Top 10 SEM Specialists to Hire for Winning More Customers
Get more traffic and leads, build search campaigns that drive visibility, and grow your business.
Published March 3, 2024.
Need more customers finding your business online? A talented SEM expert could make all the difference. But when there are so many search engine specialists out there, how do you pick the right one to get real results? You’ll want someone who truly understands search best practices and can expertly help improve your web presence.
We've compiled a list of top-tier SEM specialists to boost your online presence. With proven expertise in optimizing websites and managing paid search campaigns, these professionals can increase traffic, leads, and sales. Read on to connect with SEM standouts ready to drive robust results for your business.
Our picks for the top SEM marketers to hire
1. Stephen H. - Best overall
2. Mihai T. - Best for optimizing SEM through PPC campaigns
3. Kristin S. - Best for using industry best practices to refine SEM
4. David D. - Best for SEM in tech and digital industries
5. Gil M. - Best for lucrative SEM campaigns
6. Justin G. - Best for ROI-focused SEM campaigns
7. Pouria N. - Best for creative SEM techniques
8. Limor G. - Best for a diverse approach to SEM targeting
9. Iban R. - Best for driving traffic through targeted SEM
10. Pawel J. - Best for leveraging PPC and SEM for max results
What does an SEM specialist do?
An SEM specialist is adept at understanding the nuances of search engine marketing tactics and how to use various platforms such as Google Ads and Bing Ads.
They're responsible for making sure your website ranks for your target keywords and phrases and that your paid search campaigns are converting into leads or sales. They must also understand the importance of keyword research, content optimization, algorithm changes, paid advertising tactics, and more.
1
Stephen H.
Expert SEM specialist
Experience
12+ years
Country
USA
Industry focus
Technology | Home & garden | Automotive | Finance | Electronics | Art & entertainment | Health & wellness
Brief overview
With over 12 years of experience, Stephen is a skilled Digital Marketing Expert focusing on Search Engine Marketing and Paid Media.
He has worked with both B2C and B2B brands across various industries, particularly skilled in eCommerce and lead generation.
Specialties
- Search ads
- SEM
- Social ads
- Amazon PPC
- Tracking implementation
Why hire Stephen?
With over 12 years of experience in digital marketing and Paid Media, Stephen optimized multimillion-dollar ad campaigns on Google and Bing to expand market share for an engineering supplies company.
Drawing on his expertise, he targeted profitable categories like electronic devices and measurement instruments to boost performance.
2
Mihai T.
Pro PPC marketer for SEM
Experience
10+ years
Country
UK
Industry focus
Art & entertainment | Home & garden
Brief overview
Enhance your business's digital footprint with Mihai, a skilled Digital Marketing & PPC specialist.
With over a decade of comprehensive experience across SEO, SEM, social media, PPC, web development, email marketing, web analytics, and conversion rate optimization, Mihai offers a breadth of expertise.
Specialties
- Google Ads
- Bing Ads
- SEM
- SEO
- Instagram Ads
Why hire Mihai?
Mihai specializes in optimizing pay-per-click advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Adwords, Bing Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads.
His focus is on implementing strategies that deliver measurable results and impact for brands.
3
Kristin S.
SEM tailored ads specialist
Experience
8+ years
Country
USA
Industry focus
Travel | Health & wellness | Art & entertainment
Brief overview
Kristin brings over 8+ years of expertise in managing paid media campaigns for more than 80 clients, spanning budgets from thousands to millions.
Specialties
- Google Ads
- Bing Ads
- YouTube Ads
- SEM
Why hire Kristin?
Kristin has a proven ability to optimize results by developing customized strategies aligned with clients' business goals and industry best practices. Her approach begins with a deep understanding of a client's objectives in order to create the most effective plan.
She takes pride in being highly responsive, transparent, and integrating seamlessly as a valuable member of a client's team. Kristin is committed to aligning her strategic insights with clients' needs to craft bespoke solutions that drive results.
4
David D.
