The abbreviations SEO and SEM are often used in similar or even identical contexts. If you’re not familiar with the whole search engine marketing scene it can be tough to find out if there’s any difference between the two at all. But as with other kinds of ‘insider’ terminology, appearances are deceptive.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing. So you see, they are different. To understand better, SEO is anything you do to your page to make it more search engine friendly. SEM is anything you do to get higher ranks in search engines, such as, search engine optimization, requesting back links, and submitting your URL to search engines.

However, be careful when shopping for SEO or SEM services. So companies may just be providing services, such as submitting your website’s URL to a few search engines, which you are perfectly capable to do yourself. Don’t be fooled! If they do not tell you the exact services it offers in the package you have intrest in, then be sure to ask questions.

Now some important information to be sure to follow. Get a list of all the search engines they plan to submit it to and websites like Yahoo!, Google, and 100’s More! do not count. Ask if they will keyword your site and if they include META and ALT tags. They last important tip is to get a list of specific things they plant to do to help surfers find your website.

The main importance is not if it?s a SEO or a SEM package, but rather, what exactly are the methods in the service they are offering? SEM is a more valuable option, as SEO can be included as a marketing strategy, but it?s also important to remember that a SEO can be nothing more than sticking your URL in a few search engines. To get the best value for your money, do your homework. Look for reputable websites and ask for specific information on the services they provide. That way, you can make a much more informed decision between using a SEO vs SEM.