Search Marketing isn’t going away any time soon. Phew!

Marketing Sherpa produces a nifty search marketing report every year. In this year’s 2009 Search Marketing Benchmark Guide, they show you through an abundance of colorful charts how the flow of marketing dollars has increased year over year and will continue to increase by the billions in the coming years.

As far as the current state of the economy is concerned, market downturn will definitely affect search but not really damage it. Businesses are better informed than ever about the usefulness and efficiency of search marketing, and because of this, most search budgets are not likely to decrease during a recession.

I’d include specific numbers and stats, but I’m afraid of the those spooky copyright lawyers.