Ten reasons why you should enter your website into the 2007 WebAwards

Ten reasons why you should enter your website into the 2007 WebAwards


10) If you wait until after the May 31st deadline (next week), you'll have to pay a late fee.

9) Your mom would be proud of you.

8) You will receive important benchmark data for your entire industry and where your site ranks in each of the seven judging criteria.

7) Think of the PR opportunities - industry publications, blogs, websites, by-lined articles, podcasts, press releases, interviews - the sky is the limit.

6) A best of industry plaque containing your award winning site will look great in your office.

5) The WebAward logo on your site is like receiving the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval" for Web development.

4) Your clients and customers will be impressed at your industry recognition and so will your potential clients.

3) A link to webaward.org will help your site's search engine rankings because you will be linked to an 11-year old .org authoritative site with a high Google PageRank.

2) A Best of Industry award means you're the best and you can prove it!

1) If you don't win, we won't tell anyone - and you still get the feedback.

Recognition and feedback, that is what you will receive when you enter the 2007 WebAward Competition for Website development. Winning accolades in the 2007 WebAwards - the Internet's premier award recognition program, is a great way to stand out from others in your industry. You will also receive valuable feedback from our judges and benchmarks for your industry. But you won't get anything if you don't enter!

The 11th Annual WebAward competition deadline for entry is May 31st, only on week away, and you can submit your site for review at www.webaward.org. Avoid a late fee by completing your Web site entries before the deadline.

Even the most amazing sites are all but invisible without the proper recognition. Enter the 2007 WebAwards and receive the recognition you deserve!

WMA President William Rice to appear on Online Marketing with RSS Ray

William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association, will be the featured guest on wsRadio.com's Online Marketing with RSS Ray show. Bill will be discussing the formation of the Web Marketing Assocation and how the annual WebAward program has helped Internet professionals create marketing opportunities for themselves and their Web sites.

The show will run live, May 23th at 10:30 (Pacific Time). The show will then be available for download as a podcast.

Online Marketing with RSS Ray is your source for online marketing, RSS marketing, podcasting, blogging, social networking and videocasting advice. Hear interviews with industry leaders, cutting commentary, and expert opinion. Visit RSS Ray’s site for more information.

WebAward Deadline Only two weeks away!

We all tend to wait until the last minute to enter award programs - well the clock is ticking and only two weeks remain for you to ensure you receive accolades in the 2007 WebAwards - the Internet's premier award recognition program.

The 11th Annual WebAward competition deadline for entry is May 31st, only two weeks from Thursday, and you can submit your site for review at www.webaward.org. Avoid a late fee by completing your Web sites entries before the deadline.

Everyone knows the winning a WebAward is a great marketing opportunity. Did you know that all participants will receive a updated copy of the Internet Standards Assessment Report and your website's judges scores for each of the seven criteria of an effective Web site compared to your industry and the overall web development standard. No other award program give provides you this level of comprehensive feedback for your Web development efforts.

WebAward - The award that makes an award-winning Web site.

A look at May's Interactive Briefing Articles

Her are two articles from the May issue of the Web Marketing Association's Interactive Briefing Newsletter.

Using Customer-Focused Marketing to Create Unique Websites - Meeting the demands of today's high-segmented and fast-paced internet audience requires a new approach.

Working together for Business - A collaborative economic development Web site for the central New Mexico region is recognized as Best Regional Interactive Application in the 2007 Internet Advertising Awards Competition.

Internet Terms Crossword Puzzle

We had so much fun putting together our Interactive Agency crossword puzzle last month, we have created a second crossword to test your knowledge of the Internet. The Internet Terms Crossword Puzzle provides definitions of common Web terms you provide the words that match them up.

See if you know as much as you think you do!

What does 2007 hold for Web Development?

When I think back to the first WebAward competition back in 1997, The Internet was a different place. There were plenty of significant award programs for the advertising community - Clio, Cannes, Echo, etc. - but nothing for the emerging world of interactive. We set out to be the first industry based award program for Web site development and for more than a decade have recognized the best web sites on the Internet.

During that time, what constituted an award-winning Web site has changed as well. In 1997, most Web sites were no more than online bill boards with a few hyper links for navigation. The top sites were introducing forms-based calculators and personalization was limited to returning different hard-coded pages based on user selections.

Last year, the WebAward award-winning Web sites were truly a showcase for best practices of Internet development. Web sites today are database-driven dynamic business tools that are important business tools. Each industry has different expectations of from their web sites which is why the WebAwards has 96 industries that allow each Web site to be judged and benchmarked with its peers.

What does 2007 hold? Well, we'll find out as the WebAward call for entry ends this month and the judging begins in June. Already the judges have started discussing what the current state of the art Web sites are going and what they expect from a Web site. If you have not entered already, now is the time get establish your nominator account and enter your Web sites into this important recognition program. Last year's participants can use our one click entry form from their nominator account.

If you have not yet participated in a WebAward program, now is the perfect time. Not only can you receive recognition for your Web development efforts and a great marketing opportunity for your Websites, but you also will receive important feedback data that will benchmark your site to those with in the industries you participate in.

If you want to learn more about entering the 2007 WebAwards, visit our WebAward Website.

Search Engine Strategies, Toronto

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring to support the call for entries for the 2007 WebAward Competition. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

Search Engine Strategies, Toronto
June 12 & 13
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Totonto, Canada

Search Engine Strategies (SES) Toronto is a 2 day, multi-track conference that specifically addresses search engine advertising (SEM/SEO). This event features keynote presentation with entrepreneur and bestselling author Seth Godin; panel discussions from highly acclaimed industry experts including representatives from the search engines themselves; interactive and in-depth sessions and workshops; and an exclusive look at the latest search trends and developments for 2007. This is our 4th annual conference in Toronto and remains the only event specifically dedicated to search and its place within the corporate marketing mix. Register by Friday, May 25 and save $120 CDN. For more info visit: www.ses-toronto.com

Exclusive Offer for Web Marketing Association members: Use priority code 10WMA and receive 10% off the registration fee.

Web Awards and SEO

At the recent Search Engine Strategies conference in New York, I discussed one of the hidden benefits of participating in Web site award programs – search engine optimization or SEO.

Most people recognize award programs, such as the Web Marketing Association WebAwards, are a great way to receive third party credibility for your Web development efforts and demonstrate to clients and senior management your high level of expertise. Participants also receive valuable feedback in the form of judges comments and benchmark data comparing their site to their industry average.

However, some overlook the real benefits winning awards can have on search engine rankings. Much of successful SEO focuses on gaining links from authoritive sites in “good neighborhoods”. Search engines believe that if a site is linked to from trusted Web sites, then it is more likely to have valuable contact and deserves a higher ranking.

WebAward.org has a Google PageRank of 8 out of 10, recognizing that it is a very authorative site. And talk about a good neighborhood, the only way for a site to receive a link from WebAward.org is to have been recognized as an award winning Web site!

Another important SEO tactic that award winners can use is the press release. Winning a Web site award, such as a WebAward, is a newsworthy event. Many award winners will distribute press releases over Internet-savvy wire services, such as PR Web, in order to have the releases picked up in the search engines. These releases provide additional links to the site as well as are indexed by the search engines and show up in search results.

Releases are also popular fodder for social media sites such as Digg, Technorati and many industry bloggers and poscasters. But as Lee Odden from Top Rank Marketing reminds me, never just post the release - It’s the kiss of death in social media. Instead, write a blog post with the information and link to the release for more information.

If you would like to have your Web site considered for the best web site award in one of the 96 industries covered by the 2007 WebAwards, you have until May 31st to enter your site at www.webaward.org. Remember – you can’t win if you don’t enter and even the most amazing Web sites remain invisible without the proper recognition.

Web Marketing Association at Internet World UK

Today was the first day of Internet World UK and it is impressive. Hundrends of high quality companies exhibiting and thousands of Internet professionals learning about what's new and how to improve their web performance. Internet World is Europe's largest Internet tradeshow and it shows.

If you are in London, you should check out this free to attend conference if the Internet is important to your organization. Be sure to stop by the Web Marketing Association's stand #W536 in the middle of the show floor.

How are the WebAward award levels determined?

We are often asked how the winners are selected for the Web Marketing Association’s WebAward program. So here is an overview of how it works.

