Metamend - Zippy Search

Richard Zwicky is the CEO of a Canadian company called Metamend. Besides being a really nice/smart guy, Richard has some done pretty interesting work on the out bound (search engine optimization) and the in bound (stats and business intelligence data) part of searching.

I’ve been looking at doing an investment in some technology that Richard has developed with respect to better understanding who is coming to your web site, where, why, how long, etc.  More then just a bunch of numbers, Richard is compiling data that can tell a site operator much more about the folks dropping by in addition to providing very useful data that can help you change your site for maximum value.  This goes beyond the obvious keyword and meta data stuff. 

Richard has a true passion for the stats, numbers, and what they all mean as well as being an expert in fine fast food establishments worldwide.

Recently we were skyping away, talking about various things, when the somewhat random topic of zip codes and searching came up.  I made the half snarky comment that most MSFT types probably own an ipod, use a Mac laptop, maintain typepad blogs, and (of course) use Google search.  I mentioned good ol One Microsoft Way, Redmond WA 98052.

This  lead to Richard pointing out some interesting stats on zip code 98052. Richard took a bunch of sites, blended a bunch of in bound search requests, did some voodoo and, presto:

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Searches originating from Zip Code 98052

Engine Used Google Google Local Yahoo! Yahoo! Local MSN MyWebSearch Froogle Comcast Google Maps

Percentage of Traffic 66.67% 24.47% 3.80% 1.69% 1.27% 0.84% 0.42% 0.42% 0.42%

Now, it is easy to make some sweeping comment about Microsoft mostly using  Google and the 98052 zip code being much more then just Microsoft people, but ignore that; the data search was just for fun.  [Memo to Robert Scoble: time to crank it up, tho, eh? ]

For you, the start up, especially those of you looking at ads as a core component of your revenue, this type of granular data is pretty important.

If you are looking to get more visibility and understanding of where your traffic is coming from as well as get a better understanding of the SEO world,  Richard is a great person for you to get to know. Good products, great service, super person.

Comments

[gouthams]

Personally, i always thought it was very admirable of MSFT to not have mandated employees to use MSN over Google.

I remember the dumbfounded look on a candidate who saw me searching google during an interview. "What? they dont force you to use MSN?"

[Rick Segal]

Good point. Thanks for stopping by.

[Robert Scoble]

Heat is cranked up! :-)