As the economy continues to struggle a number of web-based businesses are finding it hard to stay afloat, but as the market for search engine optimization (SEO) grows, some are changing their focus.

The Charlotte Observer reports that ClickCom, a North Carolina-based company that began as a web-hosting and software programming firm has now made a concerted effort to make search engine optimization (SEO), especially for niche industries, a major part of its business.

Jon Szymanski, co-owner of the company told the paper that in 2008 search engine optimization (SEO) accounted for 15 percent of business, but this year that number has risen to between 30 and 40 percent.

Szymanski says that is still difficult to explain to some companies that search engine optimization (SEO) can help them with sales, but he believes the switch to focusing on SEO will help them survive the recession.

"We need to stay positive, focus on our strengths and we’ll be able to ride out this economy," he told the paper.

Various studies report that as the market for paid search is decreasing because of the economy, many companies are turning to organic search. A recent report from comScore found that while search engine queries have increased 68 percent over the last five years, clicks to paid search have only increased 18 percent.

Katherine Griwert is Brafton's Marketing Director. She's practiced content marketing, SEO and social marketing for over five years, and her enthusiasm for new media has even deeper roots. Katherine holds a degree in American Studies from Boston College, and her writing is featured in a number of web publications.