Thread: difference between SMO and SEM?

Many people misunderstand the goal of search engine optimization as distinct from search engine marketing. Applying SEM expectations to SEO can lead to significant frustration and disappointment.

The most common request we hear when discussing search engine services is, "We want our website in the top ten of the search engines when people type in the phrase ______." This goal is flawed and full of unrealistic expectations. Sadly, there are plenty of companies that are willing to take your money in response to such a demand. In some rare cases they might be able to fulfill this request, but often by using unethical and inappropriate methods and tricks that - if they do work - only work for a season and often at the cost of hurting a site in the long run.

Not only is the expectation to get a particular site in a particular position for a particular phrase flawed, but it also tends to obscure other benefits to search engine traffic. Getting expectations in line with what can reasonably be accomplished keeps companies from wasting time and money while avoiding frustration that can come from a flawed search engine strategy.

Originally Posted by peter2010

Social media optimization (SMO) is a set of methods for generating publicity through social media, online communities and community websites.

Search engine marketing, or SEM, is a form of Internet marketing that seeks to promote websites by increasing their visibility in search engine result pages (SERPs).

Thanks for your valuable information. Then what is the difference between SEO and SEM??? or Are they similar???.

SEM is SEO that focuses on the marketing aspect of optimization in order to produce results rather than the backend programming, coding, content and design of a website .


Social Media Optimization (SMO) is a set of methods for generating publicity through social media, online communities and community websites.

Originally Posted by Roy

SEM is SEO that focuses on the marketing aspect of optimization in order to produce results rather than the backend programming, coding, content and design of a website .


Social Media Optimization (SMO) is a set of methods for generating publicity through social media, online communities and community websites.

SEM and SEO are same?