Paid Search

Definition of Paid Search

Online advertising where companies pay to have their ads displayed on search engine results pages.

Explanation of Paid Search

Paid search, also known as search engine marketing (SEM), involves paying for advertisements to appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords. This approach helps businesses increase their visibility and attract potential customers who are actively searching for relevant products or services. For example, a company selling athletic shoes might use paid search to appear at the top of search results when users search for “buy running shoes.” Paid search ads are typically displayed as sponsored results and are charged on a pay-per-click (PPC) basis, meaning businesses pay only when users click on their ads. By leveraging paid search, companies can drive targeted traffic to their websites, increase brand awareness, and generate leads. The goal is to achieve higher visibility and attract potential customers who are ready to make a purchase. By optimizing paid search campaigns, businesses can improve their return on investment (ROI) and achieve better marketing outcomes.

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