One of the most frequent questions that we receive from our clients is about the difference between SEO, SEM, and SMM. Although these terms are becoming increasingly common, most people are still unsure of what they stand for.
Whether you’re looking to update the look of your site, increase your search engine rankings, or start branching out into social media marketing in order to reach new clients, you’d benefit from knowing about SEO, SEM, and SMM.
Here’s what they mean, how they differ and what each one can do for your business:
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- SEO. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a series of tactics aimed at increasing your website’s visibility in search engine results – essentially, improving your chances of being found when patients are searching for the treatments and services you offer. A combination of on-site and off-site factors dictate how high up your site will appear in search engine results. The goal of any SEO campaign is to drive high-quality traffic to your website, outrank the competition, and convert new patients.
Download our free SEO checklist
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- SEM. Also known as pay per click (PPC), Search Engine Marketing (SEM) involves the placement of targeted advertisements in a user’s search engine results. Based on a bidding system, your paid ads will be only visible to users who meet certain location and demographic criteria. Because you only pay when visitors click on your ad, SEM advertising is one of today’s most effective marketing strategies. Also, you bid price is not based entirely on bid price, but also ad relevancy, click through rate, and the ad copy.
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- SMM. Social Media Marketing (SMM) is an important way for medical practices to reach their current as well as potential patients. Having an active social media presence has become an invaluable part of expanding your reach and establishing trust on the Web. An active Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ allows you to build your own reputation and brand, establishing a relationship with patients and setting your practice apart from the competition.
If there are any other social media marketing terms that you’d like us to define or write about, let us know!
MyAdvice Can Handle It for You
Too busy to manage your blog and social media accounts? Let MyAdvice help! We can plan an organized and effective social media strategy to get potential clients interested in your services! Contact an MyAdvice Representative to learn more.
