Marketing Slowdown on the Web

The slowing economy is starting to hurt an unexpected segment of the advertising world the web, which has been growing fast for a half decade. once thought to be immune from cutbacks online advertising, especially at web portals and information sites such as those run by newspapers, is experiencing slowdown as marketers tighten their belts and make tough decisions about where to spend their leaner budgets. A host of those companies recently reported slowing growth that’s expected to linger through 2008. Some types will be hit harder than others. Although search-engine advertising, which comprised 41 percent of all online ad revenue last year, should remain strong analysts say, marketers are likely to cut back on banners, but it doesn’t help web publishers. Websites that offer special advertising opportunities aren’t expected to keep up with those featuring search ads.