Best Online Apps to Be Named by Web Marketing Association

The Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards judges will select the best online apps of 2013 in 86 industries as part of their 11th annual program. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising. Companies or agencies wishing to nominate their online apps for consideration may do so at http://www.iacaward.org before the deadline of January 31, 2013.

“Online apps are an effective advertising tool to build brand awareness and engage consumers where ever they may be,” said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association. “The IAC Awards provides an opportunity to show the world your expertise in this emerging field. It’s also a great marketing opportunity for the winners to promote their work to senior management, customers and prospects”.

The 2012 Best of Show for Interactive Applications went to Wendy's and The Kaplan Thaler Group for Beef Equity - Here's the Beef, which also won Best Food Industry and Interactive Application and Best Restaurant Interactive application.

Past top winners in Interactive Application format include:

2011 Toyota Sponsafier entered by Saatchi & Saatchi LA
2010 Apple Jacks Gliders entered by Biggs|Gilmore
2009 Photo Slice entered by Atmosphere BBDO
2008 PENTAX Photo Gallery entered by texturemedia
2007 My Family "Census" Site entered by Hornall Anderson Design Works
2006 Keowee Falls Interactive Tour entered by Aristotle and Cliffs Communities
2005 Jeep Trail Rated Challenge entered by Organic, Inc.
2004 The New BMW 6 Series Convertible. Inspiration. Dynamics. Elegance. entered by BBDO InterOne GmbH, Hamburg

The 2013 international Internet Advertising Competition Awards are open to all organizations and individuals (advertising and interactive agencies, corporate marketing departments, etc.) throughout the world 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, 2013 and will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.

“We believe that winning an industry specific award is more valuable to the participant. It allows the participants to be judges against their peers, just like in the marketplace,” said Rice.

Interactive agencies that win multiple awards will also be in the running for Top Agency Award. In a change from prior years, each entrant will be awarded points based on the level of award for each award received. A Best of Show will be worth 5 points, Best of Industry 3 points and each Outstanding award 1 point. The agency with the most points will be awarded the Top Agency Award.

In an effort to recognize those organizations that demonstrate exceptional development skills across multiple entries, agencies that win more the 6 awards will also be recognized with an Outstanding Advertising Developer Award from the Web Marketing Association. In 2012, ten agencies won this honor.

Judging for the IAC Awards will take place in February, 2013, and winners will be notified by e-mail in March, 2013. 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 Arc Worldwide, BGT Partners, Brunner Digital, Campbell-Ewald, CNN News Group, Deep Interactive Asia, Digitas, EuroRSCG 4D, Google, IBM Interactive, imc2, JWT, LeapFrog Interactive, Mass Transmit, McCann Worldgroup, Razorfish, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Tectis GmbH, TMP Worldwide, Universal McCann Interactive and Wunderman / Y&R.

The 2013 Internet Advertising Competition Awards are sponsored by Burst Media, BGT Partners, PR Newswire, ExactTarget, EContent Magazine, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, Search Engine Strategies, Webmaster Radio and Website Magazine.

A complete list of past winners can be found at the IAC Award Website.

Nominate a Judge for the Internet Advertising Competition

The Web Marketing Association’s 11th annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards are currently accepting entries and is looking for qualified judges to help adjudicate this year’s award program. 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, 2013.

To nominate yourself or someone within your organization, please complete the judge’s nomination form. Internet and advertising professionals selected as judges will be contacted during the first week of January.

We are looking for individuals who have direct experience developing online advertising. Our judges must have an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in web advertising, an eye for a well-designed ad and the objectivity to score entries according to a predefined set of criteria.

Judging for the IAC Awards will take place in February, 2013, and winners will be notified by e-mail one week prior to the general announcement of winners in March, 2011. 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 Arc Worldwide, BGT Partners, Brunner Digital, Campbell-Ewald, CNN News Group, Deep Interactive Asia, Digitas, EuroRSCG 4D, Google, IBM Interactive, imc2, JWT, LeapFrog Interactive, Mass Transmit, McCann Worldgroup, Razorfish, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Tectis GmbH, TMP Worldwide, Universal McCann Interactive and Wunderman / Y&R.

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, 2013 and will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.

Judging an award show like the IAC Awards is a great way to share your experience and expertise with the online advertising community. It is an honor and an important responsibility when you are chosen to participate as a judge. You are helping to set the standard for award winning advertising throughout the Web.

Best Online Advertising To Be Named By Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association announces the Call for Entries for the 11th annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising. This international award program will evaluate all forms of online advertising, including email, page-based ads, online newsletters, mobile apps, Websites, video and social media in 86 industry categories. The Competition Web site is located at www.iacaward.org and the deadline for entry is January 31, 2013.

“Now, more than ever, it is critical for online marketers to be able to justify advertising expertise come budget time,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “The IAC Awards can provide third party confirmation that clients are getting the best creative for their ad dollars. Winning awards is a great way to demonstrate your creative potential. We created the IAC Awards to highlight the best in this unique advertising medium by industry, and also to help advertising professionals validate their efforts to clients and senior management.”

Awards will be presented within each of the industry categories and advertising formats including:
Best Social Media Campaign
Best Online ad (including banner, pop-up or interstitial)
Best Rich media online ad
Best Email message
Best Online newsletter
Best Website (including best landing pages and best microsites)
Best Online video
Best Mobile applications
Best Integrated ad campaign
Best Ads the client did not choose

Best of show award for each format will be selected from among the industry winners. Ads eligible for entry in the competition must have run during the period from January 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013.

Interactive agencies that win multiple awards will also be in the running for Top Agency Award. In a change from prior years, each entrant will be awarded points based on the level of award for each award received. A Best of Show will be worth 5 points, Best of Industry 3 points and each Outstanding award 1 point. The agency with the most points will be awarded the Top Agency Award.
In the 10th annual IAC Awards, Saatchi & Saatchi LA was recognized with the 2012 Top Agency Award, winning 17 IAC Awards. Their awards include 7 Best of Industry awards and 10 Outstanding awards.

In an effort to recognize those organizations that demonstrate exceptional development skills across multiple entries, agencies that win more the 6 awards will also be recognized with an Outstanding Advertising Developer Award from the Web Marketing Association. In 2012, ten agencies won this honor.

The Internet Advertising Competition Awards are open to all organizations and individuals (advertising and interactive agencies, corporate marketing departments, small business owners, 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, 2012 and will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.Judging for the IAC Awards will take place in February, 2013, and winners will be notified by e-mail in March, 2013. 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 Arc Worldwide, BGT Partners, Brunner Digital, Campbell-Ewald, CNN News Group, Deep Interactive Asia, Digitas, EuroRSCG 4D, Google, IBM Interactive, imc2, JWT, LeapFrog Interactive, Mass Transmit, McCann Worldgroup, Razorfish, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Tectis GmbH, TMP Worldwide, Universal McCann Interactive and Wunderman / Y&R.

The 2013 Internet Advertising Competition Awards are sponsored by Burst Media, BGT Partners, PR Newswire, ExactTarget, EContent Magazine, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, Search Engine Strategies, Webmaster Radio and Website Magazine.

A complete list of past winners can be found at the IAC Award Website.

About the Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association is an organization 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 online advertising, Internet marketing and promotion used to attract visitors to Web sites. The Web Marketing Association’s annual award programs, the WebAward Competition, MobileWebAwards and the Internet Advertising Competition Awards, have been helping interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world since 1997.

Romney vs Obama: Who Has The Better Website? The WebAward Judges Decide

The 2012 Presidential election is being fiercely contested by Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama. Both candidates are using the Internet to help their campaigns woo voters, volunteers and campaign contributions. But who has the better Website?

Romney vs Obama Website Challenge

The Web Marketing Association has been judging Websites through their annual WebAward Competition for Website development since 1997. More than 27,000 site evaluations have been tabulated during that period and they took up the task of evaluating both candidates Websites.

During the second week of October 2012, 61 Internet Website experts, who serve as WebAward competition judges, reviewed both www.mittromney.com and www.barackobama.com using the same criteria used in the annual WebAwards program. The sites were judged side by side based on the seven criteria of a successful Website.

