'Zonline' retailing concept helps consumers finds local offline bargains
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23, 2009 — Microblogging sites are all the rage in social media, and one savvy marketer has taken the concept to the next level. Combining microblogging with advertising, his newly launched website – Zippla.com – lets shoppers search for local offline bargains by zip code.
"It's the first site of its kind, and it's the best of both worlds," said site developer Fatih Siddiqi. "Shoppers can search online by zip code, or zone. So we've coined the term 'zonline' to reflect this unique customer experience."
No retailers in a given zip code? No problem. The site will suggest 10 other zip codes in the vicinity and prompt the user to search in one of them.
The site is designed to avoid the information overload that many people face when trying to find goods and services on search engines. Siddiqi notes that web-based shopping also involves shipping costs and online transactions that may deter some consumers due to security concerns.
Retailers who register on Zippla.com pay a monthly fee of $100 that allows them an unlimited number of posts. Each post, known as a "zipple," can be up to 151 characters and can be used to promote sales, special offers and more. The idea is similar to microblogging site Twitter, where individuals can "tweet" up to 140 characters at a time. Each zipple will include the retailer's name and street address.
The website's tagline – "Search the internets for your local area bargains and specials" – sums up its goal. "Our aim," said Siddiqi, "is to promote retail and help offer another possible value-added solution to retailers to fight this economy. In turn, we also are helping consumers who are now, more than ever, looking for cost savings."
It's no coincidence that the site was launched just prior to the busiest shopping season of the year. "Think of it as the online equivalent of walking through the mall and looking for a gift for someone," said Siddiqi. "In our case, shoppers are presented with deals and bargains that exist strictly in their real-world locality. We've done all the groundwork for them, and we anticipate great discounts that may be exclusive to Zippla.com users."
In fact, Siddiqi said businesses can easily track the success of their campaigns by offering promotions unique to Zippla.com. "It's a targeted online method of acquiring sales leads for offline businesses."
The website also allows customers to submit feedback anonymously regarding their experiences with a registered business. All feedback is then forwarded to the business.
For more information, visit .
Contact:
Fatih Siddiqi
Email
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