John,
Web optimization is hugely important and I can personally tell you first hand how much so based on my personal recent experience.

I am in the process of optimizing my site.

Prior to beginning this project, the top search words and phrases to bring people to my site were, the name of my company or specific brand names of my products. That was great 50% of my hits and if not my sales were by people who were specifically searching for us.

Since launching the optimized (well, starting to get there) site, the search words and phrases are for other things. So, now, not only are people who are looking for me finding me, people who weren't looking for me are finding me as well.

The difference, to me, is enormous.

So, the simple answer. Yes it is extremely important. The hard answer? It isn't simple.

T


Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!