Tech-savvy SEM marketer
Experience
8+ years
Country
USA
Industry focus
Technology | Health & wellness | Art & entertainment | Finance
Brief overview
David is a results-oriented digital marketer with a wealth of experience managing six-figure ad spends monthly across diverse industries including software, biotech, cybersecurity, and legal lead generation.
Specialties
- SEM
- Google Ads
- Facebook Ads
- Instagram Ads
- YouTube Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
Why hire David?
David has built a reputation for consistently driving high ROI for his clients through his unparalleled expertise in SEM. His accomplishments include leading executive strategy sessions at Google Headquarters to help clients expand their search and display capabilities.
David leverages his in-depth knowledge to develop high-impact SEM solutions that rapidly accelerate business growth for the organizations he works with. He is renowned for his ability to deliver strong returns on SEM investments.
5
Gil M.
Experienced SEM professional
Experience
6+ years
Country
Israel
Industry focus
Education | Finance | Electronics | Automotive | Professional services
Brief overview
Gil brings over 6 years of expertise in the PPC/SEM field, transitioning recently to embark on a self-employed venture.
Specialties
- Search ads
- Taboola
- Social ads
- SEM
- Amazon PPC
- Video
Why hire Gil?
Gil has extensive experience managing large-scale PPC campaigns, including overseeing Fortnite's $6 million monthly advertising spend. He has driven traffic for major companies like Zynga, Playtika, Gett, and Plarium.
With expertise in running cross-channel campaigns on Google, Facebook, and more, Gil is well-positioned to deliver outstanding results as an entrepreneur.
His substantial background in managing high-profile PPC accounts has given him proficiency in optimizing campaigns across platforms to boost performance.
6
Justin G.
Holistic and experienced SEM pro
Experience
15+ years
Country
USA
Industry focus
Beauty | Health & wellness | Finance | Real estate | Style & fashion | Automotive
Brief overview
Justin, a seasoned digital marketing expert with 15 years of industry experience, specializes in paid media strategies.
Specialties
- Google Ads
- Bing Ads
- SEM
- Google Shopping
- YouTube Ads
Why hire Justin?
With experience managing annual budgets up to $10 million, Justin has a proven ability to oversee large-scale digital campaigns while delivering phenomenal results.
His unique, holistic approach sets him apart. Rather than solely focusing on driving website traffic, Justin pays close attention to post-click interactions and conversions to maximize ROI.
He optimizes every aspect of digital marketing strategies, not just traffic. This comprehensive perspective enables Justin to ensure the entire customer journey is optimized for success. His track record reflects his skills in effectively managing substantial budgets to drive growth.
7
Pouria N.
Creative and data-driven SEM expert
Experience
7+ years
Country
USA
Industry focus
Automotive | Finance | Health & wellness | Technology | Sports, outdoors & fitness
Brief overview
With over 5 years of experience, Pouria has a strong passion for paid media and has worked with prestigious brands and agencies across the US. He takes a data-driven and creative approach, going beyond just channel expertise.
Specialties
- SEM
- Search ads
- Google Shopping
- Facebook Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
- Instagram Ads
Why hire Pouria?
Pouria utilizes his creative talent and strategic marketing abilities to deliver results for clients. With extensive experience and expertise in paid media, he is able to ensure client satisfaction.
Beyond platform knowledge, Pouria brings creative thinking and strategic insight to drive outcomes. His unique combination of data-driven decision making, innovative creativity, and marketing strategy generates value for the brands he partners with.
By leveraging analytics while applying imagination and strategic planning, Pouria is able to make an impact.
8
Limor G.
Dynamic SEM expert and media pro
Experience
10+ years
Country
Israel
Industry focus
Travel | Beauty | Style & fashion | Finance | Health & wellness
Brief overview
With over 9 years of experience, Limor is a Media VP, SEM expert, and PPC campaign manager. She has led digital marketing campaigns for major brands across diverse industries.
Specialties
- Tracking implementation
- Email marketing
- SEM
- Social ads
- Search ads
- Outbrain
- Google Shopping
Why hire Limor?