Here are the results:

Design - Asked "which Website has the most pleasing design?" 60.7% of the WebAward judges selected the Obama site over the 39.3% for Romney Website.

Innovation - Website innovation also went in favor of Barack Obama. By the same margin as design, the vast majority of WebAward judges (68.3%) thought the Obama Website seems more innovative, while only 31.7% favored Romney's.

Content - In terms of having the most appealing content, judges again selected the Obama Website over Mitt Romney's Website, although by a narrower margin than the first two criteria. 54.1% of the WebAward judges felt barackobama.com has more appealing content for visitors compared to 45.9% for mittromney.com. WebAward judges also found that the Obama Website is more effective for telling the candidate's story and attracting contributions and voters to its cause (55.9% Obama vs 44.1% Romney).

Ease of use - President Obama's Website was seen as easier to use by the WebAward judges than Govoner Romney’s. 63.3% selected barackobama.com as easier to use compared to 36.7% of WebAward judges who felt mittromney.com was easier.

Copywriting - It is obvious that both campaigns have excellent writers on staff. Neither Websites have any of the editing issues some large organizations can experience. However, the WebAward judges gave the advantage to the Obama site (62.7% over the Romney site 37.3%).

Interactivity - Interactivity makes a Website more than just an online billboard and both candidates were effective in giving visitors to their Websites plenty to see and do. Nevertheless, once again the WebAward judges gave the edge regarding interactivity to the Obama Website (70.7%) over the Romney Website (29.3%).

Technology - Use of technology is evident in both candidates' Websites, however, the clear favorite for the WebAward judges was barackobama.com winning 70.7% of the votes compared to mittromney.com with only 29.3% of the votes.

"Regardless of who you will be voting for in the next presidential election, Websites are going to play an ever increasingly important role in how candidates get their messages across to the American voters," said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association "Based on the findings of this survey by some of the top Internet professionals available today, the Web Marketing Association names barackobama.com the winner of the Romney vs Obama Website Challenge. We wish both candidates the best of luck in their efforts to become the next President of the United States in the November election".

Impact of Voting Preference

When the WebAward judges were asked "If the election was to be held today. Which candidate would you be more likely to vote for?" 43.3% responded Barack Obama, 18.3% responded Mitt Romney, 5% voted neither and 16.7% reported that they are a non-US judge and can not vote for anyone in a US election.
When judges who plan to vote for either Mitt Romney or Barack Obama are removed from the tabulation, results still remain in favor of barackobama.com, although the margins narrow. The one difference is that for non-decided judges, Romney’s website is seen as being more effective in terms of content (63.4%) than Obama’s (36.6).

Specific comments from the judges can be seen on the Web Marketing Association Blog.

Methodology

An email was sent to all past WebAward judges requesting that they participate in an online survey between October 10 and October 15, 2012. 61 WebAward judges agreed to participate in the project. They reviewed each site and completed the brief online survey.

Judges for the annual WebAward competition 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. These WebAward judges have an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Web site development and technology and they apply that knowledge to the entries they review. Past judges have included top executives from leading organizations such as Arc Worldwide, BGT Partners, Brunner Digital, Campbell-Ewald, CNN News Group, Deep Interactive Asia, Digitas, EuroRSCG 4D, Google, IBM Interactive, imc2, JWT, LeapFrog Interactive, Mass Transmit, McCann Worldgroup, Razorfish, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Tectis GmbH, TMP Worldwide, Universal McCann Interactive and Wunderman / Y&R.

About the WebAwards

The 16th annual international WebAwards competition for website development sets the standard of excellence in 96 industry categories by evaluating Web sites and defining benchmarks based on the seven essential criteria of successful Web site development. The goal of the Web Marketing Association, sponsor of the WebAwards, is to provide a forum to recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective Web sites on the Internet today. Entrants benefit from a Web site assessment by a professional judging panel and the marketing opportunities presented to an award-winning Web site. The Web Marketing Association also hosts the Internet Advertising Competition Awards.

Romney vs Obama Website Challenge Judges Comments

One of the benefits of participating in the WebAward competition is feedback from our judges. Below are public comments made regarding the Romney vs Obama Website Challenge where 61 WebAward judges reviewed the websites of the two presidential candidates, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama.
Here are the comments. Attribution is given when judge provided name.

While I overwhelmingly favor President Obama's web site based on the above criteria, the most glaring departure for me is the negativity represented on the President's web site vs. Candidate Romney's, which is a potential turn off for undecided voters. BO.com offers a much more pleasing and modern design; however, MR.com has some content elements, such as the one-pager, that make getting to the issues more effective.

Creatively, I think both sites are very similar. To me, Governor Romney's site seems to be structured more like a professional (business) site with most of the content falling under specific menu items. President Obama's site seems to be laid out more like a personal site (blog) as there are may "post" type additions (comments/videos/etc.) directly on his main page. Personally, I find Governor Romney's site easier to navigate and-for me--more appealing. President Obama's site has a lot going on where one can spend several minutes scrolling through the main page. I'm sure President Obama's site is considered much more favorable by his supporters and those with adequate time on their hands to scroll down through post after post. I suspect many of the surveys you get back will be positive/negative right along party lines.
Brian K. St.Ours
President – eWareness
Founder - VeteranOwnedBusiness.com

Obama's website is with better use of communication type of user interface and marketing, making it more friendly and attractive; Romney's website is so conservatively designed...

BarackObama.com's design has embraced the generation now. The site is a direct reflection of the way people are consuming digital and social media news. MittRomney.com's one seems to be stuck in time with a retro look I can't help but feel is out of place and old fashioned. Are both a direct reflection of their voters? America, where are you heading?
Thierry Halbroth
Executive Creative Director
McCann

I am not a fan of Obama. But I must say that his marketing and design team has done a great job on the web.

Both of these sites are politically very effective and cutting edge. I do not like the aspect of scrolling down a page as in Obama site. Users will not do this. Romney site cleaner and easier to identify content locations.
Alan J. Potasnik
Senior Partner
The Point Betsie Internetwork

This websites comparison shows Obama is a greater endorser of technology -which is one of the things that makes this country be where we are worldwide. Having a website that looks dated almost shows you don't care so much about the present or the future in terms of technology and where we are standing, as well as a lack of detail and dedication in what you do.
Solana Crawford

Both are hard to use but Barack Obama's puts too many roadblocks in my way. I reluctantly voted for Romney's as the better site.
Burkey Belser
Greenfield/Belser Ltd.

Overall I like the Barack Obama website better because it is better layed out and not as busy as the Mitt Romney web site. I do like the web site navigation on the Mitt Romney web site more than the Barrack Obama web site.
Hieroweb Interactive

Both sites offered more information links. Obama's featured information on voter registration and polling locations, issues and offered a side column about comparing the candidates. Romney's featured information about him, and reasons why you shouldn't pick Obama. This leaves visitors with a feeling that Obama cares more about the issues and your right to vote than Romney.

The difference in the two sites was easily noticeable. Romney's site was positive and upbeat and talked about his plans for the future. Obama's site spent at least half of the available real estate simply attacking Romney on minute details rather than giving voters an overview of HIS plan and a positive message for the future of our country.

The Obama site navigation disappears on most all sub-pages. Romney's always stays anchored at top, much more conventional usability.

When I looked at the sites side by side they were remarkably similar in design. Use of the same updated tones of red, white and blue , a photographic style with transparent type boxes on top, font size and use of the same rollover map of the USA to find out where you can participate locally. The use of technology had grown immensely since the last campaign and both websites avail themselves of interactive features. Obama's landing page asks up front for a donation and he has a large request to share on Facebook. The most surprising feature to me is Romney's shop where he sells everything from buttons to "Nobama" bumper stickers. For a limited time only, and I'm wondering if this is until the election, shipping is free. At the shopping cart, one can add in a donation as well.
Meg Levine
Meg Levine Design

The Mitt Romney site had a poor experience on the initial landing page. The user might be confused on how to click into the main site. The Barack Obama site did a better job of this by using the wording "continue to main site."

