UK search marketing spend up 11%

by Jacquie Bowser, Brand Republic 30-Jan-09, 11:45

LONDON - The UK's search engine marketing spend grew 11% year on year during the fourth quarter of 2008, according to a report.

Search spend increased by 14% between the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2008, according to Efficient Frontier's Search Engine Performance Report.

This reflects the trend for consumers and marketers to increase online activity during the busy Christmas trading period

Google grew its overall UK market share from 82.6% to 88.2% year on year, largely as a result of its Google Content network which grew by 300% year on year.

The increase in market share by Google was in part at Yahoo!'s expense. Its market share dropped from 13.9% to 8.4% year on year.

Microsoft Live Search was able to maintain its presence in the UK market at 3.4% market share.

James Beriker, president and chief executive of Efficient Frontier, said: "The increased level of search spend during Q4 can be in large part attributed to the strength of the online retail channel in price comparison and shopping efficiency, particularly for more established online brands who increased spend to reach revenue goals.

"The retail landscape has changed dramatically in recent times as consumers increasingly turn to online shopping and search marketers are now recognising this trend."

The report was based on an analysis of over 4bn impressions and 58m clicks across an index of Efficient Frontier UK customers.

Comments

Jonathan Keane - 30/01/2009

A nearly 90% market share in the UK is pretty phenomenal when you compare the US market for instance where Googles dominance is reflected at around 65%. Search is becoming a one stop shop for many advertisers in the UK so I think any possible merger this year between Microsoft and Yahoo's search offering would only serve to benefit competition here and ultimately advertisers with actually more choice and better offerings.