SEM, or Search Engine Marketing, allows you to purchase placement in search results at the top and right of the page on those same search engines, where you see the paid listings.

By putting yourself in the mindset of the customer looking for the products and services you offer, SEM lets you bid on search terms that people type in when they are trying to get to you or your competitors. If you win the bid, your link shows up when a customer performs that search, increasing the likelihood they click to your site.

The goal of both SEO and SEM is to get your website found easily on search engines. A successful search campaign integrates both elements, giving you credibility in the eyes of customers searching for a product or service you offer as well as increasing your visibility by improving your search ranking.