Industry News - August, 2008

Online product searches are more likely to convert to a purchase after three months than from the initial query, new research has shown.

According to data collected on more than 100,000 internet users by comScore, only six per cent of consumers purchase goods after their first search.

By comparison, 14 per cent of consumers take up to three months from the date of their initial search to respond to more...

Accountants across the UK have launched a new campaign to ensure that the job title is reserved only for those professionals with the appropriate qualifications.

Unlike other professional services industries, such as medical practitioners and legal services providers, the term accou... more...

Businesses are still failing to take advantage of advanced marketing techniques with their email communications, new research has found.

According to a study by Pinpointe.com and ResearchCorp.com, 77 per cent of companies surveyed use some kind of email marketing service.

However, the report also indicates that few of these firms are using advanced tools to help develop their more...

Insurance firms could benefit from a keener focus on marketing sharia-compliant products, one expert has suggested.

Islamic compliant insurance takes its lead from the principle of takaful, or guaranteeing each other.

Insurance payments are made under the agreement that each customer is contributing to a combined insurance fund rather than paying premiums to an insurance se... more...

Relevant online adverts are more memorable than non-relevant ones, new research commissioned by Google has shown.

According to a study by the search engine giant, online marketing that is relevant to a user's business-to-business purchase needs is 52 per cent more likely to be recalled in detail.

The research did show that non-relevant more...

Independent financial advisers (IFAs) are set to concentrate on recommending structured products to customers, according to research by Keydata Investment Services.

Increased "client demand" for structured products seems to be behind the trend, which is likely to benefit those firms providing marketing communications to IFAs.

The survey indicates that 88.1 per ... more...

Britons may be put off taking out life insurance because of a false belief that it is expensive, according to new research by Legal & General.

A survey by the financial services firm found that only 38 per cent of those polled had any life insurance.

However, 65 per cent were found to have overestimated the cost of life more...

Insurer Endsleigh will target students with its latest marketing campaign using a computer game.

The new insurance marketing campaign will feature a viral Walk of Shame Game that the firm hopes will be passed between students.

As an incentive, the game will enter participating students into a competition with £10,000-worth of prizes up for grabs.

Mike Days,... more...