Baidu benefits from paid search boom

CHINA - Chinese search engine Baidu has unveiled a 100% leap in second-quarter revenues as marketers increase their use of paid search.

Revenues for the quarter stood at RMB802.6 million (US$117 million, 100% up on the same period last year. Net income was RMB265 million, up 87%.
 
The figures reflect strong growth in its keyword sales business. Baidu reported 181,000 active marketing customers in Q2, up 41% year on year. Revenue per customer rose 42% to RMB4,400.
 
Baidu chairman and chief executive Robin Li pointed to the “growing appreciation” of search engine marketing by large companies.