Web classified advertising 'surges'

The uptake of classified advertising over the internet has risen significantly, it has been claimed.

According to the findings of a report by the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB), created with the participation of Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) and the World Advertising Research Centre, year-on-year web-based classified advertising has risen by 72 per cent.

"The latest results for the first half of 2007 show that the UK's internet advertising industry continues to strengthen," said Nicki Lynas, manager of the entertainment and media practice at PwC.

"The growth levels seen by companies in the survey prove that advertisers are increasing their spend online at a rate that shows no sign of levelling out."

Indeed, according to the IAB, over the first six months of 2007, all internet advertising grew at a rate of 41.3 per cent to produce revenues of £1.33 billion.

The IAB was established in 1997.