Business-to-business Web sites generated a 2.3% conversion rate from search engine generated traffic in the last quarter of 2005, according to research released by the digital marketing services firm WebSideStory Inc., based in San Diego.

Other online media such as banner ads and affiliate marketing links generated slightly less than a 1% conversion rate for Web sites.

Direct navigation to Web pages generated the highest overall conversion rate of 4.23% at Web sites. Direct navigation includes bookmarks and URLs typed directly in address bars.

“As the data shows the best conversion rate still comes from good old-fashioned branding and customer loyalty,” said Ali Behnam, senior digital marketing consultant for WebSideStory in a statement.

Business-to-business Web sites generated a 2.3% conversion rate from search engine generated traffic in the last quarter of 2005, according to research released by the digital marketing services firm WebSideStory Inc., based in San Diego.

Other online media such as banner ads and affiliate marketing links generated slightly less than a 1% conversion rate for Web sites.

Direct navigation to Web pages generated the highest overall conversion rate of 4.23% at Web sites. Direct navigation includes bookmarks and URLs typed directly in address bars.

“As the data shows the best conversion rate still comes from good old-fashioned branding and customer loyalty,” said Ali Behnam, senior digital marketing consultant for WebSideStory in a statement.