eMarketer: Predictions for 2009
Predictions released by eMarketer for SEO in 2009:
Search Marketing Remains Recession-Resistant: While search marketing is not recession-proof, it is recession-resistant, with estimated spending growth in 2009 at 14.9%, to $12.3 billion. Key reasons for search’s strength: Search is highly measurable and will help retain many budgets and increase some others, as advertisers look for secure marketing methods to combat the fear of an economic meltdown. Although search advertising will grow less in 2009 than in any previous year, its inherent strength will mean greater spending gains than for any other major form of advertising, whether online or offline.
Video Ad Spending to Counter Economic Trends: Video ad spending will run counter to overall economic developments, rising by around 45% in 2009 to reach $850 million.
Shift in TV Ad Sales: US TV ad spending will decline 4.2% to $66.9 billion in 2009. This drop in spending reflects expectations of a continued poor economy as well as a shift in the way television advertising is bought and sold, eMarketer said. Like other traditional media, TV advertising was already suffering, and now the climate will be even tougher. Fragmentation on TV and declines in viewership have made it more difficult for advertisers to reach audiences. Broadcasters will have to redefine their businesses in an increasingly online world. They will focus on expanding programming to the online realm.
Newspaper Companies Become Casualties: Newspaper advertising will decline in 2009 more than any other medium. Industry-wide cutbacks will continue, and there will be some consolidation, while firms will be forced to undertake drastic measures to stay afloat. The industry was limping before the recession and the market can expect more newspaper companies to become casualties.
This follows on from an interesting interview with Ken McGaffin, WordTracker at SES Conference London 2008. The changing roles of journalists, how incorporating keyword effectiveness into online articles, is coming to the fore. Check out the SES youtube channel a great resource for developments within the SEO industry.
