Best Education Website Trends Detailed in New Report from the Web Marketing Association

West Simsbury, CT (PRWEB) March 26, 2008 -- WebAward08.org (http://www.webaward.org/bestwebsites.asp?gad=CLuN0dkDEgiWfXzHcjWjThi6nML_AyC33JU2)- The Web Marketing Association, host of leading website awards competition WebAwards, released the Internet Standards Assessment Report (ISAR) to help the education 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. "Educational Websites are now taking advantage of flash and other technologies to enhance the user experience."

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

?    Design

?    Innovation

?    Content

?    Technology

?    Interactivity

?    Copywriting

?    Ease of use

According to the study, education Web sites are generally in line with the overall ISAR index, although they have been on the underperforming side of the index 7 of the last 11 years. Because these sites scores are just average or slightly below, education sites have underperformed the 5-year criteria benchmarks in all areas. Content and copywriting are Education Web sites strong points. It is no surprise that technology and innovation are their weak points.

The 2007 WebAward for Best Education website went to Creative Channel Services for Virgin Mobile - Train on Your Terms.

Other past winners include:

- 2006 National Geographic for Discover America

- 2005 Disney Online for Hot Shot Business (This site also won Best of Show)

- 2004 General Motors for GMability Education

- 2003 Disney Online for Hot Shot Business

- 2002 Freddie Mac for Your Route to Homeownership

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

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