West Simsbury, CT (PRWEB) April 3, 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 mutual fund 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. "Mutual fund Websites tend to cater more to the financial advisor community than to the end investor. It is surprising that with so much investment talent and wisdom, more fund companies don't provide current market commentary."
The WebAwards competition judges mutual fund websites on seven criteria that combined create award-winning websites:
? Design
? Innovation
? Content
? Technology
? Interactivity
? Copywriting
? Ease of use
Mutual fund Web sites are generally in line with
current Web standards of excellence; however, underperforming years make up the majority of scores. These sites are commonly strong in ease of use, content, and copywriting. These sites scored below the 5-year criteria benchmark averages in all areas except copywriting which it matched.
The 2007 WebAward for Best Mutual Fund website went John Hancock Funds Financial Professional Website.
Other past winners include:
* 2006 Cohen & Steers for the Cohen & Steers website
* 2005 Cohen & Steers for the Cohen & Steers website.
* 2004 bbdigital/SEI Investments for HighMark Funds website
* 2003 Barclays Global Investors for iShares.com
* 2002 Pioneer Investments pioneerfunds.com
A complete list of past winners can be found at mutualfund.webaward.org.
Companies and organizations wishing to have their mutual fund 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 mutual fund industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition, and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best Mutual Fund 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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