Are you curious about how search engine marketing (SEM) works and how it can benefit your business? Search engine marketing is a powerful tool that can help businesses reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll answer the question of how search engine marketing works, as well as address frequently asked questions about SEM, including what it is, how much it costs, and whether you should advertise on both Google and Bing.
What is Search Engine Marketing?
How does Search Engine Marketing Work?
How much does Search Engine Marketing Cost?
It’s important to note that SEM is an auction-based system, meaning that the highest bidder for a particular keyword will have their ad displayed at the top of the SERP. As a result, businesses must continually monitor their campaigns and adjust their bids in order to stay competitive and reach their target audience.
When using Google’s Keyword Planner, the estimated bids and costs associated with search engine marketing may be enormously useful, providing a useful benchmark to use as part of a larger SEM strategy. Predetermined bids and costs provide helpful starting points for budgeting and forecasting, but it is important to understand that there are other contributing factors to consider when determining the cost per click. Aspects such as user intent, competition levels, presence on third party platforms, desired outcomes from the campaign and more have effects on the amount spent for each click. The careful study of each factor can be essential to understanding real-world costs associated with various keyword terms. Below is an example pulled from Google’s Keyword Planner.
Should You Advertise on Both Google and Bing?
Should I use a Marketing Agency for Search Engine Marketing?
- Expertise and Experience: Marketing agencies have a team of experts who specialize in SEM and have years of experience managing campaigns for a variety of businesses. They have the knowledge and skills to develop effective SEM strategies and make informed decisions about keywords, ad copy, and landing pages that will achieve your marketing goals.
- Time Savings: SEM can be time-consuming, especially if you’re new to the process. By using a marketing agency, you can save time and focus on running your business while the agency handles the day-to-day tasks of managing your SEM campaigns.
- Access to Advanced Tools: Marketing agencies have access to advanced tools and technology that can help them optimize your SEM campaigns for maximum results. These tools can provide valuable insights into keyword performance, ad relevance, and user behavior, which can help the agency make informed decisions about your campaigns.
- Improved Results: With their expertise and access to advanced tools, marketing agencies can often deliver better results than businesses can achieve on their own. They can help you reach your target audience, increase website traffic, and ultimately drive more sales for your business.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While hiring a marketing agency may seem like an additional cost, it can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. An experienced agency can help you save money by targeting the right keywords, developing effective ad copy, and optimizing your campaigns for maximum results. This can lead to a higher return on investment and a more successful SEM campaign.