I am surprised at the lackluster state of the President's website. His team should take a good look at the Romney site and figure it out.

Web Marketing Association Names Outstanding Website Developers for 2012

Ninteen agencies or companies were also recognized as Outstanding Website Developer for having six or more sites recognized in the 2012 WebAward Competition. They include:

AGENCY AWARDS
Sabre Hospitality Solutions 29
Risdall Marketing Group 28
Extractable 25
TRAVELCLICK 20
TMP Worldwide 17
Blenderbox Inc 12
SapientNitro 11
Atlantic BT 10
CareTech Solutions 9
Possible Worldwide 8
VML 7
BGT Partners 7
Euroweb Internet GmbH 7
Cuker Interactive 7
Duo Consulting 7
Mineral, LLC 7
Sherpa Web Studios 6
WSI 6
HeBS Digital 6

Biggs|Gilmore was named Top Agency at the 2012 WebAward Competition

Biggs|Gilmore was named Top Agency at the 2012 WebAward Competition, taking home 39 WebAwards. This is the third time Biggs|Gilmore has won the Top Agency WebAward. The Top Agency Award is given to recognize the consistently outstanding development going on at interactive firms.

The firm also has been named Top Agency in the Web Marketing Association’s Internet Advertising Competition for three straight years (2009, 2010 and 2011). Biggs|Gilmore is a digital creative agency with offices in Chicago and in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was recognized in the 2012 WebAwards with Best Advocacy Website, Best Diversified Business Website, 7 Outstanding Website WebAwards and 28 Standard of Excellence WebAwards.

About Biggs|Gilmore

Biggs|Gilmore (www.biggs-gilmore.com) is a digital creative agency with offices in Chicago and in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Named Top Agency in the 2011 WebAwards; Top Agency in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Internet Advertising Competition; and an AdAge Agency of the Year in 2010, Biggs|Gilmore delivers measurable and award-winning results for Fortune 500 clients including Heinz, Kellogg Company and Kimberly-Clark. Follow us on Twitter @BiggsGilmore and read our agency blog, Slacker CEO.

UrbanDaddy Wins 2012 WebAwards Bet of Show

Congratulations to the 2012 Best of Show WebAward winner UrbanDaddy for their exceptional work on "UrbanDaddy + Herradura Mixology Battle Royale” website. The site was also recognized as Best Marketing Website.

UrbanDaddy, a luxury lifestyle company for the digital world, custom created a multi-faceted brand awareness program for Brown Forman’s Herradura Tequila. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness and engage UrbanDaddy’s affluent, educated, and lifestyle-focused members with the Herradura tequila brand and products. A microsite boasting interactive flash video dovetailed into a highly engaging sizzle reel backed by one ultimate goal: user voting and engagement. The experience was driven by viewers interacting with integrated icons that appear at certain milestones throughout the video. There were multiple layers to the experience: the main video, individual mixologist interviews, bespoke cocktail recipes and a voting interface, all tying into the big theme of the UrbanDaddy & Herradura Mixology Battle Royale between Los Angeles and San Francisco mixologists - where only one winner will come out on top, and whose fate is left in the hands of UrbanDaddy’s cocktail and tequila enthusiasts.

the Web Marketing Association congratulates Urban daddy and all of the winners of the 2012 WebAward Competition. For complete results go to the WebAward Website.

Best Websites in 96 Industries Named By Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association is pleased to announce the winners of its 16th annual WebAward Competition for Web site development. More than 2,000 entries from 42 countries were adjudicated in 96 industry categories during this year's competition. Entries were judged on design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology.

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

Best of Show

The 2012 Best of Show WebAward is presented to UrbanDaddy for their exceptional work on "UrbanDaddy + Herradura Mixology Battle Royale” website. The site was also recognized as Best Marketing Website.

UrbanDaddy, a luxury lifestyle company for the digital world, custom created a multi-faceted brand awareness program for Brown Forman’s Herradura Tequila. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness and engage UrbanDaddy’s affluent, educated, and lifestyle-focused members with the Herradura tequila brand and products. A microsite boasting interactive flash video dovetailed into a highly engaging sizzle reel backed by one ultimate goal: user voting and engagement. The experience was driven by viewers interacting with integrated icons that appear at certain milestones throughout the video. There were multiple layers to the experience: the main video, individual mixologist interviews, bespoke cocktail recipes and a voting interface, all tying into the big theme of the UrbanDaddy & Herradura Mixology Battle Royale between Los Angeles and San Francisco mixologists - where only one winner will come out on top, and whose fate is left in the hands of UrbanDaddy’s cocktail and tequila enthusiasts.

Top Agency

Biggs|Gilmore was named Top Agency at the 2012 WebAward Competition, taking home 39 WebAwards. This is the third time Biggs|Gilmore has won the Top Agency WebAward.. The Top Agency Award is given to recognize the consistently outstanding development going on at interactive firms. The firm also has been named Top Agency in the Web Marketing Association’s Internet Advertising Competition for three straight years (2009, 2010 and 2011). Biggs|Gilmore is a digital creative agency with offices in Chicago and in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was recognized in the 2012 WebAwards with Best Advocacy Website, Best Diversified Business Website, 7 Outstanding Website WebAwards and 28 Standard of Excellence WebAwards.
.
Outstanding Website Developer

19 agencies or companies were also recognized as Outstanding Website Developer for winning six or more WebAwards in 2012. They include:

AGENCY AWARDS
Sabre Hospitality Solutions 29
Risdall Marketing Group 28
Extractable 25
TRAVELCLICK 20
TMP Worldwide 17
Blenderbox Inc 12
SapientNitro 11
Atlantic BT 10
CareTech Solutions 9
Possible Worldwide 8
VML 7
BGT Partners 7
Euroweb Internet GmbH 7
Cuker Interactive 7
Duo Consulting 7
Mineral, LLC 7
Sherpa Web Studios 6
WSI 6
HeBS Digital 6


Competition format

The 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, 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 sites within their industry to win the Best of Industry award. Entries also compete against a standard of excellence to win Outstanding Website and Standard of Excellence WebAwards. Each 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 receive a score of 60 or greater, they receive the Outstanding Web site award. Entries that score higher than their industry average and below 59.9 receive the Standard of Excellence.

The 2012 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: ExactTarget, Burst Media, PR Newswire, BGT Partners, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, Search Engine Strategies, EContent Magazine, Webmaster Radio and Website Magazine.


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, Internet Advertising Competition and MobileWebAward award programs have been helping interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. Now in its 16th year, the WebAward Competition has become the premier award event for Web developers and marketers worldwide.

2012 WebAward Competition Update

The judging of the 16th annual Web Marketing Association WebAward Competition is well underway and as always we are seeing some outstanding websites this year.

At this point, we expect to announce the winners of this year's competition on September 12, 2012.

Good luck to everyone who entered and a special thanks to all of our expert judges who are reviewing the entries,

WebAward Entry Deadline Extended

The Web Marketing Association has extended the deadline for entering its 16th annual WebAward Competition until Friday, June 15, 2012 to allow final entries to be submitted and existing entries to be edited if needed. This will be the only extension granted as Judging begins the following Monday. Learn more and enter at www.webaward.org.

Best Mobile Apps and Best Mobile Websites Named By Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association is pleased to announce the winners its first annual international MobileWebAward competition. This award program recognizes the individual and team achievements of Web professionals all over the world who create and maintain the best mobile Websites and the best mobile applications. The complete list of winners can be found at www.mobile-webaward.org

The MobileWebAwards were judged on seven criteria seen as requirements for a success mobile website or mobile app. They include Creativity, Impact, Design, Content, Interactivity, Ease of use and Use of the medium. Each mobile website or mobile app entry is judged against other entries of the same format in its industry category and then against an overall standard of excellence.

"Smartphones and tablet computers are exploding and companies are racing to be allow users to connect and interact with them using mobile devices," said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association. "The goal of the MobileWebAwards is to both recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective mobile Web sites and mobile apps on the Internet today."

