UK Internet users more search engine "savvy" than US

The 2005 Online Marketing Attitudes study has revealed that UK consumers are far and away, more aware of search engine marketing techniques than Americans.

Apparently, 93% of British consumers understand the difference between sponsored and 'organic' search engine results, as opposed to just 38% of Americans, according to
the study.

UK consumers are most responsive to natural search engine results and only a few regularly click on sponsored links, according to research commissioned by online marketing group Agence Virtuelle.

Digital Bulletin states that Stephane Perino, founder and CEO of Agence Virtuelle, said: "The increasing cost of certain keywords coupled with growing consumer awareness and scepticism of sponsored links and their preference for organic search engine results requires marketers to increase their investment in search engine optimisation and find a more appropriate balance with search engine marketing."

In the UK, it was also revealed that Google was the favourite seach engine for delivering the most relevant results.