Mediarun Search Marketing News

SEO is a top priority for retailers

April 30th 2010

Search Engine Optimisation News

Search engine optimisation is still a top digital marketing priority for the majority of retailers.

Pay per click advertising continues to perform well, with almost three in ten retailers claiming that a quarter of their site traffic is generated by such marketing.

But, according to new research conducted by Internet Retailer, natural search engine optimisation is far and away the best driver of website traffic.

The firm's latest SEO report shows that more than half of businesses claim that natural search engine marketing accounts for at least a quarter of their websites' traffic.

What's more, almost half of businesses (44.9 per cent) responding to Internet Retailer's survey said that search engine marketing conversion rates were on the rise.

And the financials aren't so different either. Some 37.7 per cent of companies told Internet Retailer that more than 50 per cent of their total digital marketing budgets were spent on SEO - highlighting the growing acceptance of search engine marketing as a legitimate, stand-alone tool for business promotion.

And while the recession took its toll on SEO companies, things have been picking up.

Search engine optimisation expert Udayan Bose told Internet Retailer: "For the year, for our more than 60 online retail clients, the overall average conversion rate was up 15 per cent. And January this year was a very strong month.

"All of this positive movement has resulted in exceptional confidence among search advertisers today."

However, he added that "2009 was a peculiar year for search engine marketing. The first two quarters were exceptionally slow".

But before firms put all their eggs in one basket, Internet Retailing claimed that many businesses are neglecting to engage potential customers through mobile and social networking.

Speaking to the search engine marketing industry expert, CoreMedia vice-president of marketing Rene Hermes said that there is now clear statistical evidence that engaging with customers across a variety of channels is a successful means of driving revenue growth and maintaining customer loyalty.

When it comes to getting your brand and website noticed, however, it seems that a high-quality SEO strategy is the best place to start.

To find out about the performance solution we can offer you and your business, speak to one of our consultants on 0207 843 2265 or contact us.