What is the difference between SEO and SEM?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of creating strategies and tactics to increase the visibility of the websites in search engines using organic means. The two main pillars of SEO are on-page and off-page activities. Some of these activities include optimized meta data, creating quality content, using keywords, link building and using social media links.

On the other hand, Search engine Marketing (SEM) earns search visibility through paid advertisements, popularly known as pay per click (PPC), on search engines. These advertisements are mostly hosted by Google AdWords. Some of the key activities to make SEM successful include launching specific audience targeted ad campaigns, creating ad groups with targeted keyword variations and providing relevant content for the keywords.