Search Marketing Trends 2008

After a successful search engine marketing year at PA Internet Marketing, we would like to share our thoughts on search trends for 2008. We generated huge sales for some of our customers in 2007 because we were able to anticipate the market trends, and as we move forward, we feel the importance of identifying the top trends emerging for the year 2008.

Local Search Trends:

Local Search continues to grow.  Many companies still do not capitalize on local search though. Internet users used to search on yellow pages for their local needs. This is changing with the addition of Google local and others.  For example if anyone searches for “SEO Service in Glenmoore, PA”, Google will pop open the local search provider screen. Searchers are more aware of this local map feature. People can easily find their require product or service provider directly form search engines. So “local search” will increase its market share in 2008.  As per our experience we expect that local search will remain the fastest-growing advertising category whether it’s paid or natural.

Mobile Search Trends:

Yes, Internet surfing from mobile devices will be more popular in the coming year. Now you can check email, track a package, view movie show times or find a restaurant from your mobile. These services will become more sophisticated way in 2008. As people become more mobile, it is natural for businesses to use Mobile Ads to gain more popularity and business.

Universal Search:

In May 2007, Google rolled out its Universal search concept. In universal search Google tries to incorporate all types of search results on one page. This includes image search, video search, maps etc. It was a successful endeavour, and now Google incorporates many features of this universal search in its search results. We have also listed some of Google’s hidden search features. These universal search trends will increase in 2008. 
Paid Search Trends: In 2007 most of our retails clients profited from their paid search campaigns, despite competition and increased cost per click (CPC). We predict that in 2008 Impressions will increase by 25%, CTR may decrease, and CPC will increase once again up to 5%. It’s still a great way to advertise because as Impressions touch new highs, the conversation rate will also increase.
Market Share of search engine: In 2007 Google became the search market leader and gained market share. Google now holds approx 76% of search result in 2008. Yahoo and MSN (including Live) have lost market share in 2007. In 2008 we expect that Google will remain the market leader but may loose some of its market share as other major players, including Yahoo, MSN, and Ask work harder. In 2008 we assume that Google will hold approx 70-75% of market share, Yahoo around 10-15%, and MSN around 6-10% (including live) with the rest going to other search Engines.

Search Marketing Agency:

Search Marketing Agencies will play a vital role in the coming year. Internet usage continues to grow at an average of 15% as it has over the last consecutive 7 years. Internet business will also increase in popularity in the coming year. Small business and online stores will definitely want to generate more sales with the help of Search Marketing Agencies.  

End of Unethical Search Engine Optimization:

In 2007 many black hat SEO sites were penalized by major search engines.  This caused them to slightly modify their techniques to “Gray hat” SEO. This trend will continue in 2008 and sites which use unethical techniques will be punished or removed form search engine indexs.

Link Building Trends:

Natural links will become more important in the coming year, and as search engines place more weight on them. Beware of link purchases, spam directories and Link Farms which will penalize your site.  

All major search engines including Google, Yahoo, MSN and even Ask are all working industriously to make search easier, accurate, and faster. The Search Marketing Industry will touch a new high in the coming year.