Google announced their Q1 2008 quarterly earnings with a collective sigh of relief for those wondering if the search giant would succumb to a lethargic US economy and a downturn in online ad spending. For the first time, Google’s earnings abroad toppled those in the US, giving it a true global reach.

Analysts conclude it’s Google’s targeted ad business, which marketer’s use to drive direct traffic to sites rather than building brand awareness with image ads (banners), that makes the search leader less likely to experience a slow down.

Take a look at the current internet adoption rates over time and you’ll see why. With internet adoption for the US alone at close to 80% for adults, online search marketing is the clear winner in one-to-one and direct marketing today. Read what you need to do to take advantage of this trend after the break. (more…)