The Web Marketing Association is looking for the best publishing Websites in the world as part of their 30th annual international WebAward Competition for Web site development at the WebAward Web site. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets benchmarks for 86 industries, including publishing web sites, based on the seven criteria of a successful Web site. The deadline for publishing web sites to enter to be judged is May 29, 2026.
“In the publishing industry, a website is no longer just a catalog of titles — it is a dynamic platform for discovery, engagement, and direct-to-reader connection,” declared William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “Publishers today must integrate e-commerce, audiobook and eBook distribution, author branding, event promotion, subscription models, community building, and data-driven marketing strategies into cohesive digital experiences. With readers discovering books through search, social media, newsletters, and influencer channels, websites must be optimized for visibility, accessibility, and seamless purchasing. In an increasingly competitive content marketplace, digital sophistication directly influences sales and loyalty. The WebAward Competition provides publishers and their development partners with an objective evaluation against industry benchmarks, along with the high-visibility distinction of being recognized as an ‘Award-Winning Website.’ That recognition enhances industry credibility, strengthens discoverability, attracts authors and partners, and validates excellence in connecting stories with audiences worldwide.”
Web sites are judged on seven criteria including design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use. Each WebAward entry in the advertising category is judged against other advertising entries in its industry category and then against an overall standard of excellence.
Here are the past Best Publishing Website winners:
- 2025 – Family Cookbook Project for FamilyCookbookProject.com
- 2024 – Howard Design Group for IEEE Press Website
- 2023 – Drew Stepek for Godless
- 2022 – Hailun (Marco) Feng for MarcoFeng.com
- 2021 – Family Cookbook Project for RecipeCardCookbook.com
- 2020 – The Family Cookbook Project for Familycookbookproject.com
- 2019 – Bristol University Press for bristoluniversitypress.co.uk
- 2018 – Visit Britain for Visit Britain Website
- 2017 – Authentic for Cengage Web Redesign
- 2016 – Family Cookbook Project for FamilyCookbookProject.com
- 2015 – Westwerk for PollenMidwest.org
- 2014 – SapientNitro for Activision.com Relaunch
- 2013 – The Family Cookbook Project for Familycookbookproject.com
- 2012 – Oxford University Press for BBC College of Journalism
- 2011 – The Family Cookbook Project for Familycookbookproject.com
- 2010 – Creativity-online.com for Creativity-Online
- 2009 – About.com for About.com
- 2008 – My1Stop.com for My1Stop.com
- 2007 – Entrepreneur.com for Entrepreneur Media Inc.
- 2006 – Arcadia Publishing for Arcadia Publishing
- 2005 – Kel Geddes Management Ltd for The Official Anne Geddes Website
- 2004 – Mediapulse for New Homes Guide Website
- 2003 – Association of American Colleges and Universities for AAC&U Web Site
All publishing entrants benefit from receiving valuable feedback in terms of their specific scores compared against the average scores for their industry. They also may receive specific comments from the WebAward’s professional judging panel on their Web site development efforts.
Publishing Websites wishing to be considered for the Best Publishing Website can submit their website for consideration at WebAward.org.
Winners of a WebAward in the Publishing category will also receive:
- Increased visibility for their company
- Marketing opportunity to promote the company website to the media
- Links to your site from the highly ranked WebAward site to help SEO
- Social media posts for your company and personal feeds
- A highlight for your resume.
- Admiration of peers, friends and co-workers
- Unlimited bragging rights
To learn more and to enter the 30th annual WebAward Competition for Website Development, please visit our website and create a nominator account.
About the WebAwards
The Web Marketing Association was founded in 1997 to help define the standard of excellence for online marketing. Our internationally known award programs, such as WebAward Competition for Website Development, Internet Advertising Competition and the MobileWebAwards, recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing the most effective online marketing programs on the Internet today. Entrants benefit from assessment of their marketing efforts by a professional judging panel and the marketing opportunities presented by being recognized as an award-winning web developer.