With the new Microsoft – Yahoo search deal announced lets take a moment to think about the impact the joining of the #2 & #3 search platforms on the Internet will have on Search Engine Marketing spending.

In a recent post, “2009 SEM Spending Up While Executive Confidence Down“, I highlighted that SEM spending currently makes up 60% of Interactive Marketing budgets and will grow to $31.6 Billion annual spend by 2014. These stats were released before a “viable” competitor to Google was in the marketplace.

» Read more: Microsoft – Yahoo Deal : Great for SEM Industry

So, do you want the good news or the bad news… Okay lets get the warm and fuzzies out of the way.

In a recent study released by Forrester Research, “Five-Year Interactive Marketing Forecast Report”, they projected a 105% increase in US search engine marketing (SEM) spending over the next five years. 2009 should close out at about $15.4 billion spent while they project 2014 to top the charts at $31.6 billion in spending.

» Read more: 2009 SEM Spending Up While Executive Confidence Down

Just like getting a second opinion on a medical diagnosis or course of treatment; getting a second opinion on the proposal you receive from any search engine marketing firm is just a smart decision.

As a business owner or decision maker you may or may not know the intricate details of search engine marketing but I am sure there is another search engine marketing firm or consultant who does.  The second opinion on the proposal  will allow you to get real feedback on a course of action the proposal is offering from a knowledgeable source. This information could be invaluable to the decision to spend your money wisely on the right service.

» Read more: Always Get Second Opinions on Search Engine Marketing Proposals

What Search Engine Marketing is can be broken down into two major categories – Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click Marketing.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  is the process of helping your website achieve greater visibility with the search engines for select keyword phrases that drive customers to your website.

» Read more: What is Search Engine Marketing?

Maintain a Competitive Advantage in a Downturn Economy with Search Engine Marketing

When the economy gets tough, businesses (like consumers) need to find ways to save money while maintaining the profits/revenue that keeps their business running. Many businesses will look to cut funding to one of the largest spending areas – Marketing.

If you are a business owner and you are concidering cutting your marketing budget in the slow economy – shame on you. This is the ideal time to add extra funding to the budget for marketing and especially in the area of Search Engine Marketing.

» Read more: Maintain a Competitive Advantage in a Downturn Economy

In the latest installment of SEM Synergy at WebmasterRadio.fm, Bruce Clay was asked for his top 3 items that will have an impact on shaping the Search Engine Marketing Industry in 2009.

His list consists of: » Read more: Shaping the Search Engine Marketing Industry in 2009