In the case of SEO, an initial investment is required that is based on time and resources to optimize the site and create quality content. This, in the long term, is reflected in a relatively low cost, since organic traffic does not require expenses like PPC.
In the case of SEM, it is the opposite, because a high cost is required when having the service, paying for clicks on the ads. The cost will vary depending on the specific needs of the client , the keywords and the bid placed on them and the effectiveness of the campaign itself.
To give you a practical example, let's say switzerland mobile database you own a travel company that needs to promote a holiday package. In principle, it's best to invest in SEO to optimize your site with relevant content about the most relevant tourist destinations. Then, it's good to use SEM campaigns to create search ads that appear when users use travel-related terms.
Time: Short vs. long term results
Time is one of the biggest issues in the digital marketing world. As a rule, almost all clients expect results in record time. The truth is that SEO usually provides results in the medium and long term , since it takes a long time for search engines to index and classify the improved content. In turn, the results are longer lasting.
SEM is the opposite, it offers quick results that do not last longer than what has been paid. To put it in perspective, an online store that sells women's underwear can take months to rank first on competitive keywords. However, by investing in Ads, it is easier to obtain qualified traffic.