Geocities Launches Direct Marketing Program For Advertisers

Internet community operation GeoCities rolled out a product sampling and couponing program designed to acquaint consumers with its advertisers.

The new GeoCities House-Warming program will connect advertisers with new homesteaders through one-time “house-warming” offers of virtual coupons, gift certificates, product samples, discounted software, and free software downloads.

Initial sponsors include CompuServe, Fuji, Kayser-Roth, and The Student Advantage Network.

“Advertisers recognize GeoCities’ ability to deliver highly qualified consumers who are accustomed to sampling and buying products over the Internet,” said Michael Barrett, vice president of advertising sales for GeoCities. “We believe the House-Warming program is the first step to educating GeoCitizens about our sponsors.”

New homesteaders registering for a GeoCities home page will receive a welcoming email message that includes a special URL where they can pick up house-warming gifts from GeoCities’ advertisers. More than 5,000 new users build home pages on GeoCities every day, the company said.

Users are currently being welcomed with a Fujifilm 24mm Advanced Photo System Rebate from Fuji, a Student Advantage Savings Card from AT&T and Student Advantage Network, $1.00 off No Nonsense hosiery from Kayser-Roth, and free membership to CompuServe.

Based in Santa Monica, CA, with advertising sales offices in New York and San Francisco, GeoCities records more than 574 million page views and 91 million individual visits each month, according to IPRO’s December 1997 report.