UK display advertising activity rises in Q1 09

New figures released by Nielsen Online show a rise in the level of display advertising activity in the UK during the first few months of this year.

by Helen Leggatt

According to Nielsen's survey, British display advertisers increased activity by 21% during the first quarter of 2009. The research firm's AdRelevance product reported over 5,900 advertisers per month ran online display ad campaigns totaling 11,000 campaigns and 32,000 different creative treatments, reports the IAB.

The majority of advertisers came from the finance and retail industry, accounting for almost 25% of the quarter's display advertisers. Big-name brands, such as HSBC and Marks & Spencer, led the way with 1,353 and 1,071 display ads respectively.

"Although advertisers are probably getting more bang for their buck through falling online advertising rates, the strong increase in the level of display advertising activity is reason enough for online publishers and media owners to be optimistic about the year ahead - particularly if the retail and finance sectors continue their heavy activity," said Alex Burmaster, communications director for Nielsen Online.

Tags: ad creative, display ad campaign, display advertising, finance, HSBC, Marks & Spencer, Nielsen Online, retail, UK