Limor is a media and marketing strategy expert with deep knowledge of media analysis and Google AdWords certification. With extensive experience across all programmatic advertising platforms, she is highly skilled in paid search, campaign management, and strategic leadership.
Leveraging her analytical capabilities and expertise, Limor drives success for brands through paid media optimization. She utilizes her proficiency in interpreting data and understanding advertising platforms to enhance digital marketing performance.
As a leader, Limor applies her strategic insights and platform mastery to guide brands to success through paid channels.
9
Iban R.
Traffic-focused SEM and web expert
Experience
8+ years
Country
UK
Industry focus
Education | Professional services | Style and fashion | Food & drink
Brief overview
Iban is dedicated to empowering brands to enhance their visibility, relevance, and appeal to users on Google.
Specialties
- SEM
- Search ads
- Social ads
- Outbrain
- Amazon PPC
- Google Shopping
Why hire Iban?
As an expert in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), and Website Performance Optimization (WPO), Iban specializes in helping brands build an effective online presence and achieve peak performance.
With a focus on creating seamless user experiences as a Website Experience Specialist, Iban optimizes websites to drive engagement and conversions for brands. By enhancing site speed, and usability, and aligning content strategies, he enables brands to thrive digitally.
Iban's specialized skills ensure brands maximize their discoverability, traffic acquisition, and conversion rates for online success.
10
Pawel J.
SEM and PPC marketing expert
Experience
10+ years
Country
Poland
Industry focus
Education | Electronics | Automotive | Home & garden | Style & fashion
Brief overview
Pawel is an experienced Digital Marketing and SEM/PPC professional with over 10 years of global experience focused on lead generation, ROAS and ROI.
Specialties
- Google Ads
- YouTube Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
- Facebook Ads
- SEM
Why hire Pawel?
With over a decade of experience, Pawel has driven digital marketing performance for major global clients across eCommerce, education, and SaaS, including Unbrokendesigns, SomProduct Poland, ChannelAdvisor, and Nestle.
His work with leading brands like Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, and LG has honed his expertise in leveraging paid search and SEM to deliver impactful results, from generating leads to optimizing returns.
Pawel's specialized skills in PPC and SEM enable him to make data-driven decisions that maximize marketing performance for companies worldwide.
His substantial background in empowering top brands to succeed digitally makes Pawel an expert in driving online growth and ROI across industries.
How does search engine marketing work?
Search engine marketing (SEM) is a branch of online marketing focused on promoting websites by increasing their visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is typically achieved through a combination of paid and unpaid strategies. The term "search engine marketing" is often debated, as some say it's a broader concept to encompass just paid marketing (e.g., PPC). In contrast, others say it's meant to include both PPC and search engine optimization (SEO.)
Regardless of how you look at it, search engine marketing is one of the most powerful ways to bring more attention (and conversions!) to your business. Everyone uses search engines to get information about the products or services they want to buy—and the more present you are in the search results, the more likely it is you'll attract their attention and convert them into customers.
What skills should your SEM expert have?
Your SEM expert should possess a collection of skills that help them navigate the continuously shifting nature of search engines. Here are some of the essential qualities to look for in your SEM expert hire:
PPC understanding
As PPC is one of the main activities of an SEM specialist, you want to ensure your expert has a deep understanding of how it works and the different strategies they can use to get you results. Search ads are complex and require a lot of testing and optimization, so you’ll want to be certain your expert has a strong grasp of these skills.
In-depth search engine knowledge
A SEM specialist's main core of expertise revolves around search engines. This means your SEM expert should be extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of search engine marketing and familiar with the different algorithms used by major search engines (Google, Bing, etc.) They should also keep up-to-date on any changes that occur in the industry and how those changes can impact your campaigns.
Analytical skills
Your SEM specialist needs to be proficient in reporting and tracking the performance of your campaigns. They need to understand how to interpret analytics data, such as cost per click, cost per impressions, and click-through rates, to gain insights into their campaigns’ performance.
