Feb. 24--MOST COMPANIES USE WEB FOR MARKETING: Preliminary results from a survey conducted by online polling company Real Opinions for AME Info has shown that over 60.12 percent of respondents companies have used the Internet to conduct marketing exercises, and a further 19.65 percent say that they have not yet but plan to.

A further 37.57 percent of respondents said that they had advertised on other websites, with 30.64 percent saying that they had not but planned to. Only 15.03 percent of those surveyed said that they had not and never planned on doing so.

Interestingly just over 40 percent admitted that they had monitored online discussion and message boards for comments about their organisation.

"We have been investigating the growing opportunities and importance of the Internet for businesses in the region in light of the current global economic climate," says Dan Healy, CEO of Real Opinions.

"Are they harnessing the benefits of the Internet for their businesses with measure results and targeted communication? If not, what is prohibiting them from doing so? Now appears to be the time to re-invent, innovate and break out of routines to gain a competitive advantage and better ROI"

The survey is being undertaken as part of the AME Info Digital Marketing Conference, which is taking place in Dubai from March 3 to 5. Respondents will be given access to the results.

IN-STORE AD SPENDING UP AT SUPERMARKETS: In-store advertising in supermarkets has been given a boost by the economic downturn as more consumers forego evenings out in favour of home-cooked meals, reported The National. Hypermedia, the Dubai-based indoor advertising group that holds exclusive deals at hypermarkets such as Lulu and Carrefour, has seen in-store advertising spending at its retail partners increase by 20 percent in the past two months. Places to advertise can range from cardboards stands to signs attached to shopping trolleys.

AL SAWANI LAUNCHES MOBILE BILLBOARD ADS: Al Sawani Middle East Enterprises has launched Mobile Billboard ads in Dubai in association with Image Matters Advertising for Guess Footwear and Guess Accessories featuring its spring-summer 2009 image campaigns. Mobile Billboard is a new type of transit media with an adjustable height and dual sided backlit boards with 360 degree rotation capabilities.

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