Search Engine Optimization marketing, sometimes abbreviated as SEM, is a sub-discipline of digital marketing that is specific to the activity of web searches. Any time an internet user conducts a web search, whatever search engine they’re using (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) runs the user’s search term or phrase through an algorithm. An algorithm is just a complex set of rules and parameters that return back to the user the relevant search results they’re looking for.
Sounds simple, right? The search is the answer.
So, What is SEO Marketing?
The entire idea behind SEO marketing is to use the search engine functionality to generate or increase the traffic that comes from search engines. So, for example, if you’re a painter and you want to have your residential painting website show up when people search for residential painters, you might ‘optimize’ the content on your website, being sure to include specific keywords in strategic places.
To keep with the example, some of these search terms might be:
- House painter
- Painting contractor
- Best home painter
- Quality painting
- Residential painter
…etc.,etc.
The challenges within SEO marketing don’t just stem from knowing how the search algorithms treat your web content. There are also more specific questions that need answers before a sound SEO marketing strategy can really take flight. These questions include:
- What is the competition? The only thing that is stopping your website from being listed as #1 on search results pages is the competition. That’s it. If it wasn’t for every other like-minded painter trying to get their own market share, you could corner the market. Analyzing the competitive landscape is a must, especially when your competition numbers in the thousands (or even tens of thousands).
- What keywords are hot, and which ones are just trends? For sustained success in SEO marketing, it helps to do exhaustive keyword research. This means evaluating the search volume of keywords and key phrases related to your business, a task that can sometimes require advanced tools and knowledge.
- Who is pointing to you, and who are you pointing to? Backlinks, backlinks, backlinks. Anytime another domain on the internet links to a page within your domain, a backlink is created. Google, Yahoo, and Bing all use backlink propagation as a clue that a specific website is ‘popular’ among those who search for sites like it. This popularity translates into higher search result rankings which, in turn, generate more traffic.
Getting answers to these questions takes time and a knowledge of where to look for crucial search engine resources. That’s why partnering with a knowledgeable, capable SEO firm can have value.
Trust the Professionals
By now, Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing have become more than just cottage industries – entire companies are formed with the sole purpose of using the power of SEO to build businesses. Sympler is one of those companies. We’re here to help you reach that next level when it comes to establishing and honing your online presence. Want to learn more? Contact us today, and let’s get started.
