Search marketing’s million pound spenders double in five years

Using comparative data from its SEM Benchmark Report, which it has published for the last five years with Econsultancy, Guava reveals the full extent in which search marketing trends and spends have shifted since 2007.

While investment in search marketing services has continued to rise over the last five years, what is clear is how companies have become much savvier about maximising their investment, as spend on complimentary services such as technical website audits and copywriting has increased considerably.

The role of site architecture in delivering strong online visibility is now firmly on the agenda. In five years, the number of companies spending on technical site audits has increased by 58%. In addition, companies now see good content as a vital service in broadening the range of search terms through which their website can be found, with more than 53% of companies now spending on copy writers, compared with 2007.

Unsurprisingly, the huge increase in smart phone use has led to a significant increase in the number of companies now investing in mobile search. Whereas only 2% invested in mobile search in 2007, that figure has surged by 87.5% to 16% of respondents.

Martin Dinham, Director, Guava, commented: “The data clearly illustrates how investing in search marketing has become an absolute imperative; not just for companies selling goods online, but for any online operation looking to secure a competitive advantage.

“As spend on traditional forms of advertising such a print and TV continues to dwindle, have seen digital marketing take more and more of that spend, with more than twice as many businesses spending a million plus each year compared with five years ago.”

Linus Gregoriadis, Research Director, Econsultancy, added: “The annual UK Search Engine Marketing Benchmark Report, produced in association with Guava, continues to provide fascinating data for those interested in search marketing.

“While both paid search and search engine optimisation have both become firmly established as crucial marketing disciplines, the landscape continues to evolve quickly and companies need to ensure they are adapting their strategies and tactics accordingly."

ENDS

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About Guava

Guava is a performance focused integrated digital marketing agency with offices in the UK, Demark and Sweden.

With a diverse client base including RBS Insurance, Argos and Accor Hotels, Guava delivers a broad spectrum of services from Search Marketing (SEO & Paid Search), Web Development and Analytics, through to Display Advertising, Facebook Marketing and Social Media.

As part of the NetBooster Group, an independent global digital performance marketing agency, Guava is part of an international group of 530 employees across 11 offices across the globe, providing savvy digital marketing campaigns which deliver the very best results regardless of scale, budget or location.

For more information about the search engine marketing services provided by Guava, please contact Martin Dinham on 0870 063 0707 or email uk@guava.com www.guava.co.uk