SEO = search engine optimization SEM = search engine marketing In theory, SEM should be broader in scope in terms of promotion of a website. In practice, most of the time you see it it's just another word for SEO that the individual thinks sounds "better", "more professional", "more knowledgeable", etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_Engine_Marketing
I think there are different opinions about the meaning of SEM. Some says it has a generic meaning and refers to people that do any kind of search marketing (either organic or paid ads) and others use SEM when they refer to paid advertising in search engines.
SEO is working to improve your organic search results, while as Minstrel said SEM is the total package including using search engine PPC advertising to compliment your organic efforts.
Well in my opinion SEM and SEO are relating to search engines. SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing & SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. SEM is wider, it includes SEO activities. So, the equation which formed is as under mentioned. SEM =(SEO + PPC + Affiliate Marketing + Other online marketing activities) Please do post your comments on this. Cheers_
The internet is passive marketing. It wont get you anywhere. Do it actively. And SEM is better then SEO since SEO wont always work out.
Hi webviz, how can you say SEO is not working always? I don't agree you. If you do it systematically and with spam free techquines definately it will help in long run. Thanks_
I'm guessing most of you didn't bother to follow the links BILZ and I posted See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_Engine_Marketing
Well, I thought that was what I said Minstrel, just not giving detail, but you are right, I did not go to the links!
I'm just in awe at the amount of posts you guys have. Wow - thanks for the contribution to us little guys!
I did, I just have a different opinion about it. Most SEM firms I know of know shitall about real SEO. Their core services are managing PPC campaigns.