First all of the sites that have nominated (2007 Nomination deadline is May 31st at www.WebAward.org) are randomly assigned to multiple expert WebAward judges. The judges review the sites and score them on seven criteria critical for a successful Web site. Each criteria is scores on a maximum 10 points for a total possible score of 70 points.

The average of the highest two scores are used as the final score. This score is compaired to other sites entered within the industry and the highest score wins Best of Industry for that category. If the remaining entries received a score of 60 or greater, they received the Outstanding Website award. If the site score is below 60, but equal to or higher than the average score for the industry, then that entry will receive the Standard of Excellence WebAward.

Winning a WebAward is truly an honor, as a large number of sites do not win any award. More importantly, the WebAwards sets the standard for Web development and provides helpful feedback to all of the participants.

Technorati Profile

Media Coverage of the 2007 WebAward Call for Entry

The Web marketing Association would also like to thank the media who have helped promote our WebAward Call for Entry by publishing articles in print or on line. Here are some of the recent trade media coverage:

Yahoo News - Best Shopping Website Trends Detailed in New Report from the Web Marketing Association

UKBusiness - E-Commerce Business Website Trends, Released by Web Marketing Association

AdWeek - Site Development Lags Expectations

Create Magazine - WebAwards to Honor World's Best Websites

1to1 Magazine - Is Web Innovation Dead?

Domains Magazine - Web Hosting Design, Featured in Web Marketing Association Trends Report

All CU News - Best Bank & Credit Union Websites Detailed in ISAR

Small Business Informer - Best Small Business Web Site of 2007 to be named by Web Marketing Association in Annual WebAward competition

ebusiness News - Online Retailers follow Airlines in Best Web Sites, New Study Says

Internet Marketing NewsWatch - WMA Releases 'Internet Standards Assessment Report

Bulldog Reporter - Web Standards Report Shows Overall Decline in Standards of Development

WebAwards at ad:tech

The Web Marketing Association will be on hand at ad:tech San Francisco, April 25&26 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco to promote the 2007 WebAward Call for Entries.

ad:tech is an interactive advertising and technology conference dedicated to connecting all sides of today’s brand marketing landscape. Worldwide shows blend keynote speakers, topic driven panels and interactive workshops to provide attendees with the tools and techniques they need to compete in a changing world.

The Web Marketing Assocaition is a big fan of both the ad:tech conference and the ad:tech Award program. They do a great job of identifying current trends and recognizing best of class advertising.

Bill Rice, President of the Web Marketing Assocaition, will be manning booth 5007 in the exhibit hall. Stop by and say hello between the great sessions.

Bloggers Support WebAwards Call for Entries

The Web Marketing Association woud like to thank the many bloggers who have written about the launch of the 2007 WebAwards Call for Entries. If you are a blogger and would like to help support the WebAwards, please take a look at our Call for Entry blog post and write about this important award program on your blog.

Here are a few of the posts:

AdRants - CN Does OJ, Quiznos Spoofed, Burn Back Updates, Salma's Boobs Sell

The MadAve Journal - Hi ad:tech I'm Sam Negin

Freelance UK - Web gurus: your opinions please

SmallBizTechnology.com - William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association (Search Engine Strategies Coverage)


KKs Blog - March 31 Deadline for Web Marketing Association Contest


Ms. Latina Renee Enterprise, LLC - Call for WebAward Entries

Daryl's Journey of Discovery - WebAwards To Gain Recognition


Consultant Directory Blog - Web Marketing Association Report On Legal Web Sites


graphicdesignbasics.com - WebAward Competition

Ecommerce, Web Traffic & Internet Marketing News - Best Family Web site of 2007 to be Named by Web Marketing Association in Annual WebAward Competition

BLOPTIMIZATION Blog - Web Marketing Association Report On Legal Web Sites


Web Site Host Directory - Website Application Services Trends, Detailed in Web Marketing Report

Young Drivers Wanted

Young Drivers Wanted is an article for the April issue of the Web MArketing Association's Interactive Briefing Newsletter that discusses how VW Belgium wanted the reach news drivers and the award-winning VW EscapeTV created to reach that goal.

Internet Retailer 2007 Conference & Exhibition

Internet Retailer 2007 Conference & Exhibition
June 4-7
San Jose Convention Center, San Jose CA

the Internet Retailer 2007 Conference & Exhibition, America’s largest e-retailing conference. The IRCE 2007 Show, which will be held at the San Jose Convention Center June 4-7, is the premier event in e-retailing, which this year features 103 expert speakers representing all types and sizes of merchants (store chains, catalogers, web-only retailers and branded manufacturers) and addressing all vital issues affecting online retailers today.

Enter the Discount Code: AC7123 to receive $100 off off the lowest current conference registration fee.

The Web Marketing Association and the WebAwards sponsor and support this conference.

Interactive Agency Crossword Challange

Sometimes you just need to have some fun.

Did you know that 47 of AdWeek's top 50 Interactive agencies participate in the annual WebAwards program. Many of them, but not all, make up the solutions to an interactive crossword puzzle we've created. See how well you know your top interactive agencies by trying out our Interactive Agency Crossword Challange. Some clues are easy, some more difficult. Have some fun, we did in creating it!

If you need some help, download AdWeek's Top Interactive Agency List (PDF)

We Need Your Help

The Web Marketing Association is a volunteer organization that each year produces the WebAward program. We need your help in spreading the news about our call for entry to other Internet Professionals. Our greatest marketing asset is you our newsletter readers.

You can help by:

Emailing other professionals or site owners and ask them to participate in the WebAwards

Blog about the WebAwards. Either on your blog or industry blogs, write about our call for entry or your experiences with the WebAwards. The trackback link to our call for entry blog posting is http://www.webmarketingassociation.org/mt/mt-tb.cgi/124

Tell others within your organization. It is difficult to maintain contact with past participants via email. People change responsibilities, email addresses change and companies get merged. Make sure the correct people within your organization, including offices in other cities know about the WebAwards. The more awards your organization wins, the more recognition you will receive.

Internet Professionals Needed to Judge World’s Best Web Sites

The Web Marketing Association announces the call for judges for its 11th annual international WebAward competition. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets industry benchmarks based on the seven criteria of a successful Web site. Judges will consist of a select group of Internet professionals who have direct experience designing and managing Web sites, including members of the media, interactive creative directors, site designers, content providers and webmasters – with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Web site development and technology.

To nominate yourself or another Internet Professional, please use our Judges Nomination Form.

“The WebAwards is different from other Web site award programs because we’re not just a beauty pageant focused on name recognition and design,” said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association. “For 11 years, industry professionals have provided the backbone of our award program and helped thousands of Web sites get the recognition they deserve. As a WebAward judge, you are helping to set the standard of excellence for all web site development. Judging challenges you by having you visit and review web sites that you normally would not visit. Being a judge helps develop a critical eye to the many facets of leading-edge web development.”

Web sites are judged on seven criteria, including design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use and receive a numeric score. Each WebAward entry is judged against other entries in its industry category and then against an overall standard of excellence. Entrants also benefit from receiving valuable feedback from the WebAwards professional judging panel on their Web site development efforts.

Judging for the 2007 WebAwards will take place in June through August, with winners announced in September. Past judges have included top executives from leading organizations such as Ogilvy Interactive, Saatchi & Saatchi, Blattner Brunner, Comedy Central, Sun Microsystems, Refinery, Euro RSCG, EPB Interactive, New York Post Interactive, The Cincinnati Enquirer, J. Walter Thompson, Xerox, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Modem Media, and Answerthink.

2007 Call For Entry Still Underway

The Web Marketing Association is now accepting entries for the 11th annual WebAward competition. The WebAwards evaluate Web sites in 96 industries and defines benchmarks based on the seven essential criteria of successful Website development. The deadline for entry is May 31, 2007.

Your Web site will be judged on seven criteria: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use. Each WebAward entry is judged against other entries in its industry category and then against an overall standard of excellence. WebAward Judges consist of a select group of Internet professionals with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Website development and technology.

All entrants receive valuable feedback from the judging panel as well as a report detailing their performance compared to their industry average. If you win a WebAward, you also have an outstanding marketing opportunity to publicize and drive traffic to your site.

A complete list of past winners and this year’s entry form can be found at www.webaward.org.

