A report released by Group M Search, a search marketing firm states many people utilize search engines to help them decide which products to buy. The group determined that 86 percent of consumers use search engines to find products and pricing for those items. Shoppers also used social media but relied more on a search engine which makes the importance of search engine optimization crucial in today’s marketing strategies.
At least 58 percent of the consumers surveyed used Google or Bing to find the products they are looking for and where to purchase. Consumers consulted social media to help with their decisions but only further in the buying process. Those surveyed stated that search was more important for locating products than social media. The number of people who relied on internet searches to influence their purchases is surprising and further illustrates the importance of search engine optimization.
The amount of information and the accessibility of that information were cited as the reason consumers look to internet search to guide their purchasing decisions. In spite of recent controversies over search results many consumers depend on the internet for valuable information. Social Media is a growing market but isn’t as vital to marketing as search engines. Both small businesses and large corporations will need to identify the importance of internet marketing as tool to increase their profitability. A more visible presence on the web can be realized with search engine optimization.
