Buzzwords have a tendency to change Some remain! For instance, SMM, SEM, and SEO. They are just bunch of letters that are confusing or are they really crucial? What exactly do these terms meanand why should it have significance for the business owner?

* SMM stands to mean “social media marketing” and is related to promotions and engagement of fans using social media platforms such like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc.

* SEO “search engine optimization,” redirects igpanel visitors to your site through specific strategies that are implemented on your site designed to achieve an improved ranking in websites like Google, Yahoo, or Bing.

* SEM stands to mean “search engine marketing” and it involves increasing traffic to your website via the combination of SEO and also through paid advertisements. This is the more broad one, and encompasses SEO, however it is much more than SEO by itself.

Why should you be concerned?

The majority of online marketing firms specialize in a particular area and not the other. Find out what your goals are prior to contacting marketing companies to aid you. This will ensure that you are getting the most appropriate type of assistance.

Consider that the above definitions are generalized, however there is a distinct difference between SEO/SMM and SMM. First (SMM) is focused on relationship building and interaction and the two (SEO/SEM) are focused on getting people to visit a site. There’s a huge distinction in the way they concentration. It is possible that both are required However, give some thought to the goals you want to achieve here.

If you tend to favor or incorporate SMM when you do, then you need be aware that your the time and effort will have to be devoted to regular, new content. If you write all of your content and posts by yourself or outsource this job it is essential to be constant pay attention to this activity through your various social media channels. Social media managers are likely to be less expensive to hire than SEM/SEO firms however, the ROI on SMM could be less lucrative due to the fact that it takes time to build relationships and relationships do not always result in immediately sales.

If you prefer to include SEO/SEM, keep in mind that the algorithms that determine the way search engine results are obtained alter frequently – nearly every day. Therefore, you should anticipate to see this as an ongoing effort that is not a single-time fix. Being in the very first search results of Google For example, is a constant fight. It’s not about conversations or relationships. It’s about links, constant search for key words, adjustments and updates. The payoffs are usually higher when it comes to driving visitors to your site however, this also adds the expectation that your website is constantly checked and maintained to get the most effective results.

No matter what you decide to focus on selling, it is a function of the level of engagement you have as a business or product. Any kind of marketing can create visibility and establish an image. In the end, sales are based on the customer service, the quality of the products, and also the need that you meet with your clients. SEM, SEO, and SMM can help you in becoming accountable and being discovered. It’s entirely up to you!

Camille Rodriquez is the owner of Polka Dot Impressions, a social media consultancy company. She also serves as the Women’s Pastor of the church she attends, Living Stones Church – Sugar Land, and has written the Christian devotional entitled, “When I Die – On Being, Living, and Having the Last Word.”

She is a firm believer in integrity and integrity – honesty in life and in business. Integrity is also a key element of integrity and personal accountability to other people. Since everything we do creates an impression and she wants others to create a positive impression!