The use of search engines to help surf the Web has become commonplace. Everyone has a favorite, whether it be Google, Yahoo!, or AOL. And many business owners have finally discovered the ability to advertise on these engines to increase traffic and sales to their site. For beginners there are many terms bandied around relating to these search engines which can be confusing. And to add to the confusion it is becoming increasingly difficult to decipher between all of the "experts" and their advice that is so freely available. Perhaps the greatest confusion revolves around the meaning of "search engine optimization" and "search engine marketing."

One of the exciting new developments in the field of search engine exposure is the optimization of your press releases. This offers you a great way to increase your presence on the web and be found for an expanded amount of keywords.

Search engine marketing takes two main forms the free listings or organic listings and the paid listings. The strategy of improving organic listings is known as search engine optimization. The paid listings or paid placement allows you to pay to include your listing for a particular search term. Today we will look at how to integrate paid search placement into your search strategy. The paid search market was $2.9 billion in 2004. It is expected to double by 2009.

As an owner of an online business you should have a clear understanding of your markets. This understanding of your markets should always be determined before going into business. How you read your markets and present your products to your customers will determine how successful your business will be. Unfortunately many people start up an online business without researching their markets or having a marketing plan in place.