FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions at SEMlist.com
What is an SEM?
An SEM or Search Engine Marketer is a professional service that aims to increase the visibility of an Internet-based business.
What are the services an SEM provides?
The most common services are designed to increase the number of visitors at a Web site by improving the site's ranking by search engines. In the SEMlist definitions page, you'll find detailed descriptions for some of the most common of these services. These are not the only services that a search engine marketer will provide. Some SEM firms also offer traditional advertising services, consulting services or Web page design.
What is the difference between an SEO and SEM?
SEO is short for Search Engine Optimization. The term was popularized when search engine marketing was primarily about "optimizing" web pages to rank better on crawler-based search engines. Now there are many avenues in which sites might be listed on search engines. The term SEM encompasses both SEO and other types of search engine publicity services, such as managing advertising campaigns based on "bid-for-placement" search listings. For more on the differences, read comments from people in the field.
How are SEM firms selected for the list?
The SEMlist is open to all firms offering SEM services. We make no attempt to test the quality of any firm's services. We simply confirm that each listing has accurate contact information. Our intent is to offer the list as a directory of search engine firms. We encourage you to shop carefully as there is a wide variety in prices and the types of services offered.
What are the costs?
The cost of SEM services varies. Some firms have detailed a la carte pricing that start at a few dollars for every search engine submission, while others price their services only through comprehensive consulting contracts that start in the thousands.
Where can I learn more about search engine marketing?
internet.com offers help for Internet marketers in a number of ways.
- The Website ClickZ publishes daily articles on the marketing challenges facing Internet businesses.
- The website SearchEngineWatch regularly reports on news and techniques affecting this field. You can subscribe to free newsletters for the latest news.
- For the most in-depth reports on search-engine related issues such as getting listed in search engines, creating copy to please them, new paid listing programs and other tips to help improve the results you receive from search engines, subscribe to the Members Only area of Search Engine Watch.
- We regularly offer seminars on search engine marketing and other forms of Internet marketing. Visit Search Engine Strategies or ClickZ Eventsfor details.
I heard cloaking was a dangerous practice. Why do you list it at SEMlist?
It has been reported that some search engines take steps to defeat the practice of cloaking (see definition) and they may permanently block Web sites found to be using the technique. (See SearchEngineWatch's explanation of the cloaking controversy for more details.) SEMlist is not endorsing the practice of cloaking by allowing firms to disclose that they provide this service. We believe visitors to this site benefit from being fully informed about the practices of their business partners.
I experienced a problem with one of the firms listed. Where can I report it?
Send an email to the list administrator and we will investigate. We are not able to mediate disputes but we will remove any company that provided inaccurate information.