Three-word terms drive most search engine traffic

With many consumers beginning to research products and services online, search engines have become invaluable lead generation tools. For business owners looking to maximize traffic generated by these portals, a new study conducted by online ad network Chitika found three-term keywords to be the most effective.

Three-word terms were the biggest drivers of traffic, indicates the report, accounting for 26 percent of all queries. Two- to four-word phrases tended to be the most popular, making up 62 percent of the total searches. Beyond five words, traffic dropped off tremendously, making up only 15 percent of queries.

While the ideal keyword length for search engine optimization seems to be between three and five words, slightly longer key phrases may be better for paid search. The highest ad click-through rates on various Chitika network sites went to queries of four, five or six words. With this in mind, business owners may want to consider more niche search terms, rather than broad umbrella terms.

The Direct Marketers Association recently found that paid search could act as a conduit to other marketing platforms. For example, businesses can use search queries to direct potential consumers to websites where they could request additional information.