This year's top awards include:

HeBS Digital won Best of Show Mobile Website for Loews Hotels Mobile Website, which also was recognized as Best Hotel and Lodging Mobile Website. Loews Hotels state-of-the-art mobile-ready website features PDA-Ready pages branded to the look and feel of the full online website. The mobile website is optimized for both a mobile user-experience and visibility on mobile search engines.

Indiana Interactive, LLC won Best of Show Mobile Application for DNR iPhone Application, which also was awarded Best Travel Mobile Application. This free application contains a variety of useful information on Indiana's state parks, forests, nature preserves, fish and wildlife areas, and more. It also has convenient links to mobile versions of the hunting and fishing guide.

Aperto Move GmbH of Berlin Germany was named Top Interactive Agency for the 2012 international MobileWebAwards. They received five awards including Best Consulting Mobile Website for AppRadar locates App Satisfaction, Best Credit Union Mobile Application for Economia - The interactive serious education economy game, Best Toy & Hobby Mobile Application for Daisy Oracle - Your free love check and Best Transportation Mobile Application for Alphaguide Mobile Car Service App.

A complete list of winners can be found at the MobileWebAward's Winner's Page.

The 2012 MobileWebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: BGT Partners, PR Newswire, Burst Media, MycroBurst, EContent Magazine, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, SES Conferences, Webmaster Radio, and Website Magazine. The Web Marketing Association thanks these companies for their commitment to the entire online marketing community.

Top 5 articles last month on WMA SmartBrief

Here are the 5 most read articles appearing in the WMA SmartBrief daily newsletter. Subscribe to the free WMA SmartBrief here.

How to build a more effective landing page

"Google launches online ad-metrics suite

Meet the Don Draper of digital advertising

Click-through rates are overrated, researchers say

Google lets marketers target keyword typos

Less Than Two Weeks Left to Enter the WebAwards

Time is running out to get your Website the recognition it deserves and create a great marketing opportunity for yourself and your site by entering your work into the 2012 WebAward Competition. The deadline is only two weeks away - Thursday, May 31st!

Winning a WebAward is a great way to both recognize the outstanding work that goes into building and maintaining your "award-winning" website and to be a moral booster for the entire development team.

Entering is easy. Simply create a nominator account or log into an existing account from past years at WebAward.org. This password protected area will allow you to enter multiple sites, edit the information up to when the judging begins and receive updates, results and feedback on your entries throughout the competition.

Outstanding Developer Award

The much coveted Top Agency WebAward is given to the organization who wins the most total WebAwards in a single competition. However, each year many agencies and some corporations win multiple awards and deserve additional recognition. This year, we will recognize each organization that wins 10 or more WebAwards with an Outstanding Interactive Developer trophy.

Judging

Web sites are judged on design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, navigation and ease of use. Each WebAward entry is judged against other entries in its industry category and then against an overall standard of excellence. A Best of Industry WebAward will be given in each of the 96 industry categories.

Increase Your chances on Winning

Check out our WMA Facebook Page and be sure to like us as we will be providing hints and tips on how to improve your chances on winning a top award though out May.

IAC Award Winners Update

If you were a Best of Industry winner in the 2012 Internet Advertising Competition awards you should know that all of the initial awards have been shipped via Fedex and they should be arriving shortly.

Outstanding advertising certificates were shipped last week and should also be arriving shortly if they have not done so already.

You can promote your award by posting a photo of you and the award to the Web Marketing Association Facebook Page.

If you wish to order additional awards, you can do so at the WMA Recognition Center.

WebAward Tips and Hints

What is the best way to win a WebAward from the Web Marketing Association? To enter of course! However there are ways to improve your chances when the judging starts. Each day in May we will be posting tips and hints to the Web Marketing Association’s Facebook Fan Page to help you position your entry in the best possible light.

Web Marketing Association Looking For Internet Experts To Judge WebAwards

The Web Marketing Association is expecting a record number of participants in its 16th annual international WebAward competition, the standards-defining award program that sets industry benchmarks based on the seven criteria of a successful Web site. They are looking for experienced Internet professionals who can help judge the Websites that are entered. Interested individuals can submit their names for consideration using the WebAward Judges Nomination Form.

The 2012 WebAward Competition for Website development is currently accepting entries until May 31, 2012. Judging will begin in mid-June.

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. Past judges have included top executives from leading organizations such as A&E Television Networks, Agency.com, Blattner Brunner, Bridge Worldwide, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Comedy Central, Disney, Euro RSCG, Ion Global, J. Walter Thompson , John Deere Company, New York Post Interactive, Organic, Inc., Refinery, R/GA, Saatchi & Saatchi, SAP, Starwood Hotels , Sun Microsystems, Warner Bros. Online, Xerox and Zugara.

The vast majority of our judges return each year to participate again as a WebAward judge, but some need to take time off from judging and because of the popularity of the WebAwards there is a constant need for new judges. Prior to the beginning of the judging, we spend several weeks discussing the current state of Web development and how it should be recognized through the WebAwards. Being a WebAward judge is a valuable experience that helps the individual better understand overall Web development and of course looks impressive on a resume or corporate bio.

If you or someone some one in your organization would make a good judge, they can learn more and enter their name for consideration on the WebAward Judges Nomination Form.

Why companies enter an award competition

Recently, WMA President Bill Rice was interviewed by WebMasterRadio at the SES Conference in New York this year. He discusses why companies enter an award competition and how individuals can benefit from participating in the award programs?

Check out this audio interview here.

With 96 Industries, The WebAwards Has Something For Everyone

There are 96 industry categories in the 2012 WebAward Competition and each site goes head-to-head with other sites in their categories and the highest score is selected Best of Industry winner in that category.

Here are the 2012 industry line-up:

| Advertising | Advocacy | Airline | Application Service Provider | Architecture | Arts | Associations | Automobile | B2B | Bank | Beverage | Biotechnology | Blog | Broadcasting | Catalog | Computer: Hardware | Computer: Software | Construction | Consulting | Consumer Goods | Credit Union | Design | Directory or Search Engine | Diversified Business | Education | Electronics | Email | Employment | Energy | Entertainment | Environmental | Events | E-Zine | Faith-based | Family | Fashion or Beauty | Financial Services | Food Industry | Game Site | Gay/Lesbian | General Interest | Government | Health Care | Healthcare Provider | Home Building | Hotel and Lodging | Information Services | Insurance | Interactive Services | International Business | Internet Service Provider | Intranet | Investor Relations | Investment | Legal | Leisure | Magazine | Marketing | Manufacturing | Media | Medical | Medical Equipment | Military | Mobile | Movie | Music | Mutual Fund | News | Newspaper | Non-Profit | Other | Pharmaceuticals | Photography | Political | Portal | Professional Services | Public Relations | Publishing | Radio | Real Estate | Regional | Restaurant | Retail | School | Science | Shopping | Small Business | Social Network | Sports | Technology | Telecommunication | Toy & Hobby | Transportation | Travel | TV | University

To learn more and enter, go to www.WebAward.org

With 96 Industries, The WebAwards Has Something For Everyone

There are 96 industry categories in the 2012 WebAward Competition and each site goes head-to-head with other sites in their categories and the highest score is selected Best of Industry winner in that category.

Here are the 2012 industry line-up:

| Advertising | Advocacy | Airline | Application Service Provider | Architecture | Arts | Associations | Automobile | B2B | Bank | Beverage | Biotechnology | Blog | Broadcasting | Catalog | Computer: Hardware | Computer: Software | Construction | Consulting | Consumer Goods | Credit Union | Design | Directory or Search Engine | Diversified Business | Education | Electronics | Email | Employment | Energy | Entertainment | Environmental | Events | E-Zine | Faith-based | Family | Fashion or Beauty | Financial Services | Food Industry | Game Site | Gay/Lesbian | General Interest | Government | Health Care | Healthcare Provider | Home Building | Hotel and Lodging | Information Services | Insurance | Interactive Services | International Business | Internet Service Provider | Intranet | Investor Relations | Investment | Legal | Leisure | Magazine | Marketing | Manufacturing | Media | Medical | Medical Equipment | Military | Mobile | Movie | Music | Mutual Fund | News | Newspaper | Non-Profit | Other | Pharmaceuticals | Photography | Political | Portal | Professional Services | Public Relations | Publishing | Radio | Real Estate | Regional | Restaurant | Retail | School | Science | Shopping | Small Business | Social Network | Sports | Technology | Telecommunication | Toy & Hobby | Transportation | Travel | TV | University

To learn more and enter, go to www.WebAward.org

Best Financial Services Website of 2012 to be Named by Web Marketing Association

All types of financial services companies will compete to see who has the best financial website. The Web Marketing Association announces the call for entries for its 16th annual international WebAward Competition for Web site development at www.webaward.org. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 96 industries, including bank, credit union, insurance, investment, mutual funds and financial services websites, based on the seven criteria of a successful web site. The deadline for Financial Services web sites to enter to be judged is May 31, 2012.

