MSN Redesigns Homepage For Advertisers
MSN UK is redesigning its website for the first time in almost three years in an attempt to attract more big-brand advertisers to the internet.
The new-look homepage, which attracts nearly 16 million internet users each month, launches this week with a range of larger advertising options that can be tailored to need the specific needs of MSN’s clients.
A number of smaller advertising formats, such as skyscrapers and banners, will be removed in an attempt to reduce clutter and enable marketers to create stronger brand messages. There will also be a reduction in the number of quick links on the homepage.
MSN is aiming to improve navigation on the site with clear links to its range of other services, which include Hotmail and Messenger. Other popular content channels will also be grouped in special modules to provide them with more exposure.
Commenting on the initiative, Chris Ward, commercial director at MSN UK, said: “The MSN homepage offers advertisers access to a huge number of people and we constantly strive to target these users in the most effective way. Our homepage revamp offers advertisers even clearer, more creative and better value options than before.”
He added: “MSN is committed to building on its free services to building a better, more valuable experience for its users. Quite simply we are delivering more of the content users want in the format they want to see it.”
The relaunch comes just months after MSN became one of the first major online media owners to react to consumer demands by bringing an end to selling pop-up advertising on its network of websites. MSN claimed the removal of the formats represents a natural step in the evolution of the online advertising market (see MSN Bans Pop-Up Advertising Across Entire Network).
Last week the Interactive Advertising Bureau revealed that UK online advertising in 2003 beat all records as spending reached more than £350 million, pushing its market share of total advertising revenue to 2.5%. The boom was prompted by a number of new online advertisers including McDonalds and Coca Cola (see UK Online Advertising Spend Beats All Records).
MSN: 020 7465 7700 www.msn.co.uk
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