Best Telecommunication Website Trends Detailed in New Report from Web Marketing Association

West Simsbury, CT (PRWEB) April 1, 2008 -- The Web Marketing Association, host of leading website awards competition WebAwards (WebAward08.org (http://www.webaward.org/bestwebsites.asp?gad=CLuN0dkDEgiWfXzHcjWjThi6nML_AyC33JU2)), released the Internet Standards Assessment Report (ISAR) to help the telecommunication industry create more effective and engaging websites.

"As the standard of excellence for websites continues to increase, consumers (and WebAward judges) are increasingly picky about what they consider to be an effective website," said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association, Inc. "Telecommunication websites have done well at integrating rich media demos to effectively demonstrate new telephones, PDAs or other equipment. This enables the user to interact with the product and increases the likelihood of purchasing online."

The WebAwards competition judges telecommunication websites on seven criteria that combined create award-winning websites:

?    Design

?    Innovation

?    Content

?    Technology

?    Interactivity

?    Copywriting

?    Ease of use

Telecommunication Web sites have had inconsistent performance in the ISAR index. After two years of above average performance in 2005 and 2006, they have again dropped to below the average in 2007. Telecommunication Web sites outperformed the 5-year criteria benchmark average in innovation and matched the benchmark in design and technology. These sites score lower in interactivity and innovation.

The 2007 WebAward for Best Telecommunication Website went to Arnold Worldwide for Vonageland.

Other past winners include:

- 2006 Teehan+Lax Inc for the TELUS Mike Microsite

- 2005 Walt Disney Internet Group for Disney Mobile Studios

- 2004 Organic, Inc for Sprint PCS Ready Link

- 2003 THINK for BellSouth e-Bill Flash Demo

- 2002 Auragen Communications, Inc Dixon Schwabl Advertising for Frontier CyberCenter Online Tour

A complete list of past winners can be found at telecommunications.webaward.org

Companies and organizations wishing to have their telecommunications Web site evaluated against the ISAR Index and be considered for a WebAward, which can help boost a Website's credibility and marketing efforts, can learn more at WebAward08.org (http://www.webaward.org/bestwebsites.asp?gad=CLuN0dkDEgiWfXzHcjWjThi6nML_AyC33JU2).

To request your copy of the 2008 WebAward ISAR report, please visit: WebAward08.org (http://www.webaward.org/bestwebsites.asp?gad=CLuN0dkDEgiWfXzHcjWjThi6nML_AyC33JU2) and click on the ISAR text link

The Internet Standards Assessment report and the 2008 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: Burst Media, PRWeb, AllBusiness, Misukanis & Odden, Small Army, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, NewsUSA, MediaPost's OMMA conference, TopRank Online Marketing, Creative Chocolate Printing Company, PhizzPop, Internet World UK, Search Engine Strategies, Webmaster Radio, Rovion's InPerson, Snap Shots and Website Magazine.

2008 WebAward Call for Entries

The Web Marketing Association is now accepting entries into its 12th annual international WebAward Competition. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets industry benchmarks that the Internet Standards Assessment report is based upon. The telecommunications industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition, and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best Telecommunications Web site of 2008. The deadline for entry is May 31, 2008 and the WebAward Web site is located at WebAward08.org (http://www.webaward.org/bestwebsites.asp?gad=CLuN0dkDEgiWfXzHcjWjThi6nML_AyC33JU2).

About the WebAwards

Now in its 12th year, the annual international WebAwards competition 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. For more information, visit WebAward08.org (http://www.webaward.org/bestwebsites.asp?gad=CLuN0dkDEgiWfXzHcjWjThi6nML_AyC33JU2).

# # #