Who Has the Best Education Website of 2012?

That is what we will find out when the Web Marketing Association holds its16th annual international WebAward Competition for Web site development at www.webaward.org. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 96 industries, including education, schools and university websites, based on the seven criteria of a successful web site. The deadline for education websites to enter to be judged is May 31, 2012.

Best Public Interest Web sites of 2012 to be Named in 16th Annual WebAward Competition

Advocacy, arts and non-profit websites will be judged in the Web Marketing Association's 16th annual international WebAward Competition for Web site development at www.webaward.org. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 96 industries, including advocacy, arts and non-profit websites, based on the seven criteria of a successful web site. The deadline for public interest websites to enter is May 31, 2012.

Best Health Care Website of 2012 to be Named by Web Marketing Association

Healthcare and medical sites will compete in the Web Marketing Association's 16th annual international WebAward Competition for Web site development at www.webaward.org. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 96 industries, including healthcare, healthcare provider, medical, medical equipment, biotechnology and pharmaceutical websites, based on the seven criteria of a successful web site. The deadline for Healthcare websites to enter to be judged is May 31, 2012.

2012 WebAwards Call for Entries Has Begun

The Web Marketing Association is pleased to announce the call for entries for its 16th annual international WebAward competition. The WebAwards are the standards-defining competition that sets industry benchmarks based on the seven criteria of a successful Web site. It recognizes the individual and team achievements of Web professionals all over the world who create and maintain outstanding Web sites. The deadline for entry in the 2012 WebAwards is May 31, 2012. A complete list of past winners and this year’s entry form can be found at www.webaward.org.

This year’s top awards will include:

• A “Best of Industry” WebAward will be given in each of the 96 industry categories, including financial services, medical, small business, travel, advertising, transportation and government.

• The competition’s highest honor, the 2012 WebAward “Best of Show,” will be given to the one site that the judges believe represents the pinnacle of outstanding achievement in Web development. Last year’s Best of Show winner was Organic, Inc. for its outstanding work on the "U by Kotex: Ban the Bland." The site was also recognized as Best Consumer Goods Website.

• The Web Marketing Association will also recognize the interactive agency winning the most awards in the competition with the “Top Interactive Agency” WebAward. For the second time, the Top Agency award was awarded to Biggs|Gilmore taking home 28 WebAwards.

Each year many agencies and some corporations win multiple awards and deserve additional recognition. This year, we will recognize each organization that wins 10 or more WebAwards with an Outstanding Interactive Developer trophy.

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 2012 WebAwards will take place in June through August and winners will be 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. Past judges have included top executives from leading organizations such as CNN.com, Yahoo!, BGT Partners, Ion Global , Brunner, Razorfish, Chrysler LLC, DraftFCB, Family Cookbook Project, IBM , agency.com, Possible Worldwide, Baylor University, Organic, Inc., imc2 , Sabre Hospitality Solutions, PayPal, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Bridge Worldwide , Boeing, Small Army, United Technologies and Website Magazine.

Check out our Web Marketing Association Facebook Page and be sure to like us as we will be providing hints and tips on how to improve your chances on winning a top award though out April and May.

The 2012 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: BGT Partners, PR Newswire, Burst Media, MycroBurst, EContent Magazine, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, SES Conferences, Webmaster Radio, and Website Magazine. The Web Marketing Association thanks these companies for their commitment to the entire online marketing community.

2012 Internet Advertising Competition Awards Winners Announced By The Web Marketing Association

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

“Each year the creativity and excellence in online advertising continues to rise,” said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association, Inc. “The Web Marketing Association is pleased to help set the standard for Internet excellence with the IAC Awards by highlight the best in online advertising by medium and industry.”

Best of Show Winners

2012 Best of Show Awards were awarded in each of the online medium categories. This year's winners are:

The Visionaire Group for The Source Code Mission (Best of Show Social Media campaign)
The Visionaire Group for Kung Fu Panda 2 YouTube Brand Channel (Best of Show Rich media Online ad)
Saatchi & Saatchi LA for Yaris It's a Car! Web Films (Best of Show Online Video)
Saatchi & Saatchi LA for The Camry Effect (Best of Show Website)
VML for G Series "Outfuel" Online Advertising (Best of Show Rich media Online campaign)
VerticalResponse for VerticalResponse Customers Get Their Deal On (Best of Show Email message campaign)
Alloy Digital for Wendy, The Web Series (Best of Show Integrated ad campaign)
Acxiom Corporation for Bing Travel Horizontal Scroll (Best of Show Online Newsletter campaign)
rabbit eMarketing GmbH for Secret Societies (Best of Show Ads the client did not pick)
Critical Mass for Nissan Versa iPad Experience (Best of Show Mobile Application)
TMP Worldwide for Tutu (Best of Show Email message)
The Kaplan Thaler Group for Beef Equity - Here's the Beef (Best of Show Interactive application)
Charles Shyer Productions for Ieri Oggi Domani (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) (Best of Show Online ad)
Definition 6 for Where Will Happiness Strike Next (Best of Show Online campaign)


Top Agency Winners

The Web Marketing Association also recognizes the agency that shows consistent excellence in online advertising development by winning more IAC Awards than any of their peers in a single competition.

Saatchi & Saatchi LA was recognized with the 2012 Top Agency Award, winning 17 IAC Awards. Their awards include 2 Best of Show awards, 7 Best of Industry awards and 10 Outstanding awards.

Ten additional organizations were recognized as Outstanding Advertising Developers in the 2011 IAC Awards for winning 6 or more awards. They are:

AGENCY (number of awards)

BlueRush Digital Media 15
Biggs|Gilmore 14
TMP Worldwide 12
VML 12
Overdrive Interactive 8
The Studio at Conde Nast 7
Possible Worldwide 7
A&E Brand Creative 6
Acxiom Creative 6


The IAC Awards web site with a complete list of winners is located at www.IACAward.org.

Win a Free Pass to ad:tech!

Want to attend ad:tech San Francisco April 3-4 for free! The Web Marketing Association will give a way a Full Conference Pass to one lucky person who enters our drawing on our Facebook Contest Page.

This is always one of the top Internet marketing conferences of the year. One you do not want to miss. Enter by March 22 2012 for your chance to win!

To check out the conference or to register visit http://na.ad-tech.com/sf/

Social Media Success Summit 2012

Social Media Success Summit 2012 is a special online conference designed to help you master social media marketing (brought to you by Social Media Examiner). Twenty-seven of the world’s leading social media pros will show you how. Instructors include Jeremiah Owyang (Altimeter Group), Chris Brogan (author, Google+ for Business), Mari Smith (co-author, Facebook Marketing), Brian Solis (author, Engage), Jay Baer (co-author, The Now Revolution), Jason Falls (author, No Bullshit Social Media), Frank Eliason (author, @YourService), Michael Stelzner (founder, Social Media Examiner), Mark Schaefer (author, The Tao of Twitter), Dave Kerpen (author, Likeable Social Media), Jesse Stay (author, Google+ for Dummies), C.C. Chapman (co-author, Content Rules), Kipp Bodnar (co-author, The B2B Social Media Book), Amy Porterfield (co-author, Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies) and experts from LinkedIn, Dell, Ford, Citigroup and Citrix–just to mention a few. Fully online.