Search Engine Strategies New York Starts Today

Search Engine Strategies New York is a 4 day, multi-track conference that specifically addresses search engine advertising (SEM/SEO) that starts today at the Hilton New York. This event features presentations and panel discussions from industry experts including representatives from the search engines themselves; interactive and in-depth sessions & workshops; and an exclusive look at the latest search trends & developments. This is the 8th annual conference and remains the only event dedicated to search and its place within the corporate marketing mix.

Come a visit the Web Marketing Association in the exhibit hall at booth 120.

Stuff given out by the WMA

We would like to congratulate the following people for receiving free stuff from the Web Marketing Association and the WebAward program:

Stephen Kennedy of RiverRadio.net received a full conference pass to ad:tech SF for completing our survey from the last issue of Interactive Briefing.

Tisha Rogers of Worldwide Brands, Inc received a $100 AMEX Gift Card for stopping by our booth at eComXpo.

Jim Stone, Director, Marketing at Seenon received a video iPod for stopping by our booth at the Hollywood OMMA conference.

Stop by our booth at SES NY, ad:tech or Internet World UK for a chance to receive a 30gb Video iPod.

Big Ideas and the Garment of Trust

Big Ideas and the Garment of Trust - Mike Connell, Creative Principal with Small Army in Boston muses on ideas and the roll of trust in making them come to life in the March issue of Interactive Briefing, the Web Marketing Association's monthly newsletter.

If you do not already get the newsletter, you can sign up for it at our mailing list page.

WebAward Participants Have It Easy

One great feature that has been added to the Web Marketing Association’s WebAward program this year is the ability of last year’s participants to enter their Websites into the 2007 WebAwards with a single click.

When participants log in to their nominator account, they will see an option to enter selected sites into this year’s WebAward program. They then can update the information as needed, but save a lot of time and effort not entering what has not changed.

It’s just one more way the Web Marketing Assocaition is trying to make your life a little easier.

1to1 and online innovation

The 1to1 Blog recently wrote an posting "Is Web Innovation Dead?" by Mila D'Antonio. She spoke with Bill Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association about the WebAwards and the judging criteria.

At the end of the post she asks "What have you found that's innovative online? Please share the Web site and examples. If you have any good examples of online innovation, drop her a line.

Therapy Times

Therapy Times - Here's an article from the Web Marketing Association's Interactive Briefing monthly newsletter that discusses how one award winning site went from idea to inception.

Web Marketing Association is looking for the Best Web sites in 96 Industry Categories

The Web Marketing Association is now accepting entries into its 11th annual international WebAward Competition. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets industry benchmarks and recognized the best web sites in 96 industries. The deadline for entry is May 31, 2007 and the WebAward Web site is located at www.webaward.org.

“Even the most amazing web sites remain invisible without the proper recognition,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “The WebAward competition not only recognizes the best web sites on the Internet today, but our participants get valuable feedback from our experts judges to help make their web site better in the future”.

The WebAwards competition judges website entries on seven criteria: design, innovation, content, use of technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use. Participants receive not only their score for each criteria, but the average for their industry and the overall WebAwards to provide them benchmarks for their own web development efforts.

Participants in the 2007 WebAwards will receive:

• An independent evaluation of their Website
• Valuable feedback to help benchmark your efforts and it relationship to its industry.
• A free copy of the 2008 Internet Standards Assessment Report when published

If your site wins a WebAward, you will also get:

• A beautiful image plaque or certificate of achievement to display proudly
• Higher visibility for your company
• A great marketing opportunity to promote your site to the media
• Links to your site from the highly ranked WebAward site to help SEO
• Best of Industry winners will also receive a free press release distributed by PRWeb.

Judges are leading Internet professionals that are selected from hundreds of nominations every year. They volunteer their time and talent to help improve the standard of excellence of Web development. Most judges have participated in the WebAwards for several years.

Judging for the 2006 WebAwards will take place in June through August, with winners announced in September. Judges will consist of a select group of Internet professionals who have direct experience designing and managing Web sites, including members of the media, interactive creative directors, site designers, content providers and webmasters, with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Web site development and technology.

The WMA’s WebAward competition is the only major award program to provide in-depth, quantitative analysis of results that help entrants develop standards of excellence for future innovation. The aggregated results of each WebAward competition are published in the annual Internet Standards Assessment Report which will be provided to each participant.

To enter, go to www.webaward.org and create a free nominator account. The deadline is May 31,2007 so don't wait, enter today!

Internet World London

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring to support the call for enries of the 2007 WebAward Competition. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

Internet World London
May 1-3
Earls Court, London

Internet World is the leading event for decision makers responsible for their organisation's digital marketing and Internet presence. It is the UK's largest B2B Internet event. Hear Keynotes from Proctor & Gamble, Channel 4, British Gas, MTV, Porsche, Yahoo! Search Marketing, J Sainsbury's, Cheapflights, John Lewis, 02, i-level, Asda, BEBO amongst many others. Also learn about the latest trends and developments and meet over 250 companies who can help you implement these into your online strategy.

We need your input - and will send you to ad:tech for it!

The Web Marketing Association and the WebAwards are conducting a brief survey to gage opinions on web development and Internet marketing. It should take no more than 5 minutes of your time and you will be entered to win a free full-conference pass to ad:tech (San Francisco or New York, your choice) a $1,200 value.

Click here to take the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=38953500077

The deadline to take this survey is March 30, 2007.

Winners of the 2007 Internet Advertising Competition Awards

The Web Marketing Association announces the winners of its annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards, an effort to honor excellence in online advertising and to recognize the individuals and organizations responsible for the best in Internet marketing. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising.

“Online advertising is finally getting the recognition it deserves and The Web Marketing Association is pleased to help set the standard for Internet excellence,” said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association, Inc. “Spending for online advertising continues to grow rapidly and the IAC Awards highlight the best in this unique advertising medium by industry.”

2007 Best of Show Awards were awarded in each of the online medium categories. This year's winners include:

Fishbowl Marketing for Shamrock The Vote (Best Ads the Client Did Not Pick)

IQ Interactive for "Explorer" Video Newsletter (Best of Show Email Message)

blast! PR for NASCAR.com Revs Up Fans with Email Marketing (Best of Show Email Message Campaign)

TMX Communications for Find the Time Capsule Campaign (Best of Show Integrated ad campaign)

Hornall Anderson Design Works for My Family (Best of Show Interactive Application)

Wunderman Team Detroit for My Dream (Best of Show Microsite/Landing Page)

Idea Integration for Sony Noise Canceling Headphones (Best of Show Online ad)

Palm Communication for Oryctolagus cuniculus (Best of Show Online Campaign)

Coldwell Banker Seal for Coldwell Banker Barbara Sue Seal eNews (Best of Show Online Newsletter Campaign)

Ayzenberg Group for Mobile Suite GUNDAM Crossfire rich media creative (Best of Show Rich Media Online Ad)

Profero for Mess With Your Mind (Best of Show Rich Media Online Campaign)


For the third year in a row, TMX Communications of Conshohocken, PA was recognized with the 2006 Top Agency Award, winning 15 IAC Awards. Their awards included 1 Best of show, 13 Best of Industry awards and two Outstanding awards.


Other IAC Award winners who received multiple awards included:

AGENCY - number of awards

TMX Communications - 16
OTOlabs - 13
Bridge Worldwide - 12
Critical Mass - 11
The white agency - 10
Avenue A | Razorfish - 7
Beyond Interactive - 7
15 letters inc. - 6
Marketel - 6
Cheil Communications America - 5
Mullen - 5
TM Interactive - 5
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts - 4
Zooma - 4
Smashing Ideas - 4
DWS Scudder - 4
Disney Online - 4
Dawson Walker Communications - 4
Creative Digital Group - 4
Biggs-Gilmore Communications - 4


The Competition web site with a complete list of winners is located at www.advertisingcompetition.org



The Web Marketing Association is now also accepting entries for the 11th annual WebAward Competition for Web site development at www.07webaward.org. Deadline for entry is May 31st 2007.

Web Trends Survey

The Web Marketing Association and the WebAwards are conducting a brief survey to gage opinions on web development and Internet marketing. It should take no more than 5 minutes of your time and you will be entered to win a free full-conference pass to ad:tech (San Francisco or New York, your choice) a $1,200 value.

Click here to take the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=38953500077

The deadline to take this survey is March 30, 2007.

Is social networking just online communities?

We at the Web Marketing Association are always looking for new industry categories to add to our WebAward competition for Web site development.

