What is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In simpler words, It is the process worked by marketers and SEO specialists to rank higher on google search results by optimizing web pages and their content to be easily discoverable by the end-users searching for keywords relevant to your website also known as On-page SEO. It is crucial for a business to rank on Search Engine front page in order to attain growth, customers, traffic and revenues.

SEO consists of both on-page and off page SEO techniques. Read 

Who doesn’t wants to be on the top? Who doesn’t wants free traffic? Who doesn’t want more revenues for their business? 

What is SEM?

SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing. It is the form of marketing that involves paid promotion of websites on Search Engines to get more traffic and conversions. Like SEO, this is also done for same purpose, Rank higher. A business had to bid on google or other search engines to compete for the SERP- Search Engines Results Pages top positions can also be known as PPC- Pay per click. Read

There is a misconception about PPC and SEM, being the same. SEM is basically a form of marketing just like FB ads (paid). It is the foundation. While, SEO and PPC combines up to make SEM. 

SEO vs SEM

• SEO is by organic means while SEM is paid
• SEO brings traffic overtime while SEM brings immediate traffic
• SEM is practiced for short-term immediate results while SEO is focused on Long-term
• SEM is a one-time setup while SEO takes times for example around 2-3 months or so
•  SEO improves visibility while SEM improves sales
• SEO builds trust, loyalty of the brand while SEM competes only for short-term leads/sales

If you are a business and willing to rank higher on SERP with a long term goal in mind, I would personally recommend to go for SEO.