On search engine results pages there are two types of returns; one that paid for a high position and those that depend on their search engine optimization to achieve a higher rank organically. Concerning to most online business operators is the time it takes for truly organic marketing to list their websites to the top of the search engine results pages. Their frustration only grows when they see other sites similar to theirs getting a boost in the rankings by paying for it.

Like it or not, pay per click advertising on search engines is probably the most profitable for search engine operators and until the everyday users revolt, is not likely to change. However, more internet users are actually becoming smarter and see the difference between organic marketing and paid links. It appears on search engine results pages, the paid advertisements, pay per click and paid placement ads, are either at the top or bottom of the results page.

While this makes them stand out against the other websites, all users have to do is read a little of the post on the page to determine if the site owner paid for the link or not. By insuring your site is optimized for search engines, and keeping it updated, you site will slowly crawl out of the basement and onto the upper floors of the results house. There is also no way to accurately determine how many people click on a paid ad and leave immediately and the only way a website depending on organic search results can determine their success is though page views.

Owners of search engines such as Google, AOL and Yahoo! have felt some heat in the past about the practice of selling placement on the results pages. However, so far they have not been accused of doing anything illegal and those advertising on the results pages are continuing to pay for their spots.

Essentially, search engine marketing has taken on the role as the means in which a site uses paid advertisements to achieve higher rankings on the internet. Whether it’s through pay per click or straight out pay for placement, it is one of the methods used by many websites to improve their placements in results pages.

Search engine optimization depends more on the site’s design and how visitors view the layout and content of the design and whether information available on the page is relevant to the terms being searched. Many of the more successful online businesses, at least those that can afford to do so, will utilize both methods to improve their odds of being found on the internet. Even those who start out using only organic search results may add paid for results to their marketing arsenal to gain more exposure.