New Study of Search Engine User Behavior Available

iProspect and Jupiter Research released today a new study on the behavior of search engine users. Key among the findings, when compared to 2002 and 2004 results for a similar survey, is that the importance of a high ranking in the search results has increased over time.

Today, 62% of search engine users are clicking on a first page result, compared to 60% in 2004 and only 48% in 2002. It is more important than ever to appear on the first page of the search results for your important keywords.

Also noteworthy is the finding that more users are abandoning their query after reviewing the first page now (41%) than in 2002 (28%), and that fewer users are willing to continue their review of search results past the third page now (12%) than in 2004 (17%) or 2002 (22%).

The study is available for download here.