Point Inside, a retail cloud solutions provider, has launched a search marketing program for retailer apps called “StoreBoost.”
The advertising tool, available via Point Inside’s StoreMode platform, enables retailers to promote specific brands or products in auto-complete and brands can as well “boost” their product ads to the top of the retailer’s mobile app or site.
“Shoppers are increasingly using mobile devices for inspiration, discovery, planning and saving during visits to physical retail stores,” Mike McMurray, SVP Marketing and Business Operations at Point Inside said in a company press release. “Now, when shoppers research terms like ‘toothpaste’ in a retailer’s mobile app or on the mobile web, the retailer can boost suggested results alongside relevant organic search results. This experience can benefit shoppers by introducing them to brands, specific products or offers they might not otherwise consider, and enables brands to build awareness and engagement for new or existing products.”
Retailers can use StoreBoost to promote whatever they want, whether it is third-party information, content or house ads. However, the tools ability to offer a new opportunity for retailers to monetize in-app search is what’s most intriguing.
Writing about the new feature, Greg Sterling, the contributing editor at Search Engine Land explains, “My understanding is that no one is currently doing this, but retailers using StoreBoost now have the capacity to charge brands for enhanced visibility in app search results.”
Point Inside says that the StoreBoost service can easily be integrated into the mobile store search experience and customized for each individual store’s products to offer a value-added, relevant shopping experience for shoppers, and a targeted engagement opportunity for brands.
“Search is a key part of a shopper’s inspiration and discovery process,” said Point Inside CEO Josh Marti. “Boosted search not only benefits retailers, but also guarantees brands targeted and prominent placement for their products. Point Inside provides retailers with technologies that bridge the digital and physical retail divide by providing a portfolio of valuable services that can be integrated into a retailer’s mobile app and mobile web. As a retail cloud solutions provider, we help retailers answer their shoppers’ two most important questions, ‘Do you have it?’ and ‘Where can I find it?’ With our new boosting technology, shoppers can now discover new and popular products and deals while they are in-store or as they plan their shopping trips.”
Retailers that have mobile sites and apps with a huge user base will possibly generate more revenues from the in-app paid search advertising.
Image: Point Inside
