What to Expect From an SEM Agency and When You'll See Results

The digital marketing industry is on the rise. In 2020, the market was valued at $350 billion. That figure will surpass $786 billion by 2026.

It’s easy to see why businesses are accelerating their digital marketing efforts. More and more consumers are shopping online, and you need to be there when they come looking.

Search engine marketing (SEM) is especially gaining traction. Globally, search engine ads account for $72 billion a year. Many enterprises choose to spend a portion of their SEM marketing funds on hiring a professional SEM agency.

But exactly what is SEM, and how can it drive success? If you’re hiring an SEM agency, what should you expect from them?

Read on to learn more.

In 2020, the market was valued at $350 billion.

What Is SEM?

Search engine marketing, or SEM, is a type of digital marketing that seeks to promote websites by increasing their visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). SEM includes both paid and organic search results businesses can use to:

When executed well, SEM can help propel your business to new heights.

Here’s What Makes a Top SEM Agency

Now that you know what SEM is, it’s time to see what you need to look for in your next SEM service provider. Let’s dive right in.

Expertise

SEM is a complex and ever-changing field, and you need someone who understands the ins and outs of the latest strategies and technologies.

Furthermore, a search engine marketing agency needs to have a deep understanding of your specific industry. This way, they create campaigns that help your company succeed.

Without expertise, it’s easy to make common SEM mistakes that undermine your overall campaign.

Customized Solutions

No two businesses are exactly alike, and a cookie-cutter approach to SEM simply won't cut it.

A great SEM agency will take the time to get to know your business and understand your goals. Then, they’ll develop a customized plan that meets your specific needs.

This could involve anything from developing targeted keyword lists to designing effective ad campaigns. The bottom line is that a good SEM expert will tailor their services to fit your unique business, ensuring that you get the best possible results.

Results-Driven Approach

Given the vital role that performance plays in SEO success, a results-driven approach is something that all businesses should look for when hiring a new SEM expert.

With their extensive knowledge of SEO best practices, a results-driven professional will be able to strategically craft and execute targeted digital marketing strategies that consistently deliver outstanding results each and every time.

Whether you are looking to improve your ranking in search engines or increase visibility on social media platforms, a results-driven approach will help you reach your business goals while also maximizing your bottom line.

Client Success

A successful SEM agency will have a proven track record of delivering results for its clients. They will be able to show you case studies and testimonials from happy customers.

Look for an agency with a diverse portfolio of satisfied clients. This shows that they are adaptable and can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

Choose an SEM agency that is passionate about helping its clients succeed. This will ensure that you get the best possible return on your investment.

Analytics and Insights

The best agencies will be able to provide detailed reports on your campaigns, including which keywords are performing well and which ones need improvement. They should also be able to offer insightful recommendations on how to tweak your campaigns for better results.

Furthermore, a good SEM agency will be proactive in keeping track of industry trends and changes in Google's algorithm. This way, they can adjust your campaigns accordingly.

Transparent, Ethical SEM Practices

Transparency and ethical practices ensure that your campaigns will be built on a solid foundation of quality techniques and strategies. Your potential SEM agency should be open and honest about its methods and results.

For example, it should be willing to provide detailed reports on site traffic and conversions. If the agency makes any changes to improve performance, they should be forthright about these changes.

Additionally, an agency should be proactive in communicating updates or challenges related to your campaign. This way, you always have a clear picture of how things are going.

An ethical firm will never attempt to hide or manipulate data in order to achieve better outcomes for themselves at the expense of their clients. Moreover, they will always put your company's best interests first, working collaboratively with your team to develop a comprehensive strategy that meets your unique needs and goals.

Dedicated Account Management Team

Working with an SEM team that actively monitors your campaigns and provides personalized support can be a joy. You want to receive regular reports on campaign performance as well as any issues or obstacles in the process.

Furthermore, an experienced account manager will be available whenever you need guidance or assistance with your digital marketing efforts.

Commitment to Ongoing Learning, Research, and Education

The digital marketing landscape is constantly changing and evolving, with new tools and techniques emerging every day. To be competitive in this fast-paced environment, an SEM agency must always be at the forefront of industry trends.

They must seek out new opportunities for growth and innovation. Moreover, a good agency will stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. More importantly, they’ll develop strategies that utilize these new technologies effectively.

Look at the agency’s history of involvement in industry conferences and workshops. Do they participate in ongoing professional development programs?

Sources like these are essential for staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving world of SEM.