HopStop, a directions portal that competes in the segment against an ever-building Google Maps, today announced its plans to fight the Big G, including new markets, content partners and features. The 20-person site, which gets about one-third of its traffic from destination and SEO traffic, and one-third from affiliate partners, has added 20 markets and is now serving a total of 57 markets (including four markets outside North America: London, Paris, Moscow and St. Petersburg).

The company’s partnerships — new and old — include hourly car rentals from Connect by Hertz with integrated driving directions, real-time booking capability via Limos.com, daily deals from Groupon, local events from Zvents and business reviews via Yelp. According to CEO Joe Meyer, the revenue model with each partner varies, and includes CPM, CPC and affiliate sales. The company is operating profitably and not actively raising funds, he adds.

HopStop has also added new social media tools, including a feature that enables users to share travel plans with friends. Other features include walking directions and intercity travel via Amtrak and bus routes. Meyer says that the company’s biggest defense against Google and other competitors is its passionate, social media-driven user base, with 37 percent of users using the site 25 times a month or more. Seventy-two percent used the site within 24 hours of their last use. (We provided a full profile of the company in May 2010.)

The post HopStop Ramps Up Directions Portal; Adds New Markets, Partners appeared first on BIA/Kelsey - Local Media Watch.

There was a time when it looked like eBay would replace garage sales — or the Goodwill box. But putting things up for sale was probably too much work. In fact, garage sale postings in 2009 were up 80 percent on Craigslist last year.

Craigslist, Oodle and PennySaver have been among the leaders in online listings. Now add Garage Sales Tracker to the list. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, the start-up provides a full platform for local media companies, including community newspapers.

Launched in January 2009, Garage Sales Tracker posts sale locations on an embedded Google Map, and includes useful tips for sellers (“have plenty of single dollar bills on hand”). It also provides related information about local consignment shops, and allows users to filter their search by item or geographic location.

Garage Sales Tracker can also be white labeled by the media partners. It is also a destination site in its own right, selling ads to related categories, including self storage (U-Store-It) and foreclosure listings (RealtyTrac). Mortgage brokers are envisioned too. The site also earns revenues from featured listings. Otherwise, listings are free.

Mobile also plays a significant role in the site’s development. Garage Sales Tracker currently has an iPhone app, which helps garage sale shoppers on-the-go. An Android app is currently in development.

The post ‘Garage Sales Tracker’ Teams With Community Paper Sites appeared first on BIA/Kelsey - Local Media Watch.

There was a time when it looked like eBay would replace garage sales — or the Goodwill box. But putting things up for sale was probably too much work. In fact, garage sale postings in 2009 were up 80 percent on Craigslist last year.

Craigslist, Oodle and PennySaver have been among the leaders in online listings. Now add Garage Sales Tracker to the list. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, the start-up provides a full platform for local media companies, including community newspapers.

Launched in January 2009, Garage Sales Tracker posts sale locations on an embedded Google Map, and includes useful tips for sellers (“have plenty of single dollar bills on hand”). It also provides related information about local consignment shops, and allows users to filter their search by item or geographic location.

Garage Sales Tracker can also be white labeled by the media partners. It is also a destination site in its own right, selling ads to related categories, including self storage (U-Store-It) and foreclosure listings (RealtyTrac). Mortgage brokers are envisioned too. The site also earns revenues from featured listings. Otherwise, listings are free.

Mobile also plays a significant role in the site’s development. Garage Sales Tracker currently has an iPhone app, which helps garage sale shoppers on-the-go. An Android app is currently in development.

The post 'Garage Sales Tracker' Teams With Community Paper Sites appeared first on BIA/Kelsey - Local Media Watch.