But what exactly is Search Engine Optimization?

When you want to find anything on-line today search engines are your first stop. Have you ever tried to find your web site on one of the major search engines ( Yahoo , Google or MSN ) just to realize that you can't even find it by searching for your company's name? And then to realize just how easily that of your competition can be found! Or have you simply been searching for a product or service that you also offer, only to realise that your company is nowhere to be found?

What is search engine marketing and how does it differ from search engine optimization?

Search engine marketing is the process of strategically placing advertising on search engines in order to drive quality visitors to your web site. Visitors obtained from this method of advertising are quality visitors because the advertising is targeted directly at those that are in search of specific products or services that you offer.