Toy and Hobby Web Sites Benchmarked in New Internet Study

Boston, MA (PRWEB) March 31, 2006

According to the Internet Standards Assessment Report (ISAR) released by the Web Marketing Association, toy & hobby Web sites have been above average compared to the ISAR index except for a slight underperformance in 2003. Toy & hobby Web sites have traditionally been strong in design and use of technology, but have been significantly below average for interactivity. The ISAR study provides industry benchmarks for Web site development and is based on data collected from 9,748 Web site evaluations in more than 80 industries over the past decade. A copy of the full report can be downloaded at http://www.webaward.org/isar_report.asp.

“Toy and hobby Web sites bring out the kid in all of us,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “They tend to be effective users of Flash to build an environment for promoting the newest toys and favorite classics. Hobbyists also count on Web sites for news and information relating to their interests. These are typically Web sites built and maintained by individuals with a passion for the area on interest for which they are designed.”

Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association has been conducting its annual WebAward Competition for Web site development. The Internet Standards Assessment Report is the results of nearly a decade of independent evaluations of Web site development based on seven categories: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use.

Here are some of the past WebAwards Best Toy and Hobby Web site winners.

2005 A Toy Store of Toy Stores – http://etoys.com/


2004 Chevron Cars – http://www.chevroncars.com/


2003 Kodak LS420 Sitelet – http://www.webaward.org/winner.asp?eid=764


2002 – LEGO BIONICLE (Story Site) – http://www.bionicle.com/

A complete list of past winners can be found at http://www.webaward.org/winners_detail.asp?yr=all&award_level=best&category=Toy%20&%20Hobby

Toy and hobby manufactures and enthusiasts wishing to have their Web sites evaluated against the ISAR Index and be considered for a WebAward, which can help boost a Web site’s credibility and marketing efforts, can nominate their site at http://www.webawards2006.org.

“Of course, as in every industry, there are toy and hobby Web sites that stand out and others that don’t make the grade,” concluded Rice. “Our goal has always been to be more than just a popularity or beauty pageant that rewards brand names and good design. Instead, this ISAR study is designed to return some value to every entrant with input as to what Internet professionals should strive for in their Web site development efforts in an objective, empirical and constructive way.”

About the WebAwards

The 10th 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 http://www.webawards2006.org.

Note to Editors: If you would like to receive a chart comparing two or more of the industries within the 2006 ISAR Study, please contact William Rice.

For additional information contact:

William Rice

President, Web Marketing Association, Inc.

(860) 558-5423

###

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.