Search engines now more and more popular

WebSideStory found that, in general, top search engines such as Google and direct navigation have become the more popular ways for consumers to reach Web sites.

In contrast the role of Web links has declined dramatically from 2002 to 2003. This likely reflects the maturation of the Internet population, which has settled in to going directly to preferred retailers and is comfortable using search engines to find what it doesn't see at preferred retailers. It could also reflect retailers getting more aggressive about customer retention.

Source: eMarketer.com