Search engine marketing (SEM) is critical for any business that wants to leave its mark on this world. SEM is a digital marketing strategy that you use to obtain traffic via payment positioning. You can partake in PPC campaigns and place a Google ad to reach your target audience. Since it’s a form of paid marketing, you need to ensure your success by implementing foolproof SEM strategies.
Let’s take a look at the best search engine marketing strategies that you can use to get ahead of your competition!
Top Search Engine Marketing Strategies
1. Focus on Local Search
You must direct your SEM efforts toward local search. According to a Think with Google study, 72% of tablet or computer users and 67% of smartphone users want ads that are customized to their zip code or city.
Additionally, 72% of consumers that perform a local search tend to visit a store within five miles of their location. These stats highlight the importance of focusing on local search as it improves the likelihood of your business getting discovered. Add your location to your ad text and specify your audience, which should reside in your specified location.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Competitors
Search engine marketing is actively used by the best of the best in all industries. It’s why you need to research your competitors and find out what strategies they are using to stay on top of their game. It will help you find creative insights on which ideas you should implement for your own strategy and which ones you should stay away from. Conduct thorough PPC analysis and keyword research, and find out what bidding tactics your competitors use. You can use many online tools to compare your advertising efforts to that of your competitors.
3. Create a Feeling of Urgency in Your Paid Ads
One of the best search engine marketing strategies is to create a feeling of urgency in your paid ad campaigns. It’s a great motivator for people to click on your link and take the action that you want them to take, such as buying your product or service.
Add words that create a sense of urgency in your ad copy. For instance, words such as “Now,” “24 hours left,” “limited time offer,” and “ends (when)” will certainly help you instill a sense of urgency in your customers.
4. Use Google’s “Similar Audience” Feature
Google AdWords provides you with a feature that enables you to show your ad to users that have similar interests and behavioral patterns as your target audience. It allows you to effectively expand your reach and target new leads with similar characteristics as those of your website visitors. It’s a great strategy to attract qualified traffic to your website. You can also use AdWords to segment your audiences to your benefit. It will enable you to create tailored ads for each segment, which will increase the likelihood of conversions.
5. Conduct A/B Testing
Test different aspects of your paid ads and SEM campaigns with A/B testing. You can test different descriptions, headlines, extensions, urgency triggers, etc. Compare the results to determine which phrasing is more effective and use that to engage with your audience.
Do you want to run successful Google Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns? Get in touch with Marketing Tiki to rule the world of search engine marketing!