When searchers discover many search engine results are actually paid listings and paid inclusion, they become distrustful and take a negative view of search. So found a recent Consumer Web Watch study.
This confirms findings from iProspect. Its study found searchers are six times more likely to click a free, organic listing than a paid one. Before learning listings can be bought and sold, users considered search engines to be unbiased and objective.
There’s a difference between search engine advertising (paid placement) and search engine optimization (SEO). The latter’s focus is achieving higher rankings for organic (unpaid) listings.
From ClickZ: Prioritize and Rationalize Search Engine Marketing: “