We have received a number of requests to add social networking as a new category. These days you can't open a magazine or newsletter without hearing about MySpace, LinkedIn or a hundred other Websites where people come together to meet.

My question is this: Isn't social networking simply the latest buzz word to describe online communities? Online communities have been a category in the WebAwards since 1998, the year after the WebAwards was started.

Can anyone explain to why one is different from another or is this just a new coat of paint on a old car?

Web Marketing Association at OMMA

The Web Marketing Association is appearing at OMMA West in Hollywood today to promote the upcoming WebAward Competition. So far the sessions have been outstanding. Arianna Huntington of The Huntington Post talking about the need to be fearless when it comes to developing Web content.

The trade show area is small and intimate. There are some great exhibitors like PRWeb, eMarketer, website Magazine. The people here seem very interested in the WebAwards and several judges and participants have stopped by to say hello.

Tribal Fusion presented a session on social media for B2B marketers thant provided an interesting overview but did not get into much "how to" detail. Still, it provided a very good overview of the subject.

if you're in Southern California, I suggest you stop by the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and check out this great conferance.

EcomXpo video on YouTube

EcomXpo is a virtual trade show that allows to you to see great presentations and exhibitors without having to leave the comforts of your home or office.

The next eComXpo will be held March 20-22, 2007. Registration for this event is completely free of charge! You can register for the event by clicking the link below.


http://www.ecomxpo.com/FreeRegistration.htm

The Web Marketing Association will be exhibiting in the hall to promote the WebAward Competition 2007 Call for Entries. William Rice, Preident of the Web Marketing Association will also be leading a panel at the event.

Here is a funny short movie that gives you an idea what to expect.

Adweek Covers Internet Standards Assessment Report

AdWeek Magazine ran a story on its site today entitled Site Development Lags Expectations. In it, Brian Morrissey writes that Despite increased attention by many companies to their digital presence, a wide-ranging study has found that found Web site development is not keeping pace with consumer expectations.

The article is based on the findings of the Internet Standard Assessment Report generated from the 2006 WebAward Competition.

You can read the entire article at http://www.adweek.com/aw/iq_interactive/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003554524

New Web Marketing Association Report Details Trends in Award Winning Websites Derived from a Decade of Hosting Internet Award Competition, WebAwards

The Web Marketing Association, today released its Internet Standards Assessment Report (ISAR), which provides industry-specific benchmarking data for web development. For the second year in a row, the ISAR Index, has shown a decline in the overall standard of excellence in Web development across 96 industries.

The ISAR index is an average of all scores in the Web Marketing Association’s WebAward competition sine 1997. Index fell from 52.2 in 2005 to 50.7 in 2006, a reduction of 3%.

“The ISAR Index is the benchmark that many organizations use to compare their Web development efforts to’, said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “Web standards are not falling, we believe that consumer expectations, as reflected in the judges scores, indicate that Web sites have to work harder at creating a total user experience that both informs and entertains the visitors who reach their sites.”

The ISAR report includes the following just-released information:
• Detailed Industry findings as compared to historical trends
• Best and Worst Industries in Web Development
• Best and Worst Industries as they compare to the 7 criteria for a successful Website
• Award-wining sites for each industry
• Commentary for each industry as compared to the overall competition in 2006

Information within the report is derived form the Web Marketing Association’s annual WebAward competition (www.webaward.org) which judges websites in 96 industries based on the seven criteria that combined help create award-winning websites.

The WebAward’s seven criteria for a successful Website include:
• Design
• Innovation
• Content
• Technology
• Interactivity
• Copywriting
• Ease of Use

The ISAR report also includes an index with a running benchmark of web development to which each industry can draw comparisons. Drawing off information found in the ISAR report, web developers and others within organizations responsible for web design, can leverage statistical data to make more informed decisions in an effort to create more effect websites.

“The most successful award-winning websites develop the correct balance of design, innovation and technology to create a total user experience,” said Rice. “Once the total user experience is attained, the site becomes a sales tool itself because it has captured the visitor and the winners of the WebAward do this especially well.”

According to the ISAR report, the five best industries for Website development in 2006 were:
1. Airline Websites
2. Computer Retailer Websites
3. Game Site Websites
4. Toy & Hobby Websites
5. Food Websites

The worst overall industry websites included those such as Brokerages, Credit Unions and ISP websites.

To request your copy of the 2007 WebAward ISAR report, please visit: http://www.webaward.org/isar_report.asp

ad:tech San Francisco

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring to support the launch of the 2007 WebAward Competition Call for Entries. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

ad:tech San Francisco
April 25 & 26
Moscone Center, San Francisco

ad:tech San Francisco is an interactive advertising and technology conference dedicated to connecting all sides of today's brand marketing landscape. Worldwide shows blend keynote speakers, topic driven panels and interactive workshops to provide attendees with the tools and techniques they need to compete in a changing world. We're committed to bringing you the now and the next of modern marketing.

Net.Finance Conference

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring to support the 2007 WebAward Competition. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

Net.Finance 2007
April 16th-19th
Camelback Inn, Scottsdale, AZ

Optimize Your Online Channels To Develop And Drive Customer-Centric Marketing Strategies:

•Align Your Marketing Strategies To Provide Products & Services Your Customers Truly Need And Want

•Improve the Customer Experience To Boost Customer Acquisition, Satisfaction, And Loyalty

•Address The Challenges of Multi-Channel Integration To Achieve Channel Consistency And Interoperability

•Secure Your Online Channels Through Authentication And Effective Risk Management

All Web Marketing Association blog readers are entitled to a 15% discount with code WMA, just call 1.888.482.6012 or visit the Net.Finance website.

Search Engine Strategies New York

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring to support the 2007 WebAward Competition. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

Search Engine Strategies New York
April 10-13
Hilton New York, NYC

Search Engine Strategies New York is a 4 day, multi-track conference that specifically addresses search engine advertising (SEM/SEO). This event features presentations and panel discussions from industry experts including representatives from the search engines themselves; interactive and in-depth sessions & workshops; and an exclusive look at the latest search trends & developments. This is our 8th annual conference and remains the only event dedicated to search and its place within the corporate marketing mix.

Early Bird Special: Register by Friday, March 23rd, 2007 and save $100. Save an extra 10% off when you use priority code 10WMA.

Using RSS to Expand Online Marketing Programs

The Web Marketing Association's WebAward Competition is pleased to recommend this white paper that discusses RSS as a customer communications channel, how it complements your email programs, and best practices for its use. (Registration required, PDF)

eComXpo

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring to support the launch of the 2007 WebAward Competition. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

eComXpo
March 20-22
Online at www.ecomxpo.com/home.htm

eComXpo is the virtual tradeshow for search, affiliate and interactive marketers. Since the show is 100% online and virtual, you can attend from the comfort of your home or office computer. All the benefits of a top tradeshow, without the hassle or expense associated with traditional tradeshows. More than 7,000 advertisers, publishers, search marketers, merchants, affiliates, networks, agencies and vendors will attend, making this the world's largest tradeshow for ecommerce marketers.

William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association, will be moderating a panel at this conference. Stay tuned for more detail.

OMMA Hollywood Conference and Expo

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring to support the launch of the 2007 WebAward Competition. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

OMMA Hollywood Conference and Expo
March 19-20, 2007
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Hollywood, CA

OMMA is the hottest conference and trade show for the business of Online Media, Marketing and Advertising. Programmed by the editors of OMMA magazine, this conference delivers outstanding main-stage sessions, keynotes, workshops, VIP lunches, special events, cocktail parties, panels, breakouts, research presentations, forecasts, and a busy trade show floor. The show is filled with marketers and agency executives who want to learn and know more about leading edge advertising and marketing solutions, making it the perfect opportunity to get your company message and sales executives in front of the online agency and marketing community in Hollywood for two full days.

The New Rules of PR

The Web Marketing Association's WebAward Competition is pleased to recommend the e-book authored by marketing strategist and online expert David Meerman Scott and presented by WebAward sponsor PRWeb, Keep your PR team one step ahead of the competition and extend the reach of your news, make sure your organization leverages `The New Rules of PR'. (PDF)

MarketingSherpa's Email Marketing Summit '07 + Bootcamp, Awards & Expo

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring. The WMA is a big supporter of MarketingSherpa's efforts across the board.

