Are you ramping up digital marketing for your business in 2018?

Did you know that search engine marketing is a powerful way for businesses both small and large to acquire customers through high search rankings and offering a deal or special offer?

While SEM isn’t a new digital marketing tactic, the landscape is always evolving along with the digital marketing space.

Read on to learn about 5 SEM trends that are on the rise in 2018!

1. Mobile Potential

SEM trends for 2018 are pointing to the priority of mobile traffic.

This trend will definitely be realized if Google decides to unleash its mobile-first index this year.

Regardless, keywords rank differently on mobile versus desktop placements. It’s important that businesses create content that is likely to rank on mobile, as more users search on mobile devices.

2. Location, Location, Location

As mobile use increases, the importance for brands to customize their sites based on a user’s location also increases.

Smartphone users are much more likely to purchase from a site that is customized to their location versus one that is not.

Local SEO also continues to be important for small businesses that wish to rank within a particular radius.

For example, searches for “furniture stores near me” have increased 85% in the last year!

3. Voice Search

Voice search technology is changing the way mobile users search, how people communicate, and how marketers should apply SEM tactics.

With the advent of digital assistants like Siri, Amazon Echo, and Google Home, 2018 will see numerous evolutions in the search engine marketing space.

For example, marketers will need to focus more on how keywords are spoken rather than how they are typed.

4. Campaigns Focused on “Right Now”

When it comes to the offers that are being advertised on search engines, SEM trends are pointing to an increase in urgency in ad copy.

These types of “right now” campaigns will be likely to offer things like same day shipping, cheap flights and hotels within 24 hours, and other deals that are time-based and scarce.

Begin to focus on habit-breaking offers and ad copy that can translate to in-the-moment purchasers, rather than “evergreen” offers that are becoming stale.

5. SEM Trends are Going Beyond Search Engines

Last but not least, SEM will have a new focus in the digital space outside of traditional search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

With Amazon’s AMS and searches across various video and e-commerce platforms, there will be numerous opportunities for marketers to engage audiences in new ways.

The tactics involved in non-traditional SEM may require a more nuanced understanding of platform-specific keywords, algorithms, and search categories.

Ready to Jump into SEM?

Now that you know these 5 SEM trends, you’ll be ready to adapt your strategy to stay ahead of your competition in the new year!

For more digital marketing tips to help grow your business online, check out our blog!

Need a custom SEM solution? Contact us for a free quote, we’ve got you covered!