Search Marketing

Search marketing is a communicator's medium and a vital part of any marketing mix. This type of digital marketing specifically focuses on increasing a website's visibility in the search engine results pages (SERPs) through organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) while also drawing attention to quality website content or well-crafted paid ad messaging. This class will provide deep insight into the tools and tactics of search marketing. Students will learn what makes search marketing demanding and how to overcome the challenges presented by regular search engine algorithm updates, increasing mobile device usage, and the influence of social media. Two key techniques of SEM will be explored: search engine optimization (SEO) to improve results from the natural or organic listings, and paid search marketing, or pay-per-click (PPC), to deliver results from the sponsored listings within search engines. A variety of search practices, including mobile and local, will be explored.