Online marketing through search engines is also known as search engine marketing (SEM). Here is a guide to getting started with SEM:
- Keyword research: Identify the keywords that your target audience is searching for. Use keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find the keywords with the highest search volume and lowest competition.
- Create compelling ads: Write compelling ad copy that will encourage people to click on your ads. Use the keywords you identified in step one in your ad copy to increase relevance.
- Choose the right platform: Decide which search engine platform you want to use for your ads. The most popular platforms are Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising (formerly Bing Ads).
- Set your budget: Determine how much you want to spend on your ads each day. Start with a small budget and increase it as you start to see results.
- Define your target audience: Use audience targeting options to define your target audience. This might include factors such as age, gender, location, and interests.
- Monitor your results: Monitor your ads to see how they are performing. Use analytics tools such as Google Analytics to track metrics such as click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate.
- Optimize your ads: Use the data you collect to optimize your ads. This might involve adjusting your ad copy, changing your target audience, or adjusting your budget.
- Test different ad formats: Experiment with different ad formats, such as text ads, display ads, and video ads, to see which ones perform best for your business.
- Stay up-to-date with best practices: SEM is a constantly evolving field, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest best practices. Follow industry blogs and attend industry events to stay informed.
