Over half of all US online adults use search engines most or every time they are online, but less than half of search engine users know the difference between natural and paid search results, according to the "How America Searches" study launched today from icrossing, the premier search engine marketing agency, which commissioned the study from Harris Interactive.
"How America Searches" takes a detailed look at why people turn to search engines, which engines have the most loyal users, how well people can distinguish natural and paid results, and other questions.
"The more we understand about how consumers are searching, what they’re looking for, and what their needs are, the better we can help marketers serve them," says icrossing CEO Jeffrey Herzog. "This report represents one more way for us to educate and inform the industry, just as we’ve been doing since 1998."
To receive a complimentary copy of the report, send an e-mail to re******@*******ng.com with your full name, company name and e-mail address.
Some highlights from "How America Searches" include:
- Over half (53%) of all US online adults use search engines most or every time they are online, trailing only e-mail and general surfing
- Researching specific topics is the #1 search activity (by 88% of search engine users), followed by getting directions/maps (75%) and looking for news/info about current events (64%)
- 56% of internet users do not know the difference between natural and paid search listings; males are more confident in reporting they know the difference — over 50% of males say they know, compared to about one-third of females
- 54% of frequent Google users report knowing the difference between natural and paid listings; the next closest group is Yahoo! users at 42%
About icrossing
Search engine marketing agency icrossing has been connecting businesses with qualified customers through the medium of search since 1998. Today, icrossing applies its experience, technology, and unparalleled client service to many of the leading brands around the world. icrossing serves its clients with Natural Search Engine Optimization, Paid Search Management, Search Analytics, Search Intelligence and Content Services. With its dedicated focus on search engine marketing, icrossing continuously pioneers new and better ways to help clients meet and surpass their goals through customized solutions.
This article was last modified on January 8, 2023
This article was first published on June 22, 2005
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