It is often said that Google search results strongly influence brand perceptions. Recent eMarketer data further underscores the fact that consumers turn to online search BEFORE any other means when considering a product purchase. Next in line (no surprise) are the opinions of other people. This is certainly where social media comes into play.



What’s even more interesting is that while blogs and product/retailer/manufacturer websites are not typically the first sources turned to, they absolutely play a big role in what turns up in search results if properly optimized both organically (SEO) or through paid keywords (SEM).

The moral of the story:  constantly (and aggressively) optimize for search and nurture/grow your online footprint. Take an active role in helping to shape what search engines project about your brand and offering to the many people who turn to Google, Yahoo, etc. as their #1 source for purchase decisions.