MarketingSherpa's Email Marketing Summit '07 + Bootcamp, Awards & Expo
March 4-6, 2007
Miami Hotel, Miami, FL

Join 650 Email Marketers in Miami for advanced bootcamp training, 4 interactive labs (including live ON-SITE Eyetracking Lab), inspirational Case Studies, peer panels and loads of networking. Reserve your ticket at MarketingSherpa's Website

New WebAward Sponsor Opportunity

The Web Marketing Association will be offering sponsorships of specific industries within the WebAward competition for the first time in 2007. Industry sponsors will receive visibility and links to their Website within the WebAward competition Website with regards to the industry they sponsor.

If your company or organization is interested in participating as an industry sponsor, please contact Web Marketing Association President William Rice at wrice@webaward.org to learn more.

Web Marketing Association will be exhibiting at these leading Internet conferences

Trade show and conferences are one of the best places to learn about what is happening in the industry and to meet with Internet professionals who are judges and/or participants in our award programs. This spring we will be traveling to all of the major Internet-oriented conferences increasing the awareness of the Web Marketing Association and the WebAward Competition. Many times we are able to get valuable discounts and offer free conference passes the readers of this newsletter.

Right now, you will find us at MediaPost's OMMA Hollywood March 19 & 20, Search Engine Strategies New York April 10-13, eComXpo, March 20 & 22, ad:tech San Francisco April 25 & 26, and then we go international at Internet World London May 1-3, and finally Search Engine Strategies Toronto June 12 & 13. You will find contact information for all of these conferences on their Website and in our Interactive Briefing newsletter.

Return on Marketing Investment Conference

The Web Marketing Association will be appearing at several leading conferences this Spring. The WMA is a association sponsor of this event.

The 10th Annual Return on Marketing Investment Conference
February 26-28, 2007
Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort, Miami, FL

Where is your $$$ most valuable? Register today to find out! Leading organizations, across industries, will show you how to correlate your marketing spend to business results. You will hear from: NBC Universal, Wachovia, Best Buy, Scottrade, Food Network, Forbes.com, Duke University, Motorola, Wells Fargo, Nissan North America, Hilton Hotels, Sony Ericsson and many others.

Mention the code XM1921WMA and receive a complimentary white paper. Learn more and sign up at www.iirusa.com/romi

Cramer-Krasselt Wins Best of Show for AirTran Airways 2005 Annual Report Interactive Investor Relations Awards Competition

The Web Marketing Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2006 Interactive Investor Relations Awards Competition (IIR Awards) for investor relations Web site development. Entries competed with peers within more than 50 industry categories as well as against an overall standard of excellence. Sites were judged on design, navigation, ease of use and use of technology to enhance the investor's experience as well as specific content criteria relating to investor and financial communication.

The 2006 Best of Show IIR Award is presented to Cramer-Krasselt for AirTran Airways 2005 Annual Report (NYSE: AAI) for their outstanding investor Web site. In the opinion of the competition judges, the site went beyond all others entered in the IIR Awards to provide investors and the financial community an interesting and compelling review of why investors should continue to invest in AirTran.

A complete list of the winning sites can be found at the interactive Investor Relations Award Web site at www.iiraward.org.

Other companies recognized for their industry leading investor relations Web sites are:

Site (Exchange:Ticker) - Award
Abbott (NYSE: ABT), Best Pharmaceuticals IR Site:
ABN AMRO (NYSE: ABN), Best Financial Services IR Site:
Advanced Growing Systems, Inc. (AGWS),Best Agriculture IR Site:
AirTran Airways (NYSE: AAI), Best Airline IR Site:
Allis-Chalmers Energy, Inc. (AMEX: ALY), Best Industrial Services IR Site:
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO), Best Consumer Goods IR Site:
Answers Corporation (NASDAQ: ANSW), Best Interactive Services/e-Commerce IR Site:
Blockbuster, Inc. (NYSE: BBI), Best Entertainment IR Site:
Central European Media Enterprises (NASDAQ: CETV), Best Broadcasting IR Site:
China Telecom Corporation Limited (NYSE: CHA), Best Conglomerates IR Site, Best Information Services IR Site:
ClearOne (OTCBB: CLRO), Best Office Equipment IR Site:
Danske Bank (OMX: DANSKE), Best Banking IR Site:
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: Dell), Best Computer Hardware IR Site:
Duke Realty Corporation (NYSE: DRE), Best Real Estate IR Site:
FEMSA (NYSE: FMX), Best Beverage IR Site:
Genentech (NYSE: DNA), Best Biotechnology IR Site:
Healthstream (NASDAQ: HSTM), Best Education IR Site:
IMS Health (NYSE: RX), Best Health Care Service IR Site:
Interlink Global Corporation (OTCBB: ILKG), Best International Business IR Site:
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Best Health Care Products IR Site:
Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), Best Food Industry IR Site:
Kyphon Inc. (NASDAQ: KYPH), Best Medical IR Site:
Legacy Communications Corporation (OTCBB: LGCC), Best Radio IR Site:
Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX), Best Leisure IR Site:
Neste Oil (Helsinki: NES1V), Best Oil and Gas IR Site:
NetSol Technologies (NASDAQ: NTWK), Best Professional Services IR Site:
Nortech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSYS), Best Aerospace and Defense IR Site:
Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL), Best Manufacturing IR Site:
Park Ohio Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: PKOH), Best Diversified Business IR Site:
PotashCorp (NYSE: POT), Best Metals and Mining IR Site:
Promana Solutions (PLSU), Best Employment IR Site:
Publicis Groupe (NYSE: ), Best Advertising/Marketing Services IR Site:
Silverleaf Resorts, Inc. (AMEX: SVL), Best Hotel and Lodging IR Site:
Southern Company (NYSE: SO), Best Energy IR Site:
Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI), Best Automotive IR Site:
Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ: SYMC), Best Computer Software IR Site, Best Technology IR Site:
Tejas Incorporated (OTCBB: TEJS), Best Brokerage IR Site:
The Asia Pacific Fund (NYSE: APB), Best Mutual Funds IR Site:
The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), Best Chemicals IR Site:
The Home Depot (NYSE: HD), Best Retail IR Site:
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG), Best Personal Care Products IR Site:
TrygVesta (OMX:TRYG), Best Insurance IR Site:
WCI Communities, Inc. (NYSE: WCI), Best Home Builders/Building Products IR Site:
Williams Partners, L.P. (NYSE: WPZ), Best Natural Resources IR Site:
Yahoo! (NYSE: YHOO), Best Media IR Site:
Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM), Best Restaurant IR Site:

Additional sites were also recognized as Outstanding Websites. They are: Avaya Inc. (NYSE: AV), Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE: DVN), Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW), eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY), CVS Corporation (NYSE: CVS),EDS (NYSE: EDS),Life Time Fitness, Inc.(NYSE: LTM), Haemonetics (NYSE: HAE), Catena Fastigheter AB (NYSE: NO), ERA Real Estate (NYSE: H), Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL), Metso Corporation (NYSE), Finnvera (NYSE), SAP AG (NYSE: SAP), Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), SI International (NASDAQ: SINT), Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF), PNM Resources (NYSE: PNM), Air Products (NYSE: APD), Fremont General Corporation (NYSE: FMT), DWS Scudder, Qualcomm Inc. (NYSE: QCOM), Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE: SFD), ANSYS, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANSS), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), Edison International (NYSE: EIX), Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), Bank of Montreal (TOR:BMO), EnPro Industries (NYSE: NPO), Air France-KLM (NYSE: AKH), Colony Capital Inc., Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER), Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE), Siemens AG (NYE: SI), Northern Trust Corporation (NASDAQ: NTRS), Aspreva Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ASPV), Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE: PNW), Global Sources Ltd. (NASDAQ: GSOL), Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT), W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), Warner Music Group (NYSE :WMG), Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ: HBAN), Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS), EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC), Deutsche Telekom, Inc. (NYSE: DT), Adstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADST), Callisto Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: KAL), Titan Global Holdings (OTCBB: TTGL), Crown Crafts, Inc. (OTCBB: CRWS), Smart & Final, Inc. (NYSE: SMF), EDAP TMS S.A. (NASDAQ: EDAP), Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (NYSE: CLF), TODCO (NYSE: THE), Intervoice (NASDAQ: INTV), General Motors (NYSE: GM), and BASF AG (NYSE: BF)

Special recognition is also given to b2i Technologies, Inc. of Richardson Texas. For the second year in a row, B2i won more awards than any other participant, taking home 26 awards in the 2005 IIR Awards for their clients, including 17 Best of Industry Awards and 9 Outstanding IR Website Awards.

