New data RE: Natural SEO vs. PPC

A very interesting eye tracking study was released today that shows how a searcher views a search results page at Google. Those of you who have spoken to me about this topic know that I beat the “integrated approach” drum regularly with regard to SEO and PPC.

This study shows that the average searcher will look at the organic search results first with the first three ranked sites being viewed by 100% of the searchers! Followed by the PPC listings at the top of the page (again, first three). However, the PPC listings get only half the views that the SEO listings get.

The study points out in a very concrete way that SEO should always be the first piece of your online marketing exercise, followed by a good linking program and PPC campaign. It will help your ranking and most importantly, it will help your sales.