MerchantCircle Launches First Online Solution for Business Owners to Manage All Aspects of Web Identity
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Small Business Owners Can Now View and Manage Everything That's Said About Them on the Web - From One Site
LOS ALTOS, Calif., Dec. 11 -- MerchantCircle (www.merchantcircle.com) today announced the availability of Web Identity Manager (WIM), the first solution designed specifically for local business owners to manage their online reputation by aggregating company listings, reviews and online ratings from several local search sites. In addition to the newly announced WIM functionality, MerchantCircle enables local businesses to build their online presence by establishing a local business network, creating and distributing online coupons, blogs and newsletters, as well as providing search engine optimization for specific listings -- free of charge.
"During the holiday season, business owners have even less time on their hands to worry about who is saying what about them online," said MerchantCircle President and Co-Founder Wayne Yamamoto. "Now they don't have to worry about trying to track down every review about their business all over the web. They can come to MerchantCircle and handle their entire online identity easily and effectively."
The growth of consumer-oriented sites that offer consumer reviews and ratings has contributed to MerchantCircle becoming one of the fastest growing websites in the local online search market. More than 60,000 merchants have joined since its launch in June 2006 and the site gets 1 million unique visitors a month. Analysts have noted the volume and discrepancy of 3rd party online reviews, and the fact that many small businesses have no idea what is posted about them online. This is the problem that MerchantCircle has addressed with the availability of WIM.
"In my view, the need to have a branded third party to gather reviews remains as strong as ever. The sites would also integrate well with existing players," said The Local Onliner's ( localonliner.com/?p=248 ) Peter Krasilovsky.
Exploring Web Identity Manager
MerchantCircle is giving non-business owners the opportunity to look at the Web Identity Manager here merchantcircle.com/corporate/wim.html (most everything within the page has been disabled, but you will be able to click on the reviews). Here are two short video links to who ( youtube.com/watch?v=SQOHNB2vyYY ) MerchantCircle is and a merchant ( youtube.com/watch?v=GjaqUy-cdxI ) who utilizes the site.
About MerchantCircle
Founded in 2005, MerchantCircle is an online network for local business that provides merchants the advertising tools to build coupons, blog, post pictures, write newsletters and link to other businesses to attract new customers. The company makes local advertising accessible, affordable and effective for local businesses. Since the site was launched in June, 2006, more than 60,000 merchants have joined the network. Over 14 million business listings can be found on the MerchantCircle website. MerchantCircle is located on Main St. in downtown Los Altos, CA and is funded by Rustic Canyon Partners, Bank of America Ventures and Disney's Steamboat Ventures. Learn more at www.merchantcircle.com.
For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Kevin Leu, MerchantCircle PR at 858-361-4407 or e-mail Kevin@merchantcircle.com. B-Roll and taped interviews are available on request.
Source: MerchantCircle
CONTACT:
Kevin Leu
MerchantCircle
+1-858-361-4407
Kevin@MerchantCircle.com
Web site: http://www.impact-mg.com/
