London, UK May 29, 2008 -- Will online marketing take on a more social aspect? According to the results of a recent survey carried out by the Online Marketing and Media Show (OMMS), marketers are spending their online budgets on search, email and pay per click. However, they are no longer spending their marketing budgets on traditional banner advertising to make way for the growth in interactive mediums like social media and viral marketing. The survey was targeted at exhibitors and delegates who will be attending the OMMS 2008 event which takes place on 24th & 25th June 2008, at the Business Design Centre in London.

Overall online marketing spend continues to increase, with over a third of all survey respondents revealing that up to 25% of their marketing budget will be dedicated purely to online marketing and media this year. This is a 15% increase over predicted spend in 2007.

Measuring response, search marketing and online campaign planning were identified as the top three priority areas for understanding and education. Despite the current lack of understanding in these areas, marketers are reluctant to outsource the development of their online strategy. Less than half of respondents indicated that they plan on working with a digital agency in the next 12 months.

Sally Maltby, Event Director for OMMS 2008 comments, "Marketers want to invest their marketing budget where they can get tangible, clear results. Historically, search, SEO and pay per click campaigns have been the leaders for this reason. Now marketers want to engage with their audience beyond the first click. As the industry starts seeing improved measurement tools in place for social media, marketers will begin experimenting and investing more online."

The survey also revealed that 75% of respondents generate more accountable return on investment (ROI) from their online marketing and media activity than their more traditional marketing tools. In line with the majority of respondents recognising online and social media as an area for growth, 62% said they would be comfortable advertising their brand on a social networking site.

Michael Nutley, Editor in chief of New Media Age and OMMS conference producer said, "We've seen from the survey results that marketers want to extend their understanding of new marketing tools before trying them out. With this in mind, the OMMS 2008 conference agenda has been put together to showcase the next phase of web marketing tools available and demonstrate how brands have successfully used them so others can learn from these experiences."

To find out more about the latest online developments in marketing and advertising and how to effectively integrate online with offline, visit The Online Marketing and Media Show 2008, on 24th - 25th June at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.

If you are interested in registering for a press pass, please get in touch with Zaireen Iskandar at immediate future on 0845 408 2031. For an up-to-date exhibitor list or to view the conference programme, please visit The Online Marketing and Media Show 2008.

Editors Notes

About The Online Marketing and Media Show 2008:
The event, renamed The Online Marketing and Media show 2008 (OMMS) is a Centaur exhibitions event. The only UK event to bring together experts and suppliers covering every element of online marketing and media all under one roof, over two days. The event is in its fourth year and will be held at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London. OMMS covers all aspects of online marketing from SEO to PPC; blogging to podcasting; accessibility to analytics; email; affiliate and mobile marketing; online ads; and integration. Tackling the challenges faced in each area and offering advice on the latest online marketing developments. For conference agenda and information please visit the onlinemarketingshow.