Other web site owners can publish them on their web sites. Links in the bottom resource box will lead interested people to your website.

Best results are achieved when multiple SEM methods are used. Traffic strategies need to be devised when a website is being planned. SEO works best when it is planned into the website structure rather than added on later.

Related posts:

1. SEO Dos & Don’ts (Part 1)
2. Google 7-Pack Optimization Tips
3. Two Ways to Increase Web Traffic
4. Local Search for Local Businesses
5. Local Search for National Companies