Search experts seek out Dublin
17-01-2007
by Ciara O'Brien

Search engine gurus are preparing to descend on Dublin to show Irish firms how to maximise their web presence.

Organised by Dublin-based search experts at Interactive Return, the Search Marketing World 2007 event, to be held in Kilmainham in March, is being planned as a forum for Irish entrepreneurs to learn about how to set up search engine-friendly websites, make the most of online marketing, and get free advice and consultation on individual search marketing campaigns.

Attendees will hear from expert speakers from Google, Yahoo and MSN. The line up is set to include search engine optimisation expert Danny Sullivan of Calafia Consulting and Chris Sherman, president of US web consultancy firm Searchwise.

Also on the speaker's list are Mel Carson, MSN's adCenter Community Manager for Europe, Google's European head of web analytics Brian Clifton, and Gerard O'Neill, chief executive of Amarach Consulting.

"This is the first time that Ireland has hosted a conference on search marketing which is a reflection of the growth of this marketing tool and its acceptance as part of the marketing mix," said Martin Murray, chief executive of Interactive Return and former director of the Irish Internet Association.

"With 90 percent of web users finding what they are looking for by using a search engine it is clear that there is huge potential for this sector which is growing at over 30 percent per year. This will be the first time for the majority of the speakers and topics to be seen and discussed in Ireland."

According to Interactive Return, search marketing is a fast-growing medium, with Irish companies shelling out more than EUR30 million each year on the new advertising channel.

Interactive Return was established in 1999. It advises firms on strategies for e-marketing and creating online brands.