Over the last few decades, digital marketing has become an indispensable component of organisation. Digital marketing involves a huge diversity of marketing technologies and strategies in order to reach out to their customers online. Digital marketing is mainly split into seven categories. Two of them are Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Marketing (SMM).
SEO vs SMM
The main difference between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Marketing (SMM) is that SEO is the process that is to be followed to improve search engine rankings and get more organic traffic whereas SMM strategy includes paid advertising across social media platforms.
The major objective and purpose of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is to increase traffic on your site. This marketing channel is also very important because it is not only the search engine but also it is about having a good SEO which improves the user experience and eventually the website traffic. Keywords also plays a major role in shaping your website traffic.
On the other hand, Social Media Marketing encompasses paid social media marketing such as twitter, Facebook and Instagram ads along with non-paid social media marketing efforts. On the whole, Social Media Marketing is a good way of brand awareness. It is really very difficult to think about business growth without using Social Media Marketing and if you want to grow your business using Social Media Marketing then you actually need a proper strategy.
Comparison Table Between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Marketing (SMM)
| Parameter of Comparison | Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | Social Media Marketing (SMM) |
| What is it | It is the action for optimizing and making the web page more noticeable that ultimately leads to more traffic and unlimited opportunities. | It is usually an internet marketing which is majorly used for promoting and introducing brand as well as interacting with the customers. |
| Strategy | Organic Strategy | Paid Strategy |
| Aim | To build website traffic | To build Brand personality |
| Goals | To uplift the presence in pertinent online search results. | To erect brand consciousness and finding new customers. |
| Keyword Tools | Ahrefs, Google Search Engine Console, SEMRush, KWFinder, Moz Pro, Majestic, Google Trends etc. | Audiense, OptinMonster, Tweepi, Socedo, Socialbakers, ZeroFOX, LastPass, followerwonk etc. |
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
SEO is one of the top digital marketing channels used to generate traffic on your website. Lots of people search for things and that traffic can be extremely powerful for a business. These represent even more opportunities to connect with the users by answering their queries and become a trusted resource for them. SEO services is also needed because it will help in sending the right signals to search engines and also push your website up the list of results which will help in ranking in the first spot.
Why Site Structure Matters?
Building a logical site structure is always satisfying to the users. It makes your site easier to navigate. This will also provide visitors with a great experience of using your site and this would definitely lead to the encouragement to come back. Hence, site links prove to be really beneficial for Search Engine Optimization because it gives a guide to Google. Site structure is very functioning and accessible as it deals with how this content is grouped.
What is Social Media Marketing (SMM)?
SMM is basically an internet marketing that occurs on social media platforms for the sake of promoting and showcasing company’s products and brands. Social Media Marketing enables the companies to reach out to their customers online for instant interaction irrespective of their location status. The major agenda of using Social Media Marketing is to gain traffic through social media sites. It also helps you in improving your communication with customers.
What are the benefits of using Social Media Tools?
There are innumerable and great many benefits of using Social Media Tools. These tools allow you to collaborate with your team members and also provide the major benefit of seeing your comments and mentions in one place. It also helps in analysing your website’s performance. It is almost next to impossible to make Social Media Marketing effective in the absence of financial resources, talented people and the right Social Media Tools. Some of the Social Media Marketing tools are Buffer, MeetEdgar, TalkWalker, Social Insider, Perfect Audience, Qwaya, BrandWatch, Mention and so on.
Main Differences Between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Marketing (SMM)
- SEO depends on the keywords and also the quality of your website that is linked to your page and the whole site as well. Whereas, SMM depends upon the marketing strategy and the way content is created.
- SEO is all about getting the maximum traffic to your website from the search engine. Whereas, SMM is an online marketing strategy on various social media platforms such as facebook, twitter, instagram etc.
- SEO is a long process and have long term results. Whereas, SMM is a super fast process only when it is done correctly.
- SEO provides organic results. Whereas, SMM is a paid advertising to promote ads or content.
- SEO goal is to uplift the presence in pertinent online search result. Whereas, SMM goal is to erect brand consciousness and find new customers.
Conclusion
Both Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Marketing (SMM) are powerful approach that can be used to reach out to a broad range of audience and can provide a huge help in upgrading your keyword ranking position and at the same time it would help you in increasing the traffic or the crawlers. It would be effective in achieving your site’s goal and aim only when If it is utilized in a correct manner and would give a long term success to the company.
References
- https://success.tmcdigitalmedia.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-seo-sem-and-smm
- https://www.ifwwebstudio.com/blogs/4-differences-between-seo-and-smm.html