Search engine marketing (SEM) promotes a business by placing paid ads on search engine results pages (SERPs). Google and Bing enable advertisers to bid on search words or phrases that users may type while seeking particular products or services. These ads, (which look similar to search engine results) appear along with actual results for those keywords.

There are many ways to display these ads, known as pay-per-click (PPC) ads. Product listing ads or shopping ads are more visual, product-based marketing that enables customers to see essential information such as pricing and product ratings at a glance. Others PPC ads are text-based.

Marketing via search engines has the distinct advantage of placing ads in front of customers who are actively seeking to purchase a type of product or service you offer. No other advertising can compete with search engine marketing for return on investment.

How Does SEM Work?

Your search engine marketing efforts should focus on specific keywords relevant to your organization and those words prospective buyers are likely to type into the search box when looking for products and services similar to yours. To help with keywords, check out WordStream's Free Keyword Tool. Type in the name of your business or service to get a list of relevant keywords that you can include in your search engine marketing efforts.  Word Stream’s Free Term Tool provides you with access to Google search traffic and other stats.

SEM is one of the most successful methods of expanding your company's reach in today's highly competitive marketplace. You'll also want to know which words not to use in your PPC ads or on your website. Negative keywords can keep you from targeting an audience not interested in your product.

To learn more about search engine marketing and PPC, contact digital marketing agency 247LiveIT today for a free consultation at 877-382-0922 or go to https://247liveit.com.