Search engine keyword prices decline 2% in February 2005

In February 2005, companies purchasing sponsored search listings saw prices decrease by about 2% from January 2005. The prices declined 3% from December 2004 to January 2005. Keywords in consumer services category fell 19%, from an average cost-per-click of $1.29 in January to $1.04 last month. Consumer retailers also saw a 12% decline, from 52 cents a keyword to 46 cents. Travel marketers saw a drop of 8% per keyword, from 88 cents to 81 cents.