SEM Basics: A Guide for Webmasters and Search Engine Marketers

Search Engine Watch can help webmasters, search marketers, and other online marketers learn about search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). Below, we've highlighted some of the best stories on a range of topics.

SEM 101

Articles from Our Expert Columnists

Ron
Jones

Blogs and Blogging 101, Part 1

Search engines will reward a site that has quality content with good rankings. For many sites, one of the easiest ways to add that quality content on a consistent basis is by starting a blog. Jun 29, 2009

Effective PPC Ad Copy 101, Part 2

We've covered the searcher behavior funnel and tips for writing headlines and descriptions. Now we'll venture beyond the ad copy to discuss methods for testing and fine-tuning your ads to increase performance. Jun 22, 2009

Effective PPC Ad Copy 101, Part 1

One of the most important factors of a successful PPC campaign is writing successful ad copy. You can spend a good deal of time on other aspects of your campaign but skimp on the ad copy and you might not get the results you're looking for. Jun 15, 2009

SEO Basics: Effective Iterative Keyword Research in 2008

The value of any SEO effort lies in the keywords you choose. It's really that simple -- you can't overestimate the importance of strong keyword research.

Tracking and Analytics 101

In search marketing, everything's measurable. Start with Web site analytics 101

PPC 101 Writing Successful Creatives

PPC (Pay Per Click) ad copy for paid search beginners. Here's your call to action.

Google AdWords 101: Landing Pages

How to start a profitable Google AdWords campaign. Intro to landing page optimization.

Google AdWords 101

How to launch your first ever Google AdWords campaigns.

Search Engine Visibility and Site Crawlability, Part 2

Large dynamic Web sites can be a big SEO headache. Tackle these problems, and you're likely to have little to worry about.

Search Engine Visibility and Site Crawlability, Part 1

Huge databases that generate Web site content on the fly can be the bane of search engine spiders' existence. They can't find pages; they can't see URLs. So they can't index pages.

Blog Marketing Takes Commitment

At Search Engine Strategies Chicago last week, top bloggers informed marketers that they'll need to leave their comfort zones to succeed in the social ecosystem.

SEO Expectations and Commitments

You need a strategy to educate the decision-makers who will never actually do SEO, but who cut the check or approve the time spent for SEO. They need to know what to expect, and what's expected of them.

Is the Social Media Press Release a Meatball Sundae?

The idea of a social media release is on trial, and it looks like the jury is ready to convict.