CU Innovative Marketing

Knowing the Difference between Organic and Paid Search Listings
By: Aaron Howard

As a website owner you often hear the terms organic and paid search listings, but what exactly do these two important terms mean? Organic search result listings are the listings that the search engines like Yahoo, Google and MSN deem to be most relevant to the users who are searching the internet for information. These sites are ranked or weighted based on the content they contain, the keywords used within that content, and the other sites that may be linking to them. There are also other on page SEO factors that are taken into consideration, it is also believed that the age of a website helps with ranking too.

Each search engine has a unique algorithm or secret system with which they use to determine the value of a webpage or site. The most desirable positions within natural search are held on the first page for any given keyword. The competition for these positions is fierce and the methods to gain them can pose to be a mystery to many web site owners. The only true way to gain such status is through the use of a carefully executed optimization plan that encompasses many methods. This process would begin with a complete analysis of your website.

Paid search engine listings or sponsored listings in some case can be easier to come by but may prove to be a costly endeavor. When a website owner places a paid listing or advertising for his website, he will choose relevant keywords related to the products or services that his company provides.

After these keywords are selected the website owner than bids a set amount that they are willing to pay each time that a browser clicks on their ad and visits their website. Although this looks like an attractive option to solve the problem of getting traffic to your website it is not without method or without risk.

It is very important to do diligent keyword research and to create ads that make the user want to click on them. If the ad does not receive any clicks than the website will not gain any traffic which ultimately will mean no sales as well. Another equally important consideration is getting the most traffic for your money, some keywords can cost upwards of 5.00 per click and so finding keywords that get clicks but cost less can help your advertising dollar go much further.

Using methods that encompasses both natural and paid search engine placement will help you to achieve the proper balance when promoting your website. When carried out affectively they can aid your web site in being a lucrative venture.