Geoff Ramsey, the CEO of eMarketer, presented, at lightning speed, the latest search engine research to the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO). Ramsey analyzed trends, prospects and opportunities in the search engine marketing at SEMPO’s recent informational meeting at Jupitermedia’s Search Engine Strategies 2004 Conference and Expo.

Geoff Ramsey, the CEO of eMarketer, presented, at lightning speed, the latest search engine research to the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO). Ramsey analyzed trends, prospects and opportunities in the search engine marketing at SEMPO’s recent informational meeting at Jupitermedia’s Search Engine Strategies 2004 Conference and Expo.

Barbara C. Coll, CEO of WebMama.com Inc. and President of SEMPO, said, “We have surveyed our members and one of the top things that they want is research material for promoting and selling search engine marketing. Geoff presented a perspective on search marketing that helped provide members with some of the valuable information they are requesting. That is why we are posting his and other SEMPO meeting presentations on the SEMPO website."

According to Ramsey, paid search advertising grew 145% from $927.4 million in 2002 to more than $2.2 billion in 2003. He added that eMarketer estimates paid search revenues would grow another 27% to $2.8 billion in 2004.

“Why is search so HOT?!?.” asked Ramsey. “Search recognizes that Internet users are in control. And search delivers the specific, relevant information they’re looking for just when they need it,” he answered.

Ramsey cited research from comScore Networks and the Interactive Advertising Bureau that found 71% of U.S. marketers believe sponsored search marketing offers a better return on investment (ROI) than print advertising. In addition, 69% said sponsored search marketing offers better ROI than outdoor advertising, 64% said it offers better ROI than local advertising, 60% said it offers better ROI than TV and radio, and 57% said it offers better ROI than direct mail.

Ramsey also presented his top 10 reasons for search marketing growth:
10. The economy is growing.
9. Search will attract more B2B advertisers to online marketing.
8. Search is expanding to include multi-media and graphics.
7. Search will get smarter.
6. Search will expand through contextual advertising.
5. Search will grow faster outside the U.S. market.
4. The number of online shoppers and buyers continues to grow.
3. The number of searchers, and usage of search, will continue to grow.
2. Search will go local.
1. Search marketing will get more sophisticated.

New York-based eMarketer publishes Internet and e-business information for marketing, management, IT and financial professionals. Founded in 1996, eMarketer aggregates, filters, organizes and analyzes data from over 1,400 research firms, consultancies and government agencies around the globe. The company offers the most comprehensive database of e-business statistics as well as a variety of reports featuring original analysis prepared by eMarketer's team. Visit eMarketer at http://www.emarketer.com.

SEMPO is a non-profit professional association working to increase awareness and promote the value of Search Engine Marketing worldwide. The organization represents the common interests of more than 165 companies and consultants worldwide and provides them with a voice in the marketplace. For more information, or to join the organization, please visit http://www.sempo.org.