The interactive Investor Relations Awards are judged by individual and institutional investors, financial advisors, financial media, IR professionals and Web developers. Each site is judged on 35 different criteria, earning a score between 0 and 100 points. The highest score in a given category wins Best of Industry for that category. Remaining entries receiving a score of 80 points or greater receive the Outstanding Web site Award. All entries receive judges' comments and feedback to help participants understand how their entry is viewed and to facilitate improvement.

The Web Marketing Association (WMA) was founded in Boston in 1997 as an organization dedicated to upholding professional standards of excellence in Web development. Members are advertising, marketing, public relations and Web professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of Web communications. Since its inception, the WMA has set the standard of excellence for overall Web site development with the annual WebAward Competition, a premier annual event for Web developers and marketers.

Internet Advertising Competition Awards Deadline Extended

The Web Marketing Association announces the deadline for the 2007 Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards as been extended until Febrary 15th, 9:00p.M. EST. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising. The Competition Web site is located at www.iacaward.org.

The Internet Advertising Competition Awards are open to all organizations and individuals (advertising and interactive agencies, corporate marketing departments, etc.) involved in the process of developing Internet advertising. Entries will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.

Awards will be presented within each of the industry categories and advertising formats such as online ad (including banner, pop-up or interstitial), rich media online ad, email message, online newsletter campaign, microsite/landing page and integrated ad campaign and ads the client did not choose. Best of show award for each medium will be selected from among the industry winners. Ads eligible for entry in the competition must have run during the period from January 1, 2006 through January 31, 2007.

Judges will consist of a select group of Internet advertising professionals with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Web advertising. Past competition judges have included top executives from leading corporations, institutions and media organizations such as Ogilvy Interactive, Saatchi & Saatchi, Blattner Brunner, Comedy Central, Sun Microsystems, National Cable & Telecom Association, Refinery, Euro RSCG, EPB Interactive, New York Post Interactive, The Cincinnati Enquirer, J. Walter Thompson, Xerox, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Modem Media, and Answerthink.

The 2007 Internet Advertising Competition Awards are sponsored by BURST!Media, ad:tech, ExactTarget, Small Army, OMMA, PR Web, NewsUSA, , Misukanis & Odden, Top Rank Online Marketing, SimpleFeed, WebSite Services Magazine and www.YourPhotoOnChocolate.com.

Today is the deadline for the IAC Awards

The deadline for the Web Marketing Association's fifth annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards is today, January 31, 2007. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising.

Please make every effort to get your entry submitted by today. You will still be able to edit your entry until February 15th.

Web Marketing Association is a W3C Supporter

The Web Marketing Association is pleased to be a finanical supporter of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international consortium where Member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards. W3C's mission is to lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.

The mission of the Web Marketing Association has away been to help set the standard of excellence for web site development. This is just one way we help support our mission. Another way we support it with our WebAward and Internet Advertising Competition(IAC) Award programs.


http://www.w3.org/Consortium/sup

2006 WebAward Surveys Sent

Each year, we conclude the annual WebAwards with a survey sent to all participants and judges. Those surveys went out last week and if you were involved in this year’s WebAwards and did not receive one, or the regular nominator is no longer with your organization, please contact the Web Marketing Association.

If you did receive it, please complete your short survey. We truly do use the data from these surveys to shape the future award competitions.

Problem with Ordered Certificates

We would like to apologize for the delays in getting awards to people who ordered them from our online Recognition Center. We recently changed printers and experienced problems in getting the correct certificates to those who ordered them – not once but twice.

This problem has been corrected and the certificates are once again being sent out to their rightful owners.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Award Winning Sites Embrace Total User Experience in 2006

The end of the year is often a good time to take a look back on the major trends of 2006 in website development and look ahead for 2007 and beyond.

The Web Marketing Association will be releasing its 2007 Internet Standards Assessment Report, an industry by industry assessment of current standards of excellence, in February, in the mean time, I thought it would be a value to our readers to give a heads up for what to expect.

At the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association summit, a few months ago, I discussed the concept of Total User Experience. This is how I best sum up what made some Websites stand out above the rest in the 10th annual WebAward Competition for Website development.

I define total user experience as a Web site that combines text, sound, animation and video within its pages to deliver an informative and entertaining experience. Today a website should not require users to download a plug in, or click a link to have a video player pop up. Rather today’s award winning sites are integrating video and audio and graphics directly into the page. Users do not want to be interrupted; they want a seamless integrated experience. A Web page is more than just text and graphics, it needs to come alive to compete with the other media outlets available to consumers today. A good example of this is the 2006 WebAward Best of Show winning Website "TBS: Department of Humor Analysis" at www.tbshumorstudy.com, which also won Best TV Website. This flash based Website creates a total user experience to highlight the funny TV shows on TBS.

In the ISAR study, we will be releasing specific data relating to a decade of Website evaluations. If you are interested in receiving a free copy when it is published and download a copy of the 2006 report, add your name to the ISAR Study page.

Happy holidays to all and a very merry new year!

Bill Rice
President
Web Marketing Association

Internet Advertising Competition Awards 2007 Call for Entries is Now Open

The Web Marketing Association announces the launched of its fifth annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising. The Competition Web site is located at www.iacaward.org and the deadline for entry is January 31, 2007

The Internet Advertising Competition Awards are open to all organizations and individuals (advertising and interactive agencies, corporate marketing departments, etc.) involved in the process of developing Internet advertising. Entries may be submitted online at http://www.iacaward.org. The deadline for entry is January 31, 2007 and will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.

Awards will be presented within each of the industry categories and advertising formats such as online ad (including banner, pop-up or interstitial), rich media online ad, email message, online newsletter campaign, microsite/landing page, interactive application, integrated ad campaign and ads the client did not choose. Best of show award for each medium will be selected from among the industry winners. Ads eligible for entry in the competition must have run during the period from January 1, 2006 through January 31, 2007.

Judging for the IAC Awards will take place in February, 2007, and winners will be notified by e-mail one week prior to the general announcement of winners in March, 2007. Judges will consist of a select group of Internet advertising professionals with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Web advertising. Past competition judges have included top executives from leading corporations, institutions and media organizations such as Ogilvy Interactive, Saatchi & Saatchi, Blattner Brunner, Comedy Central, Sun Microsystems, National Cable & Telecom Association, Refinery, Euro RSCG, EPB Interactive, New York Post Interactive, The Cincinnati Enquirer, J. Walter Thompson, Xerox, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Modem Media, and Answerthink.

The 2007 Internet Advertising Competition Awards are sponsored by Burst Media, AdRants, ad:tech, ExactTarget, Small Army, OMMA, PR Web, NewsUSA, , Misukanis & Odden, Top Rank Online Marketing, SimpleFeed, WebSite Services Magazine and www.YourPhotoOnChocolate.com.

Come see the Web Marketing Association at ad:tech New York

ad:tech
Hilton New York
November 6-8, 2006

Join the Web Marketing Association at THE Event for Interactive Marketing. ad:tech New York blends relevant speakers, topic driven panels and interactive workshops, providing attendees with the tools and techniques needed to compete in today’s digital world. Stop by and visit us at our booth in the exhibit hall. Register now at http://www.ad-tech.com/ny.asp

Interactive Briefing Featured Articles

The October issue of Interactive Briefing, the newsletter of the Web Marketing Association, featured two articles of interest.

What do you stand on? – Mannington Floors used rich media banner ads and effective landing pages to engage online users and lower cost per click using this award winning online ad campaign.


Internet cited as best place to get info on political candidates – Burstmedia’s new study looks at the effect the Internet is placing on the election process. (PDF)

To sign up for the Web Marketing Association mailing list, including the monthly Interactive Briefing Newsletter, go to http://www.webmarketingassociation.org/subscribe.asp

eComXpo Opens today

eComXpo, The Virtual Tradeshow for eCommerce Marketers, is the largest number of eCommerce marketers in one place at one time, ever! And you don’t have to fly to New York to experience it. Stop by and check out the vendors, including the Web Marketing Association.

Enrolling in the eComXpo University gives you full access from October 24 to February 23, 2007 to over 160 on-demand presentations from industry experts. Enjoy and learn from industry heavyweights like: Seth Godin, Shawn Collins, Declan Dunn, Paul Colligan and Chris Pirillo! Go to www.ecomxpo.com for complete information.

