Online Advertising

YouTube tests skippable ad units

Dianna Dilworth November 11, 2009

As Google looks for ways to monetize YouTube, the video-sharing Web site is testing an in-stream ad unit that lets viewers skip through an ad with the goal of making online video advertising more relevant. The concept of the ad unit is that while users are given the tools to skip the ads they don't want to see, when they do in fact watch them, they will do so with more engagement.

ad:tech lines out the door

Dianna Dilworth November 04, 2009

Is it me or is ad:tech way bigger this year? This is my third year in attendance and it always seems crowded and full of bottle necks over at the Hilton with its multiple floors and areas. Sometimes I don't even realize that there is another level and miss a whole round of booths.

SNL Kagan predicts robust growth for online radio revenues

Carol Krol November 03, 2009

Radio online revenues are expected to grow by double digits this year, totaling $441 million. The figure would represent a 12% year-over-year increase, according to a report by SNL Kagan, a financial data intelligence firm that specializes in media and communications. The firm predicts an even more robust increase next year, forecasting online radio revenue growth of 20%, year over year, to $530 million.

UPS Store unveils 'Cardboard World' interactive microsite

Frank Washkuch October 15, 2009

The UPS Store launched an interactive microsite this week, extending its "Cardboard world" effort that promotes the outlet as a destination for services other than just shipping. The portal, found at cardboard.theupsstore.com, includes interactive games and a sweepstakes promotion. The goal for the site is to entertain consumers and to educate them about the company's business services, including its recently launched Web-based printing program.

Wendy's integrated campaign promotes product freshness, bacon sandwiches

Mary Elizabeth Hurn October 14, 2009

Wendy's is conducting the "You know when it's real" campaign, an effort emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to freshness. It includes online advertising, numerous social media initiatives, a video contest and an interactive microsite. Kaplan Thaler Group developed the initiative, which soft-launched with TV and radio spots on October 9, and fully rolled out October 12.

Zappos.com names Mullen creative AOR; online DM to stay in house

Chantal Todé September 25, 2009

As it strives to create a more holistic marketing plan for next year, Zappos.com has named Mullen its creative AOR, with responsibility for brand development, media buying and creative, including digital advertising. The agency will work closely with King Fish Media, Zappos.com's partner for offline direct marketing.

Peer-endorsed social loyalty program Peer2 launches

Mary Elizabeth Hurn September 24, 2009

Peer-endorsed online marketing platform Peer Squared (Peer2) has launched in beta. Apparel companies Miss Sixty and Energie, motorcycle brand Ducati, nutritional product maker SuperFoodsRx and performance skin care product Brave Soldier are among the brands signed as clients.

Omniture and ComScore form partnership

Mary Elizabeth Hurn September 21, 2009

Web analytics firms ComScore and Omniture have formed a partnership to better analyze and track online audiences. Together, the companies will create a unified measurement service for publishers and advertisers, they announced September 21.

Airlines make bid for shrinking loyalty with new programs

Lauren Bell August 03, 2009

The travel industry has taken its share of lumps in the recession — including, according to new research from Colloquy, a precipitous drop in active participation in travel rewards program — but new programs from Delta and United might help the airlines win loyalty among frequent fliers.

AOL to rename Platform-A AOL Advertising

Dianna Dilworth July 27, 2009

After a number of changes at AOL this year, including the beginnings of being spun off from Time Warner into an independent entity back in May, AOL is renaming its Platform-A business. Platform-A, the company's display advertising group, which was built up over the last couple of years through a host of acquisitions, will now be called AOL Advertising.

National Geographic Channel brings TV theme to online game

Dianna Dilworth July 16, 2009

The National Geographic Channel (NGC) is using online gaming to help promote the launch of the channel's series Hooked, which premiered Monday.

Bausch & Lomb eyes 25- to 34-year-olds with multimillion dollar online push

Carol Krol June 26, 2009

Bausch & Lomb announced the kickoff of a multimillion dollar online marketing campaign to promote the US launch of its SofLens daily disposable contact lenses to 25- to 34-year-old consumers. Campaign elements include banner ads, paid search, site sponsorships, content partnerships and a dedicated microsite. Digital Pulp handled the creative, and Ionic Media handled media.

Privacy issues out in the open in today's NYT

Sharon Goldman, Sharon Goldman March 11, 2009