Are you aware of the significant News story that came out on the BBC in March 2007 that UK Internet advertising increased by 41.2% in 2006, and has now overtaken newspaper advertising. To view the story click http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6502773.stm

This news story shows that an increasing number of people are recognising the outstanding potential of internet advertising.  The UK spends 11.4% of all advertising revenue on internet advertising, this is nearly double the gloabal of average of 5.8%.(source: ZenithOptimedia).

Traditional advertising formats, such as banners, were reinvigorated by an increase in the use of rich media, which includes graphics, audio, video or animation. Once again online display advertising is experiencing growth far greater than any other display medium.

The growth of paid-for search (sponsored listings that advertisers pay for when a consumer clicks through to their site) was sustained, increasing by 52% to £1.2 billion of total online ad spend or a 57.8% share.

Online classified advertising was also up 45% to £379 million, a share of 18.8%. This is in contrast to traditional press classified advertising, which experienced a significant decrease of 7.8% year-on-year.

The online advertising market continues to be led by the Recruitment category, up 2.7% points, followed by the Finance and Technology categories.

Automotive was ranked fourth with an increase of 0.2% points, while the fifth placed Entertainment & Media sector fell 2.1% points.

The biggest gains were seen by Technology, up 6.5% points, and Property, up 3.4% points. Retail also increased its share by 0.6%.

The internet is proving itself a hugely popular mass medium and advertisers are continuing to switch more of their budgets online to build their brands and interact with their customers.

With consumers now enjoying even faster broadband and installing wireless routers in their homes, the growth of online advertising in the UK is set to continue unabated. 

This growth proves that businesses who want to move forward and get the best value for their advertising spend are looking at the power that the internet can offer.  Not only by having their own website, but also by using other websites to promote their business and services.

Basingstoke-Now recognises this growth and also knows that over 35% of all searches in the UK are now local and local search is predicted to grow at 33% per annum.  The growth in online advertising and the growth in local search shows that using a local website for your advertising can prove to be very cost effective.  Just ask ‘Blubeckers’ resturaunt in Odiham.  They started advertising on our site in the middle of January 2007.  Within 2 weeks their business listing was receiving over 150 hits a day and they believe they received over 20 extra bookings from their listing on Basingstoke-Now in the first month.  These extra bookings more than paid for their listing, and they still had 11 months still to go.  Other businesses like The Wheatsheaf in North Waltham or Croudace Homes have all received enquiries and business from having a business listing on Basingstoke-Now.  If you are interested in adding your business to the Business Directory or any other type of advertising on the Basingstoke-Now website please contact sales on 01256 398745.

(Article Sources: BBC  and The Internet Advertising Bureau)