Wize introduces revenue-generating widgets for bloggers
Through syndication of its WizeRank scores, bloggers now have access to product recommendations based on aggregated user and expert reviews
(SAN MATEO, CA - June 5th, 2007) - Wize (wize.com), the Web site that makes deciding what products to buy extremely easy, is introducing a new revenue stream for bloggers in the form of a widget that gives their readers access to important information on products they blog about.
The Wize widget is a targeted feed of product photos and rankings, designed specifically to increase conversion on product-focused blogs and Web sites. Although this service can be used by anybody with a Web site or blog, it is especially geared towards bloggers who write about new products, products they love or product quality.
The new widget is content-specific to ensure readers will only be alerted to the types of products the blogger discusses. For example, a post about vacuums would derive Wize widgets alerting readers to the three best vacuums, as determined by Wize's product research gathering and product satisfaction scoring process. When a reader clicks on the widget, the blogger receives a profit from the click-through.
"At Wize, we firmly believe in the knowledge that can be culled from the collective wisdom of the Web," said Wize CEO Tom Patterson. "More people are turning to independent sources like blogs for honest product reviews and recommendations, rather than purchasing products based solely on how well the ads claim the product performs. We're pleased to share our product research data with bloggers to continue to educate consumers on which products are worth purchasing."
Through this widget, Wize is syndicating its proprietary WizeRank product approval scores. To calculate each product's WizeRank, Wize collects user and expert reviews and ratings on the Web and algorithmically computes a WizeRank of 1-100. WizeRank is the quickest, easiest way to determine which products are best, and to filter out the ones that aren't worth considering.
The widget is easy to set up and will become more customizable over time. Wize will gather user feedback and make improvements to the badge that will increase use and conversion on your site. Available today, the widget can be downloaded at http://wize.com/typepad.
For more information or to view product recommendations derived from more than one million unbiased product reviews, please visit Wize at wize.com.
About Wize.com
Wize simplifies product research. The free Web site consolidates expert and consumer-written reviews from all over the Web to help people determine what to buy. Products are sorted by WizeRank, a score that represents the public's collective wisdom, good or bad, for each item. WizeRank allows people to quickly determine which products are worth further consideration. Wize, headquartered in San Mateo, Calif. with offices in Minneapolis, Minn., is privately held and funded by Mayfield Fund and Bessemer Venture Partners. For media inquiries, contact Patty Oien of Breakaway Communications at (415) 358-2482 or wize@breakawaycom.com.
About Mayfield Fund
Mayfield Fund provides "venture capital with impact" by partnering with exceptional individuals to create industry-leading companies. Mayfield has domain expertise in Internet media, communications/mobility and enterprise software. The firm has $2.4 billion under management and a team of twelve investing professionals. Since Mayfield's founding in 1969, the firm has invested in more than 470 high-growth companies, taken more than 100 public, and more than 150 have merged or were acquired. For more information, please visit www.mayfield.com or contact: Kamini Ramani, kramani@mayfield.com.
About Bessemer Venture Partners
Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP) is the oldest venture capital practice in the United States. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Bangalore, the firm manages two billion dollars of venture funds, carrying on a tradition of hands-on, active venture investing that has continued since 1911. Over 100 Bessemer companies have gone public, including American Superconductor, Ciena, Gartner Group, Ingersoll Rand, International Paper, Maxim, Parametric, Perseptive Biosystems, Staples, VeriSign, Veritas, and W.R. Grace.
