New terms to outline new strategies are commonplace in the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
But when a term like Search Engine Positioning (SEP) threatens to take over the original mantle of SEO, and begins to be used by several experts and agencies as an evolution of traditional SEO, you need to step back for a bit and define what’s actually going on.
That’s what we asked our SEO experts and business leaders from the BoostMyDomain community to do, and in their responses they’ve pretty much summed up what they think of this battle between SEP and SEO!
Warning: It’s quite the mix with diverse opinions!
Read on!
Holistic Approach to SERP Real Estate
Search Engine Positioning (SEP) can be seen as an evolution of traditional SEO rather than just a rebranding.
While the core goal of enhancing visibility remains, SEP emphasizes a more holistic approach to occupying valuable real estate on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP).
This means not only aiming for top rankings but also striving to appear in features like snippets and local packs.
SEP is characterized by continuous optimization, where strategies are regularly adjusted based on performance metrics and algorithm changes. It involves a comprehensive content strategy focused on user intent, rather than just keyword density, and places a strong emphasis on technical SEO elements like mobile optimization and site speed.
Additionally, innovative tools for analytics and a focus on quality backlinks further distinguish SEP from traditional methods.
Ultimately, SEP represents a more dynamic and integrated approach to achieving online visibility in today’s competitive landscape.
Chris Raulf
Founder & President, Boulder SEO Marketing
Optimization for Specific SERPs
Search Engine Positioning (SEP) is often viewed as an evolution of traditional SEO. Still, it primarily builds upon existing techniques with a focus on optimizing for specific search engine results pages (SERPs).
At the same time, SEO encompasses a broad range of strategies to improve website visibility. SEP hones in on achieving higher rankings and visibility across various SERP features, such as featured snippets and knowledge graphs.
Innovative strategies that distinguish SEP from traditional SEO include the use of topical clusters to establish niche authority, which involves creating interconnected content that signals relevance to search engines.
Additionally, SEP emphasizes the importance of continuous content updates to maintain freshness, as search engines favor timely information. The approach also advocates for maximizing SERP real estate by aiming for multiple listings on the same page and optimizing for rich snippets.
This focus on comprehensive SERP optimization reflects a shift from merely ranking higher to enhancing overall visibility and engagement in search results.
Sheraz Ali
Founder & CEO, HARO Links Builder
Alignment with Business Goals
It’s a natural evolution of SEO as a channel.
Unlike SEO, which primarily looks at search engine metrics, SEP is more focused on business goals: is this ranking attracting qualified leads? Similarly, SEP wants to align searches with user intent stages, so the approach to it is more holistic.
In terms of innovative strategies, behavioral analysis is key. SEP uses more methods like heatmaps, click tracking, and user flow data analysis to understand how SEO contributes to the entire marketing plan’s conversions.
Lana Rafaela Cindric
SEO & Content Manager, SiteGuru
Focused Application of Traditional Optimization
Search Engine Positioning is a form of targeted SEO where you focus on optimizing a few pages to get them to position better in a search engine ranking.
I don’t see it as a new evolution of SEO, rather as a more focused application of SEO as we know it.
However, it is innovative in that it promises to help you focus your efforts and get better results in less time.
Incorporating techniques such as analyzing for search intents and optimizing for different SERP features, such as knowledge snippets, “people also ask” bubbles, or soon, Google AI overviews, adds an extra dimension to traditional SEO.
Just a Fresh Coat of Paint
Search Engine Positioning might sound like the latest buzzword, but in reality, it’s just a fresh coat of paint on the same old SEO principles.
While the terminology might be evolving, the core concepts remain the same. We’re still striving for those top spots in search results, and the fundamental strategies haven’t changed all that much.
What is evolving, though, is the level of sophistication required.
It’s no longer enough to just stuff your content with keywords and build a few backlinks. We need to think about user intent, content quality, and the overall user experience. We need to optimize for voice search, mobile-first indexing, and the ever-growing influence of AI.
So, while the core principles of SEO remain constant, the strategies and methodologies we use to achieve those goals are constantly evolving.
It’s not just about positioning anymore; it’s about providing real value to the user and establishing your brand as a trusted authority in your field.
Laser Focus on the Human Element
Well, it’s kinda like renovating a house. You’re not necessarily building a brand new one, but you’re definitely giving it a major upgrade.
SEP takes the core principles of SEO – keywords, content, backlinks – and elevates them with a focus on user intent and behavior. It’s about understanding what people are really searching for and delivering exactly what they need in a way that’s engaging and easy to digest.
Think of it as SEO with a laser focus on the human element.
It’s less about pleasing the search engine and more about creating a truly valuable experience for the user.
Unfortunately, Just Another Buzzword
Search Engine Positioning is just another buzzword in the SEO world.
It basically means a set of optimisations that need to be implemented to achieve higher SERPs, hence, not much difference compared to traditional SEOs.
The idea of targeting a specific page is nothing new, it has been here since the dawn of Search Engines.
Peter Ngo
CEO, SERP Solutions
The Visibility Quotient
For me, SEP is more about public relations and traditional marketing rather than SEO, which includes SEP, but also includes technical crawling, link building, keyword & competition research.
For example, if you are a local business, then doing SEP will typically get you visible in the Maps or local packs, while it may not directly influence your position in the organic rankings, especially on competitive terms.
Salvatore Surra
Director of SEO & Content, Seamless.AI
Think of it as SEO 2.0
Search Engine Positioning, now known in marketing circles as SEP, isn’t a revolutionary evolution of SEO. It’s more of a refined approach.
Think of it as SEO 2.0.
It emphasizes user intent and conversion-centric outcomes rather than just rankings and traffic.
Traditional SEO often focuses heavily on optimizing for algorithms. On the other hand, SEP really dives deep into aligning content with what users are genuinely searching for, addressing searcher intent at every stage of the buyer’s journey.
What sets SEP apart is its integration of advanced data insights and precision targeting. It blends content optimization, structured data, and engagement-driven design to secure visibility and, more importantly, meaningful positioning.
Unlike the traditional SEO approach, SEP leans heavily on continuous testing and refinement.
Ryan Jones
Marketing Manager, SEOTesting
More Than a Rebrand - An Evolution
Search Engine Positioning (SEP) is more of an evolution than a rebrand of traditional SEO.
While SEO often focuses on ranking tactics, SEP takes a broader approach by aligning your content with user intent, brand authority, and long-term engagement.
It’s about positioning your website as the ultimate resource for a given topic, not just aiming for the top spot in search results.
SEP combines strategic content creation, advanced analytics, and a user-centric approach, which ultimately builds trust and drives sustainable growth.
Faisal Akram
SEO and Content Strategy Specialist, Zaphyre
The BoostMyDomain team thanks these experts and leaders for taking the time to share their valuable insights on the difference – or similarities – between SEP and SEO.
BoostMyDomain invites you to share your insights and contribute to our authoritative publication. Reach a wider audience, build your credibility, and establish yourself as a thought leader in an industry that caters to every business with an online presence!
