Channel Intelligence Introduces CPA-Based Ad Network Offering Highest Converting Leads Online

March 5, 2008; 02:41 AM

Orlando, FL, March 05, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Channel Intelligence, Inc. (CI) today unveiled its proprietary cost-per-action (CPA) advertising engine that leverages traffic to manufacturers’ web sites to offer retailers extremely high-converting leads. The CI Ad Network is designed to strengthen lead referral channels for manufacturers and sales for retailers by making it easier for consumers to purchase from their preferred channel immediately. There is no charge for manufacturers to participate, and retailers only incur charges when actual sales occur.

Research shows that 58 percent of consumers go first to a manufacturer’s site to learn more about products, and 46 percent are going there to buy or find where to make a purchase. However, few manufacturers have traditionally leveraged this highly engaged audience of ready-to-buy consumers to the extent possible with the CI Ad Network. When a manufacturer joins the CI Ad Network, consumers can click from the individual product page to see where the product is available and then buy it easily via a link that takes the buyer directly to the product page on the retailer’s site.

“We have seen the best converting leads are when a consumer clicks to buy directly from a product page on a manufacturer’s web site, with rates nearly four times higher than the industry average,” commented Alan Fulmer, co-founder and Executive Vice President of CI. “Manufacturers also benefit with sales data reported by major retailers, which can provide invaluable insight into their channels, and more satisfying brand experience for their customers who are seeking to buy.”

The program is primarily funded by a CPA model, which means that retailers only pay a fee when a sale is made, versus the typical cost-per-click model which incurs charges whenever a link is clicked. There are no charges for manufacturers who implement the standard program and moderate charges for those wishing to customize the program. Multiple program options make the CI Ad Network more flexible than most other advertising engines.

“There are no limitations on SKU coverage or the number of Ad Network retailers a manufacturer can link to,” says Shawn Seipler, Vice President of CI Ad Network Sales. “What’s more, the stock and pricing data of retailers displayed on the Buy Now pages is updated in near real-time to ensure more accurate data to support the optimal shopping environment for consumers.”

As the premier aggregator of data in the ecommerce world, CI holds the most complete, accurate information on a manufacturer’s products, which translates into the best possible buying experience for consumers. Already the sixth largest shopping engine online, the CI Ad Network has over 100 manufacturers and thousands of retailers and is now widely available to those wishing to participate.

Manufacturers and retailers seeking more information are encouraged to visit the CI site at www.channelintelligence.com/cian_overview.html.

About Channel Intelligence, Inc. (CI)
With product data as the core foundation of its marketing services, CI has created a database capable of storing, managing and optimizing hundreds of millions of products every day. Helping consumers easily find and buy products is CI’s primary goal. CI is able to accomplish this through innovative suites of services for manufacturers, retailers and publishers. CI works with some of the best solution providers in the industry and supports over 50 destination sites to benefit its customers which include hundreds of the world’s leading manufacturers and retailers such as Best Buy, JVC, Neiman Marcus Group, Panasonic, Spiegel, Circuit City, Target, Philips, ICE.com, Black & Decker, ShopNBC, Yamaha, Overstock.com and more.

Founded in 1999 by CEO Robert Wight and EVP Alan Fulmer, CI is a partner company of Internet Capital Group (Nasdaq: ICGE) and is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., with offices in Geneva, Switzerland and London, England. Learn more at www.channelintelligence.com