Click here to get complete information and to sign up

WHO: This event is ideal for any marketer or business owner focused on business-to-business OR business-to-consumer. You'll recognize some of the organizations that attended Social Media Success Summit 2011: General Mills, Microsoft, Honda, IEEE, Junior Achievement, SAP, Tyco, 3M, LexisNexis, Mayo Clinic, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Disney, Bruegger's, Visa, Intuit, Warner Music Group, Party City, Constant Contact, Yahoo!, Cisco, Kraft Foods, Princeton Theological Seminary, Autodesk, ConAgra Foods, London Convention Centre, Stonyfield Farm, Rust-Oleum, Teradata, Four Seasons Hotels, Carnegie Mellon University, Cardinal Health, Comcast, Dole Food Company, Lexus, Monster Cable, Dow Chemical, Allstate, Siemens, Verizon Wireless, U.S. Army, Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, Henkel, Ritz-Carlton, SanDisk, Ashley Furniture, DuPont, Thomson Reuters, HP, Creative Memories, EMC, Yale University, Hostess Brands, T-Mobile, Fuddruckers, Albertsons, John Wiley & Sons and thousands of small businesses.

WHAT: This fully online summit will help you master social media marketing with how-to sessions from actual social media experts and book authors. Presentation topics include: developing a social media strategy, finding and engaging your target audience, measuring success, converting activities to sales, social customer service, Google+ marketing, business blogging, Facebook marketing, LinkedIn marketing, YouTube marketing, Twitter marketing, Pinterest marketing and much more! A certificate of achievement will be presented to attendees who successfully complete a post-summit exam.

WHERE: At your home or office! You attend this live event using your computer (no long-distance bill or travel expenses!).

WHEN: Starting May 1, 2012 (spread over four weeks to improve learning and accommodate your schedule; scroll down for the full schedule). Plus you'll get recordings and transcripts of all live sessions.

WHY: You'll be able to quickly implement effective social media marketing techniques, attract great customers and prospects and gain a unique competitive advantage. You'll also discover how to best measure the effectiveness of your social media activities, how to sell with social media and the newest social media tactics. This event will help your business maximize the full potential of social media.

HOW: Registration is limited. NOTE: Our Social Media Success Summit 2011 sold out. Click here to save 50% (lock in your early-bird savings before they're gone!) and secure your spot.

Social Media Success Summit 2012

Social Media Success Summit 2012 is a special online conference designed to help you master social media marketing (brought to you by Social Media Examiner). Twenty-seven of the world’s leading social media pros will show you how. It's entirely online so you don't have to travel anywhere!

Twenty-seven of the world’s leading social media pros will show you how. Instructors include Jeremiah Owyang (Altimeter Group), Chris Brogan (author, Google+ for Business), Mari Smith (co-author, Facebook Marketing), Brian Solis (author, Engage), Jay Baer (co-author, The Now Revolution), Jason Falls (author, No Bullshit Social Media), Frank Eliason (author, @YourService), Michael Stelzner (founder, Social Media Examiner), Mark Schaefer (author, The Tao of Twitter), Dave Kerpen (author, Likeable Social Media), Jesse Stay (author, Google+ for Dummies), C.C. Chapman (co-author, Content Rules), Kipp Bodnar (co-author, The B2B Social Media Book), Amy Porterfield (co-author, Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies) and experts from LinkedIn, Dell, Ford, Citigroup and Citrix–just to mention a few. Fully online.

Click on this link to get complete information and to sign up.

MobileWebAward Competition Looking for Mobile Development Professionals to Judge 2012 Awards

The Web Marketing Association’s new MobileWebAwards competition is currently accepting entries and is looking for qualified judges to help adjudicate this year’s award program. . This award program recognizes the individual and team achievements of Web professionals all over the world who create and maintain the best mobile Websites and the best mobile applications. The Competition Web site is located at http://www.mobile-webaward.org and the deadline for entry is March 31, 2012

To nominate yourself or someone within your organization, please complete the judge’s nomination form at http://www.mobile-webaward.org/mwa/judges.asp. Mobile development professionals selected as judges will be contacted during the first week of April.

“Since 1997, the WebAwards have helped define the standards for website development, now the MobileWebAwards will do the same for sites and apps designed for mobile devices,” said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association. “Smartphones and tablet computers are exploding and companies are racing to be allow users to connect and interact with them using mobile devices. We are looking for individuals who have direct experience developing for the expanding mobile platform. Our judges must have an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in mobile development, an eye for a well-designed interface and the objectivity to score entries according to a predefined set of criteria”.

Judging for the MobileWebAwards will take place in April, 2012, and winners will be notified by e-mail one week prior to the general announcement of winners in May, 2012. Judges will consist of a select group of Internet advertising professionals with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in mobile website design and mobile application development. Past competition judges have included top executives from leading corporations, institutions and media organizations such as Ogilvy Interactive, R/GA , Saatchi & Saatchi, Blattner Brunner, Sun Microsystems, National Cable & Telecom Association, Refinery, Euro RSCG, A&E Television Networks , New York Post Interactive, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Ernst & Young , J. Walter Thompson, Xerox, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and Aristotle.

Entries will be accepted in both the Mobile Website and the Mobile Application formats. Entries will be judged on seven criteria:

• Creativity
• Impact
• Design
• Content
• Interactivity
• Ease of Use
• Use of the medium

“Judging an award show like the MobileWebAwards is a great way to share your experience and expertise with the mobile development community, said Rice. “It is an honor and an important responsibility when you are chosen to participate as a judge. You are helping to set the standard for award winning advertising throughout the Web”.

Win Free Pass To Interactive Local Media East

The Web Marketing Association is giving away a free Full conference Pass to Interactive Local Media East March 26-28 in Boston.

BIA/Kelsey’s Interactive Local Media events are the number one place where “local” online and mobile executives get together. The industry standard since 1985, ILM remains the vital source for networking, innovation and practical takeways. Join us in Boston, March 26-28, for ILM East, where we’ll focus on channels, commerce and conversion – essential elements for winning in local.

Go to our Contest Page to register to win.

Deadline to enter is March 5, 2012.

Learn more about this great conference at http://www.biakelsey.com/ILMEast2012

Win a Free conference Pass to SES Conference in NYC

This month we are giving a way a full conference pass to one of the top Internet Marketing conferences of the year - SES Conference New York (formerly known as Search Engine Strategies)! To enter, simply submit your name on our new Facebook Contest page and one lucky participant will be selected to attend this outstanding conference compliments of the Web Marketing Association. Deadline for entry is March 1st.

Best Mobile Web Sites and Best Mobile Apps To Be Recognized By Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association is pleased to announce the Call For Entries for its first annual international MobileWebAward competition. This award program recognizes the individual and team achievements of Web professionals all over the world who create and maintain the best mobile Websites and the best mobile applications. The deadline for entry in the 2012 MobileWebAwards is March 30, 2012. The entry form and complete information can be found at www.mobile-webaward.org.

width="100" height="111" align="right">

The MobileWebAwards will be judged on seven criteria seen as requirements for a success mobile website or mobile app. They include Creativity, Impact, Design, Content, Interactivity, Ease of use and Use of the medium. Each mobile website or mobile app entry is judged against other entries of the same format in its industry category and then against an overall standard of excellence.

This year’s top awards will include:

• A “Best of Industry” MobileWebAward will be given in each of the 96 industry categories, including financial services, medical, small business, travel, advertising, transportation and government.

• The competition’s highest honor, the 2012 MobileWebAward “Best of Show,” will be given to the one best mobile website and one best mobile app that the judges believe represents the pinnacle of outstanding achievement in Web development.

• The Web Marketing Association will also recognize the interactive agency winning the most awards in the competition with the “Top Interactive Agency” WebAward.

• Each organization that wins 5 or more MobileWebAwards will be awarded an Outstanding Mobile Interactive Developer trophy.

