What is Search Engine Marketing (SEM)?
In a Nut Shell it is purchasing search words or terms from the search engines so your website shows at the top of the listed results. Sounds simple right? However there are so many companies out there that do not provide the right bang for the right buck. Meaning, they over charge and under produce for the services provided.
There are so many factors involved with Search Engine Marketing (SEM) that most providers will not and cannot give you all the facts when it comes to your ad budget. If they do, it's so polluted with terms, charts and graphs you need a degree in Nuclear Physics to understand what you are looking at. The Cure Consulting Services can cut through the mumbo jumbo to give you an accurate overview on your Campaign.
SEM is 100% measurable unlike the Radio, TV or the News Paper. You just need to understand how to set the standards for which you will hold your vendor accountable. The Cure Consulting Services can help you establish those standards.
Did you know that the construction of your Website can affect the amount of money you will pay for placement on the Major Search Engines? It's a well kept secret but it is very true. A badly constructed or even a so called flash website can and will cost you additional money toward a search engine campaign.
For example:
If you are a Honda Dealer in Denver Colorado and you would like to have your Dealership show up under the search term Toyota Dealer Denver you will pay more that listing than a Toyota dealer. Why?? Relevance, the amount of relevance in your site can determine the amount that you pay for a search term.
Below we list out some basic FAQs.
Q: Is Search Engine Marketing (SEM) the same as Pay Per. Click (PPC)?
A: Yes. There is really no difference.
Q: What should an ad budget be?
A: That depends on your business. At The Cure, we can help determine what your rate of return should be.
Q: How valuable is the Number One Position in the search engines?
A: The most valuable part is to be above the "fold". Meaning, the part of the page you see when the results are displayed without scrolling. It is always more cost effective to be in the top 3 to 5. Ask yourself this question, how many times does the first website displayed actually have content that you are looking for?
Q: I have a very small business and how can I possibly afford this?
A: The right SEM Campaign is very affordable. You only pay for the clicks to your website. The problem with most companies is that they just buy the words and let the campaign sit. SEM can be changed and modified everyday if you like. You can measure the effectiveness of your search terms.
Q: How do I make my site SEM Friendly?
A: Text and relevancy will help lower your campaign budget. Text is king on the World Wide Web. Flash and Movies are entertaining and are a nice addition however the main focus should be advertising your products and services. That is done by text.
Q: When I search my business name and I find other websites in the sponsored links. What should I do?
A: The first step is to contact the search engine and file a complaint. The second step is sending a certified letter to the business that is infringing on your trade name and informing them that you are aware of their actions and requesting them to stop. In most cases this will stop the piracy.