All of us in SEM use certain tools and Web sites to track, analyze, and collect data -- it's not a secret. The fact that we use sites to help us is another reason why anyone can learn SEM -- but it takes time, commitment, and a certain aptitude.
In most cases, and definitely with SEM, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are right and wrong ways to hire an outside SEM firm. You can look at SEMCompare.com for independent reviews about SEM/SEO companies, but as this is a...
Anyone with the desire and opportunity can learn any aspect of SEM, from organic to social, but running successful search advertising campaigns can be a tricky pursuit. We talk to a lot of people who are looking for help with their online marketing.
Carrie Hill (@CarrieHill) SEM Basics SEM News Enterprise SEM SEM Agency Issues I'm guilty of doing it myself today on the official SEW Twitter account (@sewatch), which made me realize it would be more useful to blog about all the SEW folks who are...
As Carrie Hill wrote in her Small Business Marketing column today, demographic targeting is already available from Google and Microsoft, but it is a welcome addition to Yahoo's . Setting up PPC Campaigns 101, Part 1 SEW EXPERTS: SEM 101 Are you...
I say this a lot – and it still isn't necessarily a widespread notion outside the SEM industry: While those are two very different things, you can often serve both audiences by being smart with your Web site development.
I also get e-mails from a lot of folks who are disillusioned with SEM. I receive a ton of e-mails from startups and kitchen table Webmasters. I love these e-mails because they give me great ideas about how to explain and approach writing about...
Keyword research is the foundation of good SEM. SEM is an ongoing process that requires art and science -- invest the time to do it the right way. In doing a wide variety research into what is and isn't working for a small business Web site, I find...
Just like the car repair industry has good guys and bad guys, so does SEM. Get some help from a reputable SEM firm, test the waters, and learn how to use the analytics program best suited to your needs and business.
Sorry to break it to everyone, but online entrepreneurs are a dime a dozen. More online businesses fail than succeed. Unless you want your foray into the interwebs to go the way of the dodo, you better channel some Euclid and find an angle.
Carrie Hill shows how an angle for your Web site and search marketing can mean all the difference between a successful Web site venture and a failure. In today's small business search engine marketing column, "The Geometry of SEM -- What's your Angle?
Although "Made to Stick" wasn't written for the SEM industry, the main tenets can be translated -- and scaled -- for use in campaigns that run from $100 to $1 million a month. I met some great people and attended some awesome sessions at SES San...
In today's small business SEM column, "SEM Success In 10 Minutes A Day," Carrie Hill gives you 10 search marketing tips that take just 10 minutes a day or less. If you're a small business owner, it can be difficult to juggle your responsibilities.
The best way to learn or stimulate experimentation in SEM is to read. Small Business SEM -- Matt McGee is one of my favorites, and he really knows how to break things down for the smallest of businesses.
In today's small business SEM column, "Increase Web Site Conversions with the Scientific Method," Carrie Hill outlines the process involved, and shows you how it can help improve your SEM campaigns. It's so simple in description, but has unlimited...
In today's small business SEM column, "Why Links are Like Shoes," Carrie Bradshaw, I mean, Carrie Hill indulges the fashionistas among us with a catwalk of links - and how to make them part of your wardrobe.
In this third (and final) installment, we'll talk about a few more elements you should consider when looking at a well rounded SEM campaign: local search, usability, and how to increase conversions. I attended a session on marketing during a...
In today's Small Business Search Marketing column, "The Big Picture -- Well-Rounded SEM for SMBs, Part 3," Carrie Hill shares a few more elements a small business should consider when looking at a well rounded SEM campaign, including local search...
Last time, we talked about three of the bigger pieces to consider when running a well-rounded online marketing campaign. Good analytics, solid SEO, and effective paid advertising will help you understand how search engines work, how users interact...
In today's Small Business Search Marketing column, "The Big Picture -- Well-Rounded SEM for SMBs, Part 2," Carrie Hill looks at tactics for branding, reputation management, social networking, viral marketing, images, and videos.
