Ad-supported website model favoured by internet users

Websites which charge for access are less preferable for internet users to the advertising-supported model, according to a recent survey.

Figures from the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) highlighted that 72 per cent of internet users prefer websites which do not charge for access, reports marketingvox.

Many websites now utilise advertising opportunities through newsletters, which people subscribe to when visiting a company's portal - these offer tailored advertising to an already receptive market with an established interest in a firm's products or services.

John A Greco, DMA president and CEO, commented: "The verdict is in - consumers have overwhelmingly responded to an open internet supported by relevant advertising."

Some 86 per cent of consumers said they regularly visit fee-to-view websites where the content is paid for by advertisers on the site.

The same percentage of people said they were doing the same amount of online shopping as they were two years ago.

In total, 70 per cent of respondents said they were aware internet companies collect information regarding their web browsing activities.