What are the main differences between SEO and SEM?

SEO and SEM are related concepts, but SEM is actually the broader umbrella term that covers both organic and paid search marketing methods.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) refers specifically to the organic tactics involved in optimizing websites and content to improve unpaid/free rankings in search engines like Google.

SEM (Search Engine Marketing) includes SEO as one component but also covers paid search advertising methods like:

- Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads)

- Paid product listings/shopping campaigns

- Display/banner advertising

- Paid social media advertising

- Any other form of paid promotional efforts in the search sphere

So while SEO focuses solely on improving organic visibility through techniques like technical optimization, content, links, etc., SEM utilizes both organic/free SEO methods and paid advertising strategies.

The key difference is that SEM encompasses a broader array of search marketing activities beyond just SEO's focus on unpaid rankings. An effective overall search marketing strategy will leverage the techniques of both SEO and SEM in a coordinated fashion.