They also need to know how to work with analytics tools like Google Analytics, for example. This will help them drive a data-based SEM strategy (and it will also help inform other areas of your marketing - like content marketing, for example.)
Growth mindset
A growth mindset is essential for any digital marketing or SEM specialist. A lot of people think PPC is a "quick" way to get more customers, but just like any other area of marketing, search engine marketing requires time and constant adjustments to work at peak efficiency. As such, you must ensure your SEM expert has a growth mindset open to experimentation, testing, and learning.
Creative problem-solving skills
Like everything else, search engine marketing comes with its challenges—so you need to make sure your SEM expert knows how to navigate these challenges and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Strong organizational skills
Organizational abilities are a must for any SEM specialist as they often juggle multiple campaigns and tasks. Your expert needs to be able to structure your search campaigns and ads so they make sense and help your business achieve its goals.
Knowledge of A/B testing
A/B testing helps you know what works and what doesn't—and since PPC isn't a one-size-fits-all recipe, making sure your SEM expert knows how to run smart, data-driven A/B tests is essential.
Understanding of SEO tactics
While not every SEM expert doesn't have to be an SEO specialist, they should at least understand the basics and how it works. This can help them tweak their campaigns accordingly and get more out of their budget.
Suppose your SEM expert will handle SEO, too. In that case, they need to know how to select and implement the right SEO, link-building, and content marketing approaches to help you get more organic traffic.
Communication skills
Search engine marketing specialists have to collaborate with other members of your marketing team. As such, they need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively so they can explain results, plans, and strategies and participate in different marketing activities that help your business stand out.
Content creation
If your SEM specialist handles advertising campaigns and organic search, they must understand how to create educational, informative, and entertaining content that drives potential customers closer to your brand.
What's the difference between SEM and SEO?
SEM and SEO are frequently used as interchangeable terms, with both referring to digital marketing tactics. While they may overlap (according to some schools of thought, at least), they are two different
SEO is focused on optimizing your website for search engines organically. SEM, however, is either used to describe search advertising or a combination of SEO and search PPC. Generally, SEM aims to drive more website traffic through paid search ads.
Questions to ask your SEM expert before you hire them
Not sure what to ask your SEM digital marketing specialist? Here are some questions to consider when looking for the ideal candidate:
- Can you tell us of a successful search advertising campaign you created?
- Do you have experience connecting SEM campaigns with other areas of digital marketing—such as email marketing or social media marketing, for example?
- In your opinion, what place does search engine marketing play in an omnichannel marketing strategy?
- Do you have experience running campaigns for other advertising platforms?
- Aside from SEM campaigns, do you have experience handling other online marketing campaigns?
- What do you estimate the average monthly costs of running search ads for our business are?
- What is your process for finding relevant keywords and ensuring your keyword planning is efficient?
- What are the most efficient digital marketing strategies you've used?
- How do you collaborate with other marketing team members to ensure your marketing efforts are effective?
- Do you have experience running search advertising for other search engines besides Google Advertising?
- In your opinion, what are some of the best advertising ideas in SEM at the moment?
How to hire the perfect SEM marketer
There are multiple ways to hire a great SEM marketer. Here are some of the best/ most popular ones:
Post on job boards
Job boards are one of the most popular ways to hire someone. You put together a job description, publish it on a job board (like Indeed, for example), and then sift through applications using your internal process. The downside to this approach is that you may get a lot of irrelevant or less-than-perfect applications.
Post on social media
Posting your job on social media is a relatively easy way to tap into your network and see if someone suitable applies. Same as job boards; however, sifting through the messages and applications can be time and energy-consuming.
Ask for referrals
If you want a quick way to hire someone who's already worked with someone you know, all you need to do is ask. When you hire through referrals, you can be certain that the candidate is well-suited for the role and has a solid track record.
Hire trusted SEM specialists through Mayple
Mayple can match you with a vetted SEM consultant in a few days. We only work with digital marketing experts who can prove their track record of success in specific industries. So, you can rest assured that hiring an SEM specialist with Mayple is an easy and efficient way to find the perfect candidate.
