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Are Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) the Same Thing?

FAQ #2:

Q:

Are search engine marketing and search engine optimization the same thing?

A:

No. Although the terms “search engine optimization” and “search engine marketing” are often used interchangeably, it’s important to note that these two terms have different meanings.

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), on the other hand, 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.