Since 1997, the WebAwards have helped define the standards for website development, now the MobileWebAwards will do the same for sites and apps designed for mobile devices. Smartphones and tablet computers are exploding and companies are racing to be allow users to connect and interact with them using mobile devices. The goal of the MobileWebAwards is to both recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective mobile Web sites and mobile apps on the Internet.

width="205" height="262" align="right">
The Best of Industry winners statue is reminiscent of a personal digital device, it could be yesterday’s smart phone, today’s tablet, or tomorrow’s device. It is crafted of fine jet black crystal with the iconic “W” accent in 24kt plated gold and personalized with your award information. The award is entirely hand crafted by, Society Awards, the makers and designers of other notable award programs such as the Golden Globes, Emmys, MTV VMAs, and CLIOs to name a few, and presented in its own custom gift box.

Judging for the 2012 MobileWebAwards will take place in April and winners are expected to be announced in late May. Judges will consist of a select group of Internet professionals who have direct experience designing and managing mobile Websites,–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. Past WebAward judges have included top executives from leading organizations such as A&E Television Networks, Agency.com, BGT Partners, Worldwide, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Comedy Central, Disney, Euro RSCG, Ion Global, J. Walter Thompson, John Deere Company, New York Post Interactive, Organic, Inc., Refinery, R/GA, Saatchi & Saatchi, SAP, Starwood Hotels, Sun Microsystems, Warner Bros. Online, Xerox and Website Magazine.

Check out our Web Marketing Association Facebook Page and be sure to like us as we will be providing hints and tips on how to improve your chances on winning a top award though out March.

The 2012 MobileWebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: BGT Partners, PR Newswire, Burst Media, MycroBurst, EContent Magazine, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, SES Conferences, Webmaster Radio, and Website Magazine. The Web Marketing Association thanks these companies for their commitment to the entire online marketing community.

Deadline To Enter IAC Awards Extended

The deadline to enter the Web Marketing Association's 10th annual Internet Advertising Competition has been extended to Feb 15th to allow current entries to be completed and new entries to be added. After that date, access to the nominator accounts will be closed and the judging phase will begin.

Visit www.iacaward.org to enter.

Only One More Week to Enter 2012 IAC Awards

The final week before the deadline and now Tuesday, January 31th is the deadline to enter the Web Marketing Association's 2012 Internet Advertising Competition Awards without paying a late fee.

Winning an award is a great way to get third party validation on the quality of your work and it certainly helps a new business pitch to be able to show your "Award-winning" work and having the awards to prove it!

Entering is easy. Entries are submitted online by logging in to your existing Nominator Account. If you are new to the IAC Awards, you can create a New Nominator Account here. Upload your creative onto a html page and you are ready to win. Entries will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.Entering is easy. Entries are submitted online by logging in to your existing Nominator Account. If you are new to the IAC Awards, you can create a New Nominator Account here. Upload your creative onto a html page and you are ready to win. Entries will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.

IAC Best of Industry winners will receive a custom-made IAC Award that uses high quality clear and black crystal, with a custom geometric hand cut shape, and the pieces of black and clear crystal seamlessly fused and polished together by hand. In between the clear and black, the IAC logo is etched on the bottom of the clear piece, creating a beautiful unique design. Personalization is added with a steel plate on the base. It will be an impressive addition to any display case and will make an extraordinary client gift.

Awards will be presented within each of the industry categories and advertising formats such as:

Social Media Campaign
Online Ad (including banner, pop-up or interstitial)
Rich Media Online Ad
Email Message
Online Newsletter Campaign
Website (including microsites and landing pages)
Integrated Ad Campaign
Moble Apps
Online video
Ads The Client Did Not Choose

Don't wait! Enter your best online advertising and win the recognition you deserve! Enter today at www.IACAward.org

Drawings for Two Great Conferences

You can win a full conference pass to one of two different SES Conferences this month. Simply email your name, company and job title to the us and one lucky participant will be selected to attend each conference compliments of the Web Marketing Association. Deadline for entry is February 1st. Click on the name of the conference you wish to enter to submit your name.

SES London (February 20-24 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre) is the leading search marketing conference in Europe.

SES San Diego (March 19-23) is collaborating with the Online Marketing Summit to enable attendees to network and learn how to execute on the best practices in Online Marketing without the distraction of an exhibit floor or vendor sales pitches.

Again the deadline for entry is February 1st.

4QKKF5PYXXHP

4QKKF5PYXXHP

IAC Deadline Approching

There is less than one month left to enter the Web Marketing Association's 10th 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, 2012.

Entering is easy. Entries are submitted online by logging in to your existing Nominator Account. If you are new to the IAC Awards, you can create a New Nominator Account here. Upload your creative onto a html page and you are ready to win. 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:

Social Media Campaign
Online Ad (including banner, pop-up or interstitial)
Rich Media Online Ad
Email Message
Online Newsletter Campaign
Website (including microsites and landing pages)
Integrated Ad Campaign
Moble Apps
Online video
Ads The Client Did Not Choose

Best of Show awards for each format will be selected from among the industry winners. Ads eligible for entry in the competition must have run during the period from January 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012, except for the Ads The Client Did Not Choose which do not have to have run.

Winning an Internet Advertising Competition award is a great way to show clients and senior management the excellence of your work - and it won't hurt the moral in the office either!

Don't wait! Enter your best online advertising and win the recognition you deserve! Enter today at www.IACAward.org.

Web Marketing Association Launches SmartBrief Newsletter

The Web Marketing Association has partnered with SmartBrief to launch Web Marketing Association SmartBrief. It is a daily e-mail newsletter specifically designed to inform and provide our members with news and trends relating to the Web marketing industry. Click here to view the launch issue or to review issues in the WMA SmartBrief Archive.

If you are interested in receiving the Web Marketing Association SmartBrief please subscribe here.

Internet Advertising Competition Looking for Advertising Professionals to Judge 2012 Awards

The Web Marketing Association’s 10th annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards are currently accepting entries and is looking for qualified judges to help adjudicate this year’s award program. 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, 2012.

To nominate yourself or someone within your organization, please complete the judge’s nomination form. Internet advertising professionals selected as judges will be contacted during the first week of January.

“We created the IAC Awards to highlight the best in this unique advertising medium by industry,” said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association, Inc. “We are looking to expand the judging pool for the awards by bring on qualified advertising professionals to help us set the standard of excellence for online advertising. We are looking for individuals who have direct experience developing online advertising. Our judges must have an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in web advertising, an eye for a well-designed ad and the objectivity to score entries according to a predefined set of criteria”.

Judging for the IAC Awards will take place in February, 2012, and winners will be notified by e-mail one week prior to the general announcement of winners in March, 2012. 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 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, 2012 and will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.


“Judging an award show like the IAC Awards is a great way to share your experience and expertise with the online advertising community, said Rice. “It is an honor and an important responsibility when you are chosen to participate as a judge. You are helping to set the standard for award winning advertising throughout the Web”.

Internet Advertising Competition Awards To Name Top Online Advertising in 86 Industries

The Web Marketing Association announces the Call for Entries for the 10th annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising. This international award program will evaluate all forms of online advertising, including email, page-based ads, online newsletters, mobile apps, Websites, video and social media in 86 industry categories. The Competition Web site is located at www.iacaward.org and the deadline for entry is January 28, 2011.

The Internet Advertising Competition Awards are open to all organizations and individuals (advertising and interactive agencies, corporate marketing departments, small business owners, 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, 2011 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 including:
Best Social Media Campaign
Best Online ad (including banner, pop-up or interstitial)
Best Rich media online ad
Best Email message
Best Online newsletter
Best Website (including best landing pages and best microsites)
Best Online video
Best Mobile applications
Best Integrated ad campaign
Best Ads the client did not choose
Best of show award for each format will be selected from among the industry winners. Ads eligible for entry in the competition must have run during the period from January 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012, except for “Ads the Client did not pick, which do not need to have run.

Agencies that win more the 6 awards will also be recognized with an Outstanding Advertising Developer award from the Web Marketing Association.

Judging for the IAC Awards will take place in February, 2012, and winners will be notified by e-mail in March, 2012. 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 2012 Internet Advertising Competition Awards are sponsored by Burst Media, BGT Partners, PR Newswire, ExactTarget, EContent Magazine, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, MycroBurst, Search Engine Strategies, We Build Pages, Webmaster Radio and Website Magazine.

