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

West Simsbury, CT (PRWEB) April 4, 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 leisure industry learn to 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. "Leisure Web sites take many forms, but the best ones all have the ability to transport the user from the mundane day to day to an enjoyable lifestyle experience - if only for a short time."

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

?    Design

?    Innovation

?    Content

?    Technology

?    Interactivity

?    Copywriting

?    Ease of use

Joining the WebAwards in 1998, the leisure industry has consistently outperformed the ISAR index every year except its debut year of 1998. They have successfully outperformed the 5-year criteria benchmark averages in all areas. They are particularly strong in content, copywriting, design, and ease of use. They score lowest in technology and innovation.

The 2007 WebAward for Best Leisure website went to Aristotle Interactive for Arkansas Hot Deals & Packages.

Other past winners include:

- 2006 IconNicholson for San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino

- 2005 Euro RSCG 4D for Intel Digital Home

- 2004 BGTpartners - Miami for Living the Seabourn Experience

- 2003 Aristotle for Earth River's Futaleufu Interactive Gallery

- 2002 Ripple Effects Interactive for Experience PA Web Site

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

Companies and organizations wishing to have their leisure 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 leisure industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition, and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best Leisure 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).

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