Search engine marketing 'to thrive in 2008'

2nd January 2008

Every aspect of the search engine marketing industry is going to see tremendous growth this year, according to one industry expert.

Kent Lewis, president and cofounder of search marketing network SEMpdx and owner of search engine marketing agency Anvil Media, claimed that firms, celebrities and brands will all be focusing on their online reputation during 2008.

Commenting on his Search Marketing Standard blog, Mr Lewis explained that mobile advertising is expected to reach $5 billion (£2.5 billion) in 2008, compared to $3 billion last year due to search-based advertising.

He also remarked that social media optimisation will be swept up by business to business marketers as they pick up on the social networking trend in order to target consumers.

Mr Lewis predicted that online advertising will continue to evolve with display advertising regaining popularity.

He said: "Google's $700 stock price is proof that contextual advertising can work."

Steve King, chief executive officer of ZenithOptimedia, recently estimated that the internet will replace magazines as the world's third-largest medium of advertising.

He predicted that internet advertising will grow by 6.7 per cent during 2008, compared to 5.3 per cent last year.