MSN Offers Ad Packages to Reach Target Audiences

Microsoft Corp. said it will make available two online advertising packages that provide extensive promotional opportunities via specially developed content areas within the MSN network.

Advertisers will be able to reach a desirable targeted audience and benefit from the association with a broad array of content, Microsoft said.

“Based on the success of our Back-to-School package, we know that advertisers find promotional opportunities helpful in targeting specific kinds of customers,” said Charlotte Guyman, director of the online sales and marketing team at Microsoft. “Our goal is to continue to provide advertising options that help our vendors find effective ways to achieve their sales and marketing goals online.”

Two microsites, Technology Test Drive and Stress-Less Holidays, will be dedicated content areas that pool relevant content from MSN. They will be promoted on every level of the network including MSN.com, at each participating site and via run- of-network banners. Rate card data was not disclosed.

Technology Test Drive is a microsite designed to give consumers a look at present and future technology from a cross section of industries. The site will appeal to technology enthusiasts as well as casual observers, enabling them to learn, test and take advantage of the latest technologies, Microsoft said.

The Stress-Less Holidays microsite will provide easier, faster and better answers to some of the gift-buying conundrums that arise during the holiday season, the firm said. Pooling the resources of the Microsoft Plaza, the Expedia travel service, MSNBC, Microsoft Investor, Internet Gaming Zone, the Computing Central information service, the Sidewalk city guide and others, the site intends to allow customers access to a multitude of holiday suggestions ranging from gift ideas to planning a day off.