Search Marketing Study

We at the Web Marketing Assocaition are big fans of MarketingSherpa’s newsletters and reports. Their new MarketingSherpa Search Marketing Benchmark Guide is a great help to anyone who thinks SEO is an important aspect of Web marketing. We have been given access to an executive summary of the study that you can download free-of-charge. You can purchase the entire report from the MarketingSherpa’s Website. While you’re their, sign up for some of their excellent case study newsletters!

Web Marketing Association drawing for ad:tech Conference pass

ad:tech is one of the top conferences in the online marketing space and its next event will be held November 6-8th in New York at the New York Hilton. ad:tech is an interactive advertising and technology conference dedicated to connecting all sides of today’s brand marketing landscape. Worldwide shows blend keynote speakers, topic driven panels and interactive workshops to provide attendees with the tools and techniques they need to compete in a changing world. We’re committed to bringing you the now and the next of modern marketing.

The Web Marketing Association will be exhibiting at the show - stop by and say hello.

If you would like to enter our drawing for a full conference pass to ad:tech New York, simply email your contact information to adtech@webaward.org before Friday, October 20th. One winner will be selected from the entries received and notified by email. This is a $1,695 value that should not be missed.

Web Marketing Association Support eComXpo

eComXpo conference is an online conference to be held October 24-26 2006 at
www.ecomxpo.com. This virtual tradeshow for eCommerce Marketers is a great way to hear interesting speakers and meet new vendors without the expense and time away from the office.

Send your contact information to ecomxpo@webaward.org to be entered into a drawing for free access to the eComXpo University with access to 160 on-demand presentations from industry experts. Deadline is Friday, October 20th.

2006 Interactive Investor Relations Awards competition

Do you have an award winning IR Web site? Prove it! Enter the 2006 Interactive Investor Relations Awards competition.

Have your Web site evaluated by those who matter most: individual and institutional investors, financial advisors, financial media, IR professionals and Web developers. The Interactive Investor Relations Awards recognize excellence in online investor relations in 60 industry categories, providing valuable feedback and recognition for the IR professional.

Both large and small companies were among the 2005 IIR Award winners, including Colgate-Palmolive (Best of Show 2005), The Bank of Montreal , Coca-Cola, CVS, eBay, Mattel and GM.

Complete details, entry form and the list of past winners can be found on the competition Web site at www.iiraward.org. The deadline for entry is October 31, 2006.

The IIR Awards are produced by the Web Marketing Association. The WMA, founded in Boston in 1997, is dedicated to increasing the professional standards of excellence in Web development. Since its inception, the WMA has set the standard of excellence for overall Web site development with the annual WebAward Competition the premier annual event for Web developers and marketers now it its eighth year.

St Paul Pioneer Press Coverage of MIMA Keynote

Recently, William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association, was asked to provide the keynote address for the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association’s annual Summit in St. Paul. The presentation covered trends in award winning websites based on the results of the 2006 WebAwards. We will be expanding on these findings and updating our Internet Standards Assessment Report later this year. The daily newspaper, St Paul Pioneer Press, covered the event and you can read the article at http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/business/15680591.htm.

William Rice, President of Web Marketing Association, to Give Keynote Speech at 2006 Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association Summit

Rice to Address Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA) Summit Attendees outlining the future of award-winning websites and how MIMA members- and their companies - can push the envelope of top website

Web Marketing Association, host of the WebAward, the leading Internet award competition, has announced that its President, William Rice, will deliver the keynote speech at the 2006 Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association’s (MIMA) Summit Showcase.

Founded in 1998, MIMA is a networking and professional development forum for interactive marketing professionals. MIMA connects educational partners with members and guests to elevate the quality of interactive marketing in Minnesota. The MIMA Summit brings together the latest concepts, strategies, technologies, and thought leaders shaping the interactive marketing community.

“I’m honored to be part of the 2006 MIMA Summit,” said Rice. “WebAward has ten years of top website design data to share with MIMA members to help them elevate the design of their company websites.”

Details for the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association 2006 Summit

When: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 - 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: The Depot,  225 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55401

Cost: Members $195, Non-members $395, Students $65

Media attendance at the event is free.

“MIMA is an excellent forum for leaders in the interactive marketing community to share cutting-edge concepts and strategies that are at the forefront of the marketing industry,” said Rice.

About WebAwards

The WebAward Competition, produced by the Web Marketing Association, is now in its tenth year. WebAwards is the premier annual web site award competition that names the best Web sites in 96 industries while setting the standard of excellence for all website development.

The Web Marketing Association was founded in 1997 to help set a high standard for Internet marketing and web development on the World Wide Web. Staffed by volunteers, this organization is made up of Internet marketing, online advertising, PR, and web site design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of online advertising, internet marketing, and website promotion.

WebAward Winners Announced

The Web Marketing Association announced today the winners of its tenth annual WebAward Competition for outstanding web site development. More than 2,300 web sites from 35 countries were adjudicated in 96 industry categories during this year's WebAward competition.

Entries were judged on top web site design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology.

“The World Wide Web continues to evolve in terms of Web site development and the expectations of visitors to sites,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “The Web sites today are more integrated than event and have multimedia tools embedded into the site rather than as links. The WebAward Once again the WebAward winning Websites have set the standard for all Web development. This accomplishment serves as invaluable marketing opportunity for both the winning website and company and serves as a benchmark for all Websites within the industry.”

The 2005 Best of Show WebAward is presented to New York-based Big Spaceship (www.bigspaceship.com), for its outstanding work on the "TBS: Department of Humor Analysis" web site at www.tbshumorstudy.com. The web site was also won for Best TV WebAward. TBS's Dept. of Humor Analysis works hard to put the -very- in front of -funny. To help TBS steer clear of common pitfalls in this cut-throat, dog-eat-dog, rabbit-outwit-duck, duck-shoot-pig, anvil-smush-coyote, Chico-trip-Zeppo field of funny business, Big Spaceship joined forces Mother Interactive to turn their very silly questionnaire into an addictive, fully interactive web site.

R/GA (www.rga.com) was named Top Agency at the 2006 WebAward Competition, taking home 19 WebAwards. The Top Agency Award recognizes the consistently outstanding development pursued by interactive firms when creating top website designs. R/GA has also won more WebAwards than any other organization during the past decade, although this is their first Top Agency Award. R/GA, headquartered in New York, won 12 Outstanding and 7 Standard of Excellence WebAwards.

Agencies or companies winning six or more WebAwards in 2006 include the following:

Agency - # of Website awards in 2006

R/GA - 19
Zugara - 18
E-Site Marketing - 13
Arnold Worldwide -12
Bridge Worldwide - 12
Refinery, Inc. - 12
BrowserMedia - 11
CondeNet - 11
Aristotle - 10
Avenue A / Razorfish - 9
Bbdigital (Blattner Brunner) -9
Vision Internet Providers - 9
Critical Mass - 8
Open World Ltd. - 8
Organic - 8
2Advanced Studio - 7
American Academy of Dermatology - 7
Biggs-Gilmore - 6
Brulant - 6
Buena Vista Pictures Marketing - 6
Hanson Inc. - 6
Hubbard One - 6
imc2 - 6
JWT Specialized Communications - 6
MagiClick - 6<
Mullen - 6
Ogilvy One - 6
Racepoint Group - 6
TM Interactice - 6
VML Inc - 6
WhippleHill Communications - 6

The WebAwards’ competition was judged by a team of independent Internet professionals representing a variety of relevant disciplines of Web site development. Judges included members of the media, advertising executives, web site designers, creative directors, corporate marketing executives, content providers and webmasters.

The WebAward competition format allows web sites to compete head to head with other web sites within their industry to win the Best of Industry awards.

Entries also compete against a standard of excellence to win Outstanding Web site and Standard of Excellence WebAwards. Each web site is judged on seven different criteria and earns a score between 0 and 70 points. The highest score in a given category wins Best of Industry for that category. If the remaining entries received a score of 60 or greater, they receive the Outstanding Web site award. Entries that scored between 50 and 59.9 receive the Standard of Excellence.

