Mobile advertising predicted to expand

With the likes of Google set to announce mobile search ads for high-end handsets this week, it is likely that mobile advertising may see expansion in the coming year.

The Wall Street Journal reported that, in addition, the search engine giant recently announced the multi-million dollar acquisition of mobile advertising retailer AdMob - demonstrating that many large firms are now putting money into increasing the mobile ad market.

And with companies such as Volkswagen and Best Buy currently examining how mobile ads can benefit their brand strategy, the market looks to expand beyond text message ads.

While the auto manufacturer has launched a designated website for mobile users and launched a vehicle with a mobile game, the electronics retailer is working to make its campaigns more interactive.

Barry Judge, chief marketing officer for Best Buy, commented that billboards and print ads could be used to prompt customers for more information, while new apps could help consumers find out more details about specific products.

According to Online Media Daily, publishers and advertisers may be interested in a new mobile ad unit designed for smartphones which allows the ad to remain on the screen of the user's mobile handset while they scroll around.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo - a leading UK digital agency.