MerchantCircle Launches Web's Easiest-to-Use Online Advertising Products for Local Businesses

LOS ALTOS, Calif., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- MerchantCircle, the largest online network of local businesses in the nation, today launches a suite of turn-key solutions for local business owners to advertise on the web, regardless of technological experience. MerchantCircle now offers its 320,000 local business members effective, scaleable advertising solutions, catered to any budget, with the push of a button.

"Over half of our 320,000 members are new to the web and rely on MerchantCircle as their only web presence - and 75% of those buying our current advertising products have never advertised online before," said Darren Waddell, Sr. Director of Marketing at MerchantCircle. "Our new product suite offers the simplest, most flexible solution for local business owners to attract new customers online."

MerchantCircle's new offerings remove the complexities of search engine marketing (SEM). The revolutionary approach to SEM will take care of everything, from creating optimized ads, to managing keyword bidding and measuring ad performance. Constantly updated reports will enable local business owners to track the value of their advertisements and see definitive results - easily and effectively.

"It's hard to find search engine marketing that is easy and works for local businesses," said MerchantCircle member, Rob Kress of Ierna's Heating & Cooling Inc in Lutz, Fl. "I already show up number one when consumers are searching locally, having created advertisements, newsletters, blogs and coupons through MerchantCircle. I look forward to working closely with MerchantCircle to utilize all they have to offer, especially the new packages."

MerchantCircle's new product offerings include state-of-the-art technologies in online marketing, such as call-tracking and multimedia video. Details of the new products include:

    --  Search Engine Marketing (SEM) - MerchantCircle launches four search
        engine marketing products that will allow merchants to advertise on
        top search engines like Google and Yahoo!. Packages begin at $29 per
        month with several options available for increasing levels of
        visibility and ad performance.

    --  Multi-Media Advertising - Professionally shot, edited, and produced
        business videos showcased on Citysearch premium listings and partner
        networks.

    --  Listing Submission - Provides merchants a presence in all major local
        internet directories in a one-time service.

    --  Custom Budget - Provides merchants a custom budget plan based on their
        category & geography that will maximize their advertising budget.

"Local Merchants First" Partner Program

Powered by Webvisible and Citysearch, MerchantCircle's new offerings are the first to be launched via the "Local Merchants First" Partner Program. The program is designed to give local merchants access to the very best online advertising and marketing solutions. Merchants can access partner solutions and track effectiveness within the MerchantCircle integrated platform.

MerchantCircle continues to seek potential partners interested in offering their products to the largest, fastest-growing online network of local merchants. Partners are selected based upon the relevance and value their solutions offer local businesses.

For consideration into the "Local Merchants First" Partner Program, please send an email to merchantsfirst@merchantcircle.com

About MerchantCircle

Founded in 2005, MerchantCircle is the largest online network of small business owners in the nation, combining social networking features with a customizable web listing that allows local merchants to attract new customers. More than 14 million MerchantCircle business listings across the country are easily accessed on major search engines. Currently, over 320,000 merchants on the MerchantCircle network upload pictures, blog, build coupons, and newsletters, while connecting with other business owners. MerchantCircle gives business owners the power to manage their online reputation by aggregating reviews and increasing visibility across the web.

MerchantCircle is located on Main St. in downtown Los Altos, Calif., and is funded by Rustic Canyon Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Disney's Steamboat Ventures, and Citysearch, a property of IAC.

Learn more at http://www.merchantcircle.com