Best Professional Services Web Site Trends Detailed in New Report from Web Marketing Association

West Simsbury, CT (PRWEB) April 3, 2008 -- The Web Marketing Association, host of leading web site awards competition WebAwards (WebAward08.org (http://www.webaward.org/bestwebsites.asp?gad=CLuN0dkDEgiWfXzHcjWjThi6nML_AyC33JU2)), released the Internet Standards Assessment Report (ISAR) to help the Professional Services industry learn to create more effective and engaging web sites.

"As the standard of excellence for web sites continues to increase, consumers (and WebAward judges) are increasingly picky about what they consider to be an effective web site," said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association, Inc. "Web sites are a critical marketing tool for professional services practices to reach out and reinforce messages and brand to their clients. It offers a way for firms to stand out from their peers in a crowded marketplace."

The WebAwards competition judges Professional Services web sites on seven criteria that combined create award-winning web sites:

?    Design

?    Innovation

?    Content

?    Technology

?    Interactivity

?    Copywriting

?    Ease of use

Professional services Web sites have closely mirrored the ISAR index since 2000. Prior to 2000, they experienced three years of poor performance. Professional service Web sites are well written and easy to use hence their strong scores in content, copywriting, and ease of use. They lack innovation and technology.

The 2007 WebAward for Best Professional Services Web site went to EditAvenue Incorporated for LanguageScape.com.

Other past winners include:

- 2006 Jeffrey for Hire Jeffrey

- 2005 Modem Media for Interviews from Hell

- 2004 Schwabe, William, & Wyatt for Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt's web site

- 2003 Iconlogic for Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

- 2002 Hornall Anderson Design Works for Mahlum Architects Web Site

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

Companies and organizations wishing to have their Professional Services Web site evaluated against the ISAR Index and be considered for a WebAward, which can help boost a Web site'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 professional services industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition, and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best Professional Services 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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