SEM Tools for Optimized Advertising

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most well-known terms in all of digital marketing. Slightly less well-known is SEO’s partner, SEM. Search engine marketing (SEM) takes things one step further, adding new insights and analytics you can use to continue your advertising success.

At SEO.com, we make it our priority to be your expert in all things search engine. Today, we’ll discuss why you need an SEM tool to work with your marketing efforts and explore some of the market’s leading SEM software. We invite you to learn more about how your business can benefit by contacting us today.

SEM vs. SEO — what’s the difference?

As we’ve discussed, SEO and SEM tools offer many similar features. Their goal is to track your keywords, analyze performance, and illuminate ways your strategies can improve. The primary difference between SEO and SEM is what kind of advertising they target:

• SEO focuses on organic searches and website optimization. Anyone can start using SEO strategies from the moment they establish an online presence.
• SEM looks at paid advertisements, commonly known as pay-per-click or PPC advertising. Before you can make the most of SEM tools, you have to build a paid advertising plan through Google, Microsoft, social media, or elsewhere so it can evaluate your progress and make suggestions for future advertisements.

The 7 best SEM tools for businesses

At a minimum, your SEM tool should be capable of analyzing keywords and monitoring campaigns. To really set yourself apart, though, you’ll need much more. These options are some of SEO.com’s favorite SEM tools for businesses of every size, in every industry. Regardless of what you’re trying to sell, these brands can help you get there.

SEMRush

SEMRush is one of the most powerful names in SEM tracking. Above all, SEMRush sets itself apart through its keyword analytics tool. Enter any word or phrase you’re considering as a keyword, and in seconds, you’ll have a full breakdown of its CPC (cost per click), keyword volume, and more.

This program also does an excellent job of breaking down competitor information as it relates to your keywords. SEMRush will show you what active ads you’ll be working against, giving you a new lease to break advertising boundaries.

HubSpot

Another household name in the SEO world is HubSpot, and its HubSpot Ads program deserves such praise. Already use HubSpot? Integrating the SEM tools will be easy. Even if HubSpot is completely new to you, you’ll find a user-friendly interface that integrates and enhances the rest of your marketing plan.

SpyFu

SpyFu’s shining feature is its Top Ad Competitors report. This generated report provides detailed information about how others are using your proposed keywords and recommends keywords that will benefit you most. Furthermore, you can see both of your keywords in a fun Venn diagram, showing you where you overlap with your competitors and where you may be able to find your path in the industry.

SE Ranking

SE Ranking is a great option for beginners and experienced SEM professionals alike. Its intuitive interface will help you feel right at home, and whether you’re building your campaign from scratch or you already have some ideas, SE Ranking will help you at every step of your process.

Optmyzr

As you may guess from its name (both the word itself and its lack of vowels!), Optmyzr focuses on saving you time and streamlining data collection. This tool’s dashboard makes it easy for you to customize what you see and make adjustments just as quickly.

Optmyzr is an excellent choice for businesses that need a setup as unique as they are and a program that will thrive in their fast-paced environment.

Microsoft Clarity

Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that there are existing SEM tools built right into your SERP experiences. Microsoft and Google have recognized the benefits of creating their SEO and SEM tools, so businesses do not have to default to another third party. Instead, they can create campaigns, and manage and analyze them, all from the same convenient platform they’re used to.

Microsoft’s SEM tool is called Clarity. It is free and uses universal event tracking (UET) to create site heatmaps and record online sessions, among other things. Then, it collects all its data and displays it through an intuitive insights dashboard, allowing you to use real-time data to optimize your website.

Google Keyword Planner

Finally, as the world’s leading source for internet searches, it makes sense that Google Ads Keyword Planner is a must-have for many brands. From researching the best keywords to putting your plan into action, everything you’ll need to do is right there in your search engine.

Similar to Clarity, Keyword Planner will give you valuable insights regarding keyword performance and help you stay connected whether you’re at your desk or on the go. When you’re ready to take your SEM planning to the next level, Google may have just the tool you need for streamlined optimization.

Choose the right SEM tools with SEO.com

SEO.com is your source for anything regarding search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and other digital advertising projects. We know how essential it is for you to have strength in advertising, and at SEO.com, we will help you find everything you need to become a powerhouse in your industry. Explore our blog and helpful resources today, then contact us when you’re ready to get your SEO proposal.