Search engines 'most popular online destination'
Tuesday, 19, Feb 2008 02:14
More online users visit search engines than any other category of website, it has emerged.
Figures from industry analyst IDC reveal that 84 per cent of internet users visit search engines frequently.
This compares with 77 per cent who use the internet for research purposes and 76 per cent who check their email regularly.
In light of the findings, IDC suggests that expenditure on search engine optimisation and online advertising budgets could be set to rise.
"The time spent using the internet will continue to increase," states programme director of digital media and entertainment Karsten Weide.
He adds: "This suggests that advertising budgets will continue to be shifted out of television, newspapers and magazines into internet advertising."
Internet users now spend an average of 32.7 hours online each week, the research found.
Michael Gerard, director of IDC's chief marketing officer advisory practice, recently asserted that online advertising could be complemented by an awareness of traditional promotional techniques.