What is AdWords or Pay Per Click Marketing?

I get this question a lot from business of all sizes. AdWords and Pay Per Click Marketing is a way of ensuring your website shows up at the top or first page of a search engine by purchasing advertisement spots. These areas are designated by the search engine most recognizably Google. You bid on these spots based on words and phrases you choose that match the product or service you are selling. This service is commonly sold as SEO by some web marketing companies. Do not be confused they are very different services and require completely different skill sets.