UK Search Spend Set To Increase

The amount spent by companies in the UK on search engine marketing will increase 24 percent to hit $4.7 billion (2.75 billion) in 2008, according to research from E-consultancy.


Data from the firm indicates that companies will raise their ad spend despite concerns of an advertising slowdown and the effects of the credit crunch and slowing economy.


Paid search will increase by 23 percent to $3.8 billion (2.24 billion) in the same time period with search engine optimization increasing by 32 percent to $5.8 billion ( 330 million).


“Growth in consumer Internet usage is flattening out but the sector is certainly more robust than other media channels that have a less measurable return on investment and should continue to grow for years to come,” said Chris Lake, editor-in-chief of E-consultancy.