Google: Search is powering NZ online consumers and businesses
Results announced of third party survey into NZ online search behaviour, commissioned by Google

Auckland, New Zealand – 13 November 2007: Google NZ today announced the results of a recent third party survey it commissioned into the online behaviour of 600 New Zealand internet users. Topically, it revealed almost half the respondents planned to research gifts for Christmas online and purchase them offline.

Paul Webster, Senior Sales Manager Google New Zealand presented the survey results at the Search Engine Room NZ conference held today in Auckland: “The survey was conducted using New Zealanders who had recently purchased online in the previous three months and the sample was representative of online New Zealand.”

“The key findings demonstrate the importance of search engines, and Google in particular, to New Zealand consumers and businesses alike,” commented Mr Webster.

Key findings:

• 97% had used a search engine to research a product or service online
  
• 75% of those purchasing online use a search engine
  
• 90% chose Google as their first choice for both researching and purchasing products and services online
  
• Search engines are the source New Zealand online shoppers rely on most for research and purchasing
  
• 50% of those influenced by offline ads (TV, radio, print) confirmed they would use a search engine to follow up on products or brands that they first learn about offline
  
• Travel (58%) Retail (48%), and Entertainment & Media (46%) were the three most popular product categories that respondents had used a search engine for
  
• For the Xmas '07 shopping season, 47% plan to research gifts online and purchase them offline, and one-third will primarily purchase online

Mr Webster highlighted how search marketing is a low cost tool to distribute information, reach new audiences and deliver completely transparent results, of particular importance for organisations based in growth markets such as New Zealand.

“RaboBank is a good example of how an organisation has leveraged search marketing in New Zealand. It has run a highly successful search marketing campaign on Google AdWords for its online bank RaboPlus. This campaign has demonstrated the types of modern advertising programs that a rapidly growing number of New Zealand advertisers are running.”

“Google is helping New Zealand enterprises of all sizes build businesses without boundaries, connect with local and overseas customers and stand out in competitive markets,” concluded Mr Webster.

ENDS