Drawing for Free Conference Pass to SES Chicago

If you would like to attend SES Chicago for free, complements of the Web Marketing Association, Email your name, title, company, and address toSES@webaward.org. One winner will be randomly selected October 30th and will attend this outstanding conference as our guest.

SES Chicago

New developments emerge every day, with search engines seemingly able to revolutionize the industry over night. Not understanding how emerging new technologies affect your online marketing and website rankings can be devastating to your business in lost opportunities. SES Chicago, offers a critical look at the latest developments in all areas of online marketing to help marketers traverse through the quickly developing landscape. Explore 5 days of networking opportunities and gain unparalleled insight from our industry experts. Register now w/ code WMA20 to take 20% off the current rate!

Ad:tech Full Conference Pass Drawing

Once again our friends at ad:tech Conferences have given us a free full conference pass to ad:tech NYC November 8-10 at the Javats Convention Center. If you are interested in attending without having to pay, send your name, title, company, and address toadtech@webaward.org. One winner will be randomly selected October 15th and will attend this outstanding conference as our guest.

Register now with code WMANY and save $200 off the current online price! Visit ad-tech.com/ny for the latest details on schedule, speakers, exhibitors and events.

Twenty One Named Outstanding Web Developer By Web Marketing Association

As part of the 2011 WebAward competition, 21 agencies or companies were also recognized as Outstanding Website Developer for winning six or more WebAwards in 2011. They include (# of AWARDS): Sabre Hospitality Solutions (21), Risdall Marketing Group (20), Extractable (19), TRAVELCLICK (15), VML (15), CareTech Solutions (14), TMP Worldwide (11), Critical Mass (8), AGENDA Ltd. (7), Aristotle (7), BGT Partners (7), Blenderbox Inc (7), Forum One Communications (7), Hubbard One (7), WSI (7), IQ (6), JHI Health (6), LBi (6), Methodologie (6), usdm.net(R) (6), and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Online (6)

Biggs|Gilmore REcognized as Top Agency at 2011 WebAwards

Biggs|Gilmore was named Top Agency at the 2011 WebAward Competition, taking home 28 WebAwards.

This is the second time Biggs|Gilmore has won the Top Agency WebAward, the first being in 2007. The Top Agency Award is given to recognize the consistently outstanding development going on at interactive firms. The firm also has been named Top Agency in the Web Marketing Association’s Internet Advertising Competition for three straight years (2009, 2010 and 2011).

Founded in 1973, Biggs|Gilmore is a digital agency with a core expertise in integration of offline and online marketing strategies. It was recognized in the 2011 WebAwards with Best Food Industry Website, Best Social Network Website, 13 Outstanding Website WebAwards and 12 Standard of Excellence WebAwards.

Organic, Inc Wins Best of Show in 2011 WebAwards

The 2011 Best of Show WebAward is presented to Organic, Inc. for their exceptional work on U by Kotex: Ban the Bland website. The site was also recognized as Best Consumer Goods Website.

U by Kotex* helped Break the Cycle of period shame by opening an honest conversation. Now, they’re giving 14- to 22-year-old young women the opportunity to redesign the boring, white feminine care category. The core of the experience is an interactive design tool that lets girls make over feminine care by creating original product designs. A fresh site design, including a gallery of submissions, and rallying copy inspire girls to join the challenge.

This is the third WebAward Best of Show win for Organic, Inc. In 2009 they were won the award with their work on “Bank of America - Morris on Campus”. They also won the very first Best of Show WebAward in 1997 with their work on “Philips Home Theater Web site”.

WMA Names Best Websites in 96 Industries

The Web Marketing Association is pleased to announce the winners of its15th annual WebAward Competition for Web site development. More than 2,000 entries from 45 countries were adjudicated in 96 industry categories during this year's competition. Entries were judged on design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology.

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

"The level of excellence in website development continues to increase, constantly making the Internet a very competitive place to do business," said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. "Each year the WebAwards receives amazing entries from around the world that show impressive creativity and functionality. As the Internet evolves, so does the state of website development. This year the judges really stepped up the expectations of the site adjudicated. Winning a WebAward is a great way to demonstrate the effectiveness of your Web development efforts."

Competition format

The 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, 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 sites within their industry to win the Best of Industry award. Entries also compete against a standard of excellence to win Outstanding Website and Standard of Excellence WebAwards. Each 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 receive a score of 60 or greater, they receive the Outstanding Web site award. Entries that score higher than their industry average and below 59.9 receive the Standard of Excellence.

The 2011 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: ExactTarget, Burst Media, PR Newswire, BGT Partners, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, Search Engine Strategies, EContent Magazine, We Build Pages, MicroBurst, Webmaster Radio and Website Magazine.

2011 WebAward Results Now Available to Participants

The results of the WMA 2011 WebAward competition are now available to participants in their nominator account. Results will be publicly available on September 15th on www.webaward.org

2011 WebAward Competition Update

I am pleased to report that the judging for the 16th annual Web Marketing Association WebAward Competition for Website Development is now officially complete. More than 9,100 scores have been recorded and are being tabulated to determine the winners of this year's competition. Winners will be announced on September 12th on the competition's website.

WebAward Winners Announcement Date Set

The judging is nearly complete and the competition for Best of Industry honors looks to be very tight in many categories.

The Web Marketing Association will announce the winners of its 2011 WebAward Competition for Website Development on Monday, September 12, 2011. At this time, all participants will be able to access their nominator accounts and view the judges results for their entries.

Good luck to all who entered.

Final WebAward Deadline

Today is the final day to enter the 2011 WebAward Competition for Website Development. You can add additional entries or exit existing entries until the nominator accounts are closed at Midnight at www.webaward.org.

Good luck to all who entered . Also thanks in advance to all of the terrific judges who are volunteering their time and efforts to review this year's entries.

Today is the 2011 WebAward Deadline

Today, May 27th is the deadline for entering the 15th annual WebAward Competition for Website Development. You have until Midnight tonight EST to enter your best work to be judged by our expert WebAward judges.

To enter create or log in to your free nominator account and provide us with the information on your site.

Good luck to all.

The Problem with Advertising on Facebook

I need to vent right now about dealing with Facebook as a source for advertising.

The Web Marketing Association recently noticed a duplicate charge for advertising on Facebook and contacted AMEX to dispute the charge. Facebook promptly shut down the account access until the dispute was closed. All attempts to contact a live person at Facebook failed. All online options ask me to log into my ad manager account (which they have locked me out of).

If you ever wanted an example of bad customer service, look no farther than Facebook advertising. They tell you to go online to your ad manager account, but then they lock you out of it. No one to talk to keeps their costs low, but makes it impossible to resolve issues. It makes them look like they don't care about anything except growing there profits so they can go public.

Google and Bing are two advertising sources that I have dealt with on customer services issues and came away satisfied with the resolution. With Facebook Advertising, I can't even get an answer!

Bill Rice
President
Web Marketing Association

One Month Left to Enter 2011 WebAwards

The Web Marketing Association's call for entries for its 15th annual international WebAward competition has less than one month until the deadline of May 27, 2011.. The WebAwards are the standards-defining competition that sets industry benchmarks based on the seven criteria of a successful Web site. It recognizes the individual and team achievements of Web professionals who create and maintain outstanding Web sites.

Entering is easy, simply go to the WebAward Nominator Log-In and log in to an existing nominator account or create a new account. Add a few details about your entry and our judges will do the rest.

This year, a new award has been added to the 15th annual WebAward competition. The much coveted Top Agency WebAward is given to the organization who wins the most total WebAwards in a single competition. However each year many agencies and some corporations win multiple awards and deserve additional recognition. This year, we will recognize each organization that wins 10 or more WebAwards with an Outstanding Interactive Developer trophy.

Check out our Web Marketing Association Facebook Page and be sure to like us as we will be providing hints and tips on how to improve your chances on winning a top award though out April and May.

The 2011 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: BGT Partners, PR Newswire, Burst Media, EContent Magazine, We Build Web Pages, MycroBurst, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, Internet World UK, SES Conferences, Webmaster Radio, and Website Magazine. The Web Marketing Association thanks these companies for their commitment to the entire online marketing community.