WebProNews

Brian Morrissey of DM News looks at whether search marketing click-fraud is a serious issue or if the threat is overblown.

"Stephen Messer, CEO of affiliate network provider LinkShare, on Dec. 13 told an investors conference in New York devoted to search marketing that click fraud is "rampant" and "staggering." He said it could wipe out ROI in search marketing in 2005.

"It's probably the last big year for search before it blows open or people start looking for alternatives," he said.

However, some search marketers say click fraud has not increased recently and remains a manageable problem nowhere near the threat it is often made out to be by investment research analysts and in many news accounts."

Personally, I think that the threat is overblown. Some click-fraud exists, but it is no more a problem than bricks-and-mortar stores face with shrinkage.

Andy Beal is an internet marketing consultant and considered one of the world's most respected and interactive search engine marketing experts. Andy has worked with many Fortune 1000 companies such as Motorola, CitiFinancial, Lowes, Alaska Air, DeWALT, NBC and Experian.

You can read his internet marketing blog at Marketing Pilgrim and reach him at andy.beal@gmail.com.