Search engine marketing (SEM) is an essential strategy for businesses looking to increase their visibility and attract more customers online. With 91% of online experiences beginning with a search engine, having an effective SEM strategy is critical for reaching target audiences and driving conversions.
What is Search Engine Marketing?
Search engine marketing refers to paid advertising methods on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. The most common type of SEM is pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, where advertisers bid on keywords relevant to their business. When searchers type in those keywords, the ads appear alongside the organic search results.
Other types of SEM include:
- Paid search listings – Appear above or below organic listings
- Remarketing/retargeting ads – Ads targeting previous site visitors
- Product listing ads – Ads featuring specific product information
- Local ads – Ads targeting searches within a geographic radius
Why is SEM Important?
Here are some of the key benefits of search engine marketing:
Increased Visibility
SEM makes it possible for businesses to appear prominently in search results and get seen by their target audiences. Paid search ads are clearly marked as “ads” and appear above or alongside organic listings.
Targeted Reach
Businesses can target their ads by keyword, location, time of day, device, remarketing list and more. This level of targeting provides access to motivated searchers actively looking for related products or services.
Measurable Results
The investment can be precisely tracked in terms of impressions, clicks, and conversions. This allows for optimization over time by allocating budget to well-performing ads.
Higher Conversion Rates
Searchers clicking on paid ads have expressed an interest in those offerings, making them primed for conversion. Paid search drives higher quality traffic.
Increased Brand Awareness
Appearing prominently alongside relevant searches can increase brand visibility and awareness among target demographics.
Main Components of an SEM Strategy
An effective SEM strategy involves multiple components working together:
Keyword Research
The first step is researching high-volume, relevant keywords that target audiences are searching for. Keyword data tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner are essential for this.
Landing Pages
Send traffic to designated landing pages that align with chosen keywords and are optimized for conversion, SEO website use backlink quality.
Quality Score
Google rates paid ads on a 10-point Quality Score scale based on expected clickthrough rate, ad relevance, and landing page experience. Ads with higher scores get better ad positioning at lower prices.
Bidding & Budgeting
Set smart bids aligned with conversion values for each keyword and appropriate daily/monthly budgets. Leverage bidding automation tools.
Ad Copy
Craft compelling, relevant ad copy that incites desire for products or services. Test different ad copy and headlines.
Extensions
Enhance ads with extensions like callouts, call buttons, location information, etc. Extensions boost ad visibility.
Analytics & Optimization
Use analytics to gather insights on campaign performance. Optimize for key metrics like clickthrough rates, conversions, ROI, etc.
4 Types of Search Campaigns to Run
Here are some of the most common SEM campaign types to implement:
1. Branded Campaigns
Target branded keywords like your business name, product names, slogans, etc. Boost visibility for your brand assets and offerings.
2. Non-Branded Campaigns
Bid on non-branded keywords related to products, services, and industry terms. Appear for broader searches.
3. Remarketing Campaigns
Show ads to previous website visitors or converters to keep your brand top of mind. Remarket across channels.
4. Local Campaigns
Run ads with a geographic radius to connect with local searchers looking for nearby businesses.
SEM Platforms and Tools
The main platforms for running search campaigns include:
- Google Ads – The largest search platform. Provides robust targeting options.
- Microsoft Advertising – Provides search ads on Bing, Yahoo, etc. Access searcher intent signals.
- Amazon Marketing Services – Run Sponsored Products ads on Amazon. Reach consumers ready to purchase.
Helpful SEM tools include:
- Keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner
- Bid management tools like Optmyzr or WordStream
- Analytics platforms like Google Analytics
- Landing page builders like Unbounce or Leadpages
Keys to SEM Success
Follow these best practices to maximize SEM success:
- Set concrete campaign goals and track KPIs
- Research competitor keywords and traffic sources
- A/B test ad creative, landing pages, offers, etc.
- Ensure quality ad copy and landing page alignment
- Monitor keyword performance and bid accordingly
- Use negative keywords to reduce irrelevant clicks
- Automate bids and budget rules once optimized
- Review search terms report for keyword ideas
- Coordinate with SEO for long-term wins
- Stay on top of search algorithm and ad auction updates
Conclusion
Implementing an effective search engine marketing strategy is crucial for driving qualified traffic and conversions in today’s digital landscape. By leveraging targeted paid search and display ads, businesses can connect with audiences at the right moments to grow their brand and bottom line. Following SEM best practices around keyword research, ad copy, landing pages, bidding, and optimization will lead to success.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between SEO and SEM?
A: SEO refers to organic, unpaid search results, while SEM focuses on paid search advertising. They work hand-in-hand to boost visibility.
Q: How much should I budget for SEM campaigns?
A: Budget is dependent on factors like industry, competition level, and goals. Most businesses allocate 5-15% of revenue to SEM efforts. Start small and scale budget over time.
Q: How quickly can I expect to see results from SEM?
A: SEM delivers results faster than SEO. You may see conversions within the first couple weeks as your ads become visible for relevant searches.
Q: Should I work with an agency or handle SEM in-house?
A: Many businesses find success managing simple search campaigns in-house using platforms like Google Ads. For larger campaigns, an agency may provide strategy and execution.
Q: What metrics should I track for SEM campaigns?
A: Key metrics include impressions, clicks, clickthrough rate (CTR), average cost-per-click (CPC), conversions, return on ad spend (ROAS) and more.