In order to reduce any confusion about the varying terminology related to this new and multifaceted discipline, we offer the following definitions of terms solely as they are used in the context of this survey. When you click the "Continue" button to proceed, these definitions will be served as a pop-up window for your reference throughout the course of the survey. Please make sure you have any "pop-up killer" utilities turned off if you would like to refer to that window.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM): the entire set of techniques and strategies used to direct more visitors from search engines to marketing web sites, including all of the tactics and strategies defined below.

Paid Placement: Text ads targeted to keyword search results on search engines, through programs such as Google AdWords and Yahoo Overture "Precision Match," also sometimes referred to as "Paid Placement," "Pay-per-Click" (PPC) advertising and Cost-per-Click (CPC) advertising.

Contextually Targeted Text Ads: Text ads targeted to the subject of writings on web pages, such as news articles and weblogs, using programs such as Google's "AdSense" and Overture's "Content Match" programs.

Paid Inclusion: The practice of paying a fee (fee structures may vary) to search engines and similar types of sites (e.g., directories, shopping comparison sites) so that a given web site or web pages may be included in the service's directory, although not necessarily in exchange for a particular position in search listings, such as Overture's "Site Match" program, formerly known as Inktomi)

Organic Search Engine Optimization: The practice of using a range of techniques, including augmenting HTML code, web page copy editing, site navigation, linking campaigns and more, in order to improve how well a site or page gets listed in search engines for particular search topics.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Service Provider: Agencies or individuals who assist companies with the various search engine marketing practices described above.

Search Engine Marketing Technology Provider: Makers of a software application specialized to assist in the execution of search engine marketing programs, with features such as "bid management," "campaign management," "portfolio management" and "dynamic optimization."

Web Analytics: Using a reporting platform for measuring and analyzing the results of any/all of your online marketing campaigns, including search engine marketing.

Conversion / Usability Enhancement: Systematic programs pertaining to the design, navigation and copywriting of your web site that enhance the user experience and increase the conversion rate generated by the site.

Affiliate Marketing: Coordinated programs to enable partners to market on behalf of your web site or products that track referrals in order to compensate affiliates typically in the form of a sales commission.