The MerchantCircle Business Development Blog

MerchantCircle Announces the Release of New Content API

Hi Everyone,

We are excited to announce the release of the MerchantCircle Content API, which allows third party developers to build applications on top of our unique base of valuable local business information from merchants nationwide.

Exciting content available through the MerchantCircle API includes:

• Over 2 million pieces of unique, merchant-generated content such as blog postings, videos, and pictures.

• Over 650,000 local business reviews contributed by local consumers

• Over 350,000 current, local deals and coupons created by local businesses

• Over 80,000 questions and 100,000 Answers from the MerchantCircle Answers Program

Below please find the official press release and links to the press coverage. If you’re interested in utilizing the MerchantCircle Content API, more information can be found at http://api.merchantcircle.com/api/v1/docs, or you can send an email to api@merchantcircle.com with your contact information and the website associated with your application.

Best,

The MerchantCircle Business Development Team


Follow the Press:

BizReport
http://www.bizreport.com/2010/04/merchantcircle_launches_location-based_app_service.html

Loc@l SEO Guide
http://www.localseoguide.com/merchant-circle-checks-in-with-a-location-based-api/

MerchantCircle Business Development Blog
http://www.bdblog.merchantcircle.com



Official Press Release:

Apr 28, 2010 09:00 ET
MerchantCircle Releases Content API for Location-Based Application Developers

Leader in Local Web Will Give Developers Access to Local Business Content From More Than One Million Merchants

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - April 28, 2010) - MerchantCircle, the nation's largest social network of local business owners, today announced that it has opened its first Application Programming Interface (API) to third party developers who can now develop applications on top of MerchantCircle's rich database of valuable local business information from merchants nationwide.

"In building the largest social network and publishing platform for local merchants, we have accumulated a massive amount of content, created by mom and pop businesses," said Jason Culverhouse, CTO of MerchantCircle. "With location based applications emerging as the future of mobile, developers are seeking ways to build upon the success of local check-in games like Foursquare, Gowalla, Loopt and others. By sharing our rich data, merchants, consumers and developers win. We are excited to see both the creative ways that the developer community uses our data, and the added distribution for our merchants."

Several companies have plans to tap into the local business promotions, coupons, blogs, photos and consumer testimonials. Citysearch will integrate into its content and advertising network for local, CityGrid. FootFeed.com, a check-in aggregator website, plugged in just recently, anxious to add the unique information to its upcoming products. HelloMetro, 8coupons and Locomatix will also utilize.

"MerchantCircle's deep relationships in the small business community mean access to data that is unavailable elsewhere," said Dennis Mink, CEO of FootFeed. "An open avenue to merchant-created data will be invaluable for us as we work to create greater value for consumers using check-in platforms."

"Since I signed up for MerchantCircle, I've had a much larger web presence than I could have afforded on my own," said Chris Rodgers, owner of Coral Cab in Pinellas Park, FL. "These days, everyone wants to access the internet on their mobile phones, and for a business that caters to so many tourists that access point is invaluable. I'm happy that MerchantCircle is working to find new ways to get the word out about my business."

To access the MerchantCircle API, developers can visit: http://api.merchantcircle.com/api/v1/docs

For more information on signing up as an API partner, please send an email to api@merchantcircle.com.

About MerchantCircle

Founded in 2005, MerchantCircle is the largest social network of local business owners in the nation, combining social networking features with a customizable web listing that allows local merchants to attract new customers. More than 15 million MerchantCircle business listings across the country are easily accessed on major search engines. Currently, more than 1 million merchants on the MerchantCircle network upload pictures, blog, create coupons and newsletters, and connect with other merchants.

In addition to its free services, MerchantCircle offers a portfolio of online advertising services including Search Engine Marketing, Website Directory Submission, Web Content Creation, Instant Website Development and Business Verification Services. The company is based in Mountain View, Calif., and is funded by Rustic Canyon Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Steamboat Ventures and IAC. JMP Securities has recognized MerchantCircle as one of its "100 Best Privately Held Internet Companies." Learn more at www.merchantcircle.com.

posted by MerchantCircle Staff at 5:07 PM,