A complete list of the winning sites can be found at the WebAward Web site at www.webaward.org

The 2006 WebAward Competition sponsors include:

BURST! Media (www.burstmedia.com)
Misukanis & Odden (www.misukanisodden.com)
SimpleFeed (www.simplefeed.com)
Register.com (www.register.com)
NewsUSA (www.newsusa.com)
AdTools Inc(www.adtoolsinc.com)
Small Army (www.smallarmy.net)
Perseus Development Corp (www.perseus.com)
Top Rank (www.toprankmarketing.com)
Creative Chocolate Printing Company (www.CreativeChocolatePrinting.com)
PRWeb (www.prweb.com)

Media Sponsors include:
Website Services Magazine (www.websiteservices.com)
AdRants (www.adrants.com)
MarketingVox (www.marketingvox.com)
MediaPost (www.mediapost.com)
eComXpo (www.ecomxpo.com)
Ad:Tech (www.ad-tech.com)
Macworld (www.macworldexpo.com).

The Web Marketing Association thanks all of its sponsors for helping to make this annual competition possible.
About the Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association is working to create a high standard of excellence for Web site development and marketing on the Internet. Staffed by volunteers, it is made up of Internet marketing, advertising, PR and design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of Website development and marketing on the Internet. Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association’s annual WebAward Competition has been helping interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. Now in its ninth year, the WebAward Competition has become the premier award event for Web developers and marketers worldwide.

2006 WebAward Winners Announced

-The Web Marketing Association announced today the winners of its tenth annual WebAward Competition for outstanding web site development. More than 2,300 web sites from 35 countries were adjudicated in 96 industry categories during this year's WebAward competition.



Entries were judged on top web site design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology.



“The World Wide Web continues to evolve in terms of Web site development and the expectations of visitors to sites,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “The Web sites today are more integrated than event and have multimedia tools embedded into the site rather than as links. The WebAward Once again the WebAward winning Websites have set the standard for all Web development.  This accomplishment serves as invaluable marketing opportunity for both the winning website and company and serves as a benchmark for all Websites within the industry.”

The 2005 Best of Show WebAward is presented to New York-based Big Spaceship (www.bigspaceship.com), for its outstanding work on the "TBS: Department of Humor Analysis" web site at www.tbshumorstudy.com. The web site was also won for Best TV WebAward. TBS's Dept. of Humor Analysis works hard to put the -very- in front of -funny.  To help TBS steer clear of common pitfalls in this cut-throat, dog-eat-dog, rabbit-outwit-duck, duck-shoot-pig, anvil-smush-coyote, Chico-trip-Zeppo field of funny business, Big Spaceship joined forces Mother Interactive to turn their very silly questionnaire into an addictive, fully interactive web site.

R/GA (www.rga.com) was named Top Agency at the 2006 WebAward Competition, taking home 19 WebAwards. The Top Agency Award recognizes the consistently outstanding development pursued by interactive firms when creating top website designs. R/GA has also won more WebAwards than any other organization during the past decade, although this is their first Top Agency Award. R/GA, headquartered in New York, won 12 Outstanding and 7 Standard of Excellence WebAwards.



Agencies or companies winning six or more WebAwards in 2006 include the following:

Agency - # of Website awards in 2006

R/GA - 19

Zugara - 18

E-Site Marketing - 13

Arnold Worldwide -12

Bridge Worldwide - 12

Refinery, Inc. - 12

BrowserMedia - 11

CondeNet  - 11

Aristotle - 10

Avenue A / Razorfish - 9

Bbdigital (Blattner Brunner) -9

Vision Internet Providers - 9

Critical Mass - 8

Open World Ltd. - 8

Organic - 8

2Advanced Studio - 7

American Academy of Dermatology - 7

Biggs-Gilmore - 6

Brulant - 6

Buena Vista Pictures Marketing - 6

Hanson Inc. - 6

Hubbard One - 6

imc2 - 6

JWT Specialized Communications - 6

MagiClick - 6<

Mullen  - 6

Ogilvy One - 6

Racepoint Group - 6

TM Interactice - 6

VML Inc - 6

WhippleHill Communications - 6

The WebAwards’ competition was judged by a team of independent Internet professionals representing a variety of relevant disciplines of Web site development.  Judges included members of the media, advertising executives, web site designers, creative directors, corporate marketing executives, content providers and webmasters.

The WebAward competition format allows web sites to compete head to head with other web sites within their industry to win the Best of Industry awards.

Entries also compete against a standard of excellence to win Outstanding Web site and Standard of Excellence WebAwards. Each web site is judged on seven different criteria and earns a score between 0 and 70 points. The highest score in a given category wins Best of Industry for that category.  If the remaining entries received a score of 60 or greater, they receive the Outstanding Web site award. Entries that scored between 50 and 59.9 receive the Standard of Excellence.

A complete list of the winning sites can be found at the WebAward Web site at www.webaward.org

The 2006 WebAward Competition sponsors include:

BURST! Media (www.burstmedia.com)

Misukanis & Odden (www.misukanisodden.com)

SimpleFeed (www.simplefeed.com)

Register.com (www.register.com)

NewsUSA (www.newsusa.com)

AdTools Inc(www.adtoolsinc.com.)

Small Army (www.smallarmy.net),

Perseus Development Corp (www.perseus.com)

Top Rank (www.toprankmarketing.com)

Creative Chocolate Printing Company (www.CreativeChocolatePrinting.com)

PRWeb (www.prweb.com)

Media Sponsors include:

Website Services Magazine (www.websiteservices.com)

AdRants (www.adrants)

MarketingVox (www.marketingvox.com)

MediaPost (www.wediapost.com)

eComXpo (www.ecomxpo.com)

Ad:Tech (www.ad-tech.com)

Macworld (www.macworldexpo.com).

The Web Marketing Association thanks all of its sponsors for helping to make this annual competition possible.

About the Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association is working to create a high standard of excellence for Web site development and marketing on the Internet. Staffed by volunteers, it is made up of Internet marketing, advertising, PR and design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of Website development and marketing on the Internet. Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association’s annual WebAward Competition has been helping interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. Now in its ninth year, the WebAward Competition has become the premier award event for Web developers and marketers worldwide.

TopRank Online Marketing is named as a sponsor of the annual WebAwards

The Web Marketing Association is please to name TopRank Online Marketing as a sponsor of the annual WebAward Competition.

TopRank Online Marketing is an industry leading search marketing agency offering integrated search engine optimization, online public relations and blog marketing services. TopRank has been listed as a top ten world-wide SEO firm by topseos.com and Promotion World and is included in Marketing Sherpa's Guide to Search Engine Optimization Firms. TopRank is a member of the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization (SEMPO.org), the Search Engine Marketing Council of the Direct Marketing Association (the-DMA.org), and holds a Board of Directors position for the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA.org).

For more information visit: www.toprankresults.com

Misukanis & Odden named WebAward Sponsor

The Web Marketing Association is please to name Misukanis & Odden as a sponsor of the annual WebAward Competition.

Misukanis & Odden is a leading business to business public relations and marketing firm based in Minneapolis, MN. Misukanis & Odden specializes in building brand visibility and increasing sales for companies focused on technology, healthcare, financial and professional services.  With proven experience, from positioning to product launches and research to crisis management, Misukanis & Odden can help you build awareness of and generate prospective inquiries for your company.

For
more information visit: www.misukanisodden.com.

Creative Chocolate Printing added as WebAward Sponsor

The Web Marketing Association is please to name the Creative Chocolate Printing Company as a sponsor of the annual WebAward Competition.

The Creative Chocolate Printing Company (www.yourLogoOnChocolate.com) creates personalized chocolate gifts and chocolate party favors for any event, occasion or budget! Chocolography is a newly patented technology that makes it possible to reproduce any picture, image, or message right on the surface of delicious chocolate. We will help you create unique and highly personalized chocolate products, which will astound even the most sophisticated customer.

WebAward Results Announced to Participants

If you entered the Web Marketing Association's 2006 WebAwards and have not received an email notice from us, please return to your nominator account for the results for your entries.

The Complete results, including Best of Show and Top Agency Awards, will be released publically on September 27, 2006 on our Website and through PR Web.

WebAward Judging Complete

I’m please to report that the judging for the 2006 WebAward
Competition for Website Development is now complete. We will tabulate the
results and selecting the award winners over the next few weeks. Winners will
be announced in mid-September.

The Web Marketing Association would like to thank the many
industry professionals who acted as judges for this year’s award program. These Internet experts provided their time
and expertise to help improve the overall standard of excellence for web design
and development. We are deeply in their debt.