Sponsored links are added to the results pages of popular search engines. The advertiser bids for a certain term, and pays only when the user click-throughs to the advertisers' site. These links are usually placed above, below or to the right of the natural (or algorithmic) search results.
The natural search engine ranking (results) are the non-sponsored results that are returned from indexed pages contained in the search engines database, based on the how close the content and keywords match the key phrase being searched for.
To the experienced user natural search results are more important and felt to be more relevant than the sponsored links. The search engine providers do not receive payment for these results. Sponsored links only achieve their position on the front page of the search engines by being the winning bidder.
It is interesting to note that the more educated and experienced the searcher is, the less likely they are to click on a sponsored link, as opposed to a link from the natural search engine results positions. Satisfaction with natural search engine results seems to be greater with Google, than with any other search engine, as less Google users click on paid search links, (pay per click).
Perhaps indicating that the users of Google are more satisfied with the search engine ranking results returned. Part of the reason for this may be that sponsored links usually use only one word of the search phrase rather than the complete phrase making more selective searching very difficult.
Increasing search engine ranking with optimisation is a time consuming task which requires specialist software and specialist skills. Many web service providers claim to provide a search engine optimisation service however extremely few UK websites are currently well optimised to achieve page 1 SERPS.
Additionally the owners of many web-sites doubt that effective search engine optimisation is possible, Adept SEO specialists have optimised many web-sites achieving remarkable website visibility results again and again for their customers.
The good news here is that those who get their web-sites optimised early on will reap the greatest benefits in increased website sales. Keeping abreast of the tools and techniques required to effectively optimise website visibility is a time consuming task that demands specialisation.
Adept SEO have recently assessed 100's of UK companies' web sites to determine their level of optimisation. Less than 1% are optimised to maximise their visibility to potential new customers to what we would define as a satisfactory level.
From this we conclude that few web site creators and web site providers possess the knowledge, software and skills required to effectively optimise web sites to maximise internet sales.
Previous Page Top of Page