As economic downturn and increased awareness of Internet marketing methods result in many larger companies turning to SEM techniques, statistics show that small to mid-sized businesses are also finding value in this type of marketing.

According to ClickThrough.com, businesses such as Brand Republic, and Fone Shop, have had success with the scaled back Internet marketing packages that many SEO/SEM firms have begun to offer their clients.

Since implementing SEM, Marketing director of Foneshop, David Hyett, says, “We’re doing at least 150 orders a day now.” Overall, Foneshop’s orders have increased 56% in the past year, with 50% of new customers finding the site via Google.

A recent study conducted by Microsoft adCenter, however found that 62% of all respondents are under investing in Internet marketing currently, a number that is expected to decrease dramatically within the coming year.