Friendster makes Google its ad and search supplier
Source: today.reuters.com
Friendster chose Google as its exclusive advertising and search provider today after not resigning with Yahoo, their previous search & ad provider.
Friendster, which was the first major social networking site that ironically fizzled out in the United States, is planning a global expansion which will build upon the success found in the Pacific.
Friendster is the social network of choice for the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia; and has become the MySpace of Southeast Asia.
The plan calls for text and display advertising to run on Friendster members’ personal profile sites, worldwide, and the company will introduce Google Web search across the site in the second quarter of 2007.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Friendster’s deal with Google replaces a prior search deal with Yahoo Inc.
Founded in 2002, San Francisco-based Friendster originated the social networking craze, but was overtaken by MySpace as the world’s most popular meeting spot. It has been rebuilding internationally and counts more than 37 million registered users in about 75 countries.
Four out of five of Friendster’s top markets are in Southeast Asia: Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia rank No. 1, 2 and 3. The United States is fourth, while Singapore is fifth. Upward of 45 percent of Friendster’s audience is in Asia now.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Friendster has sunk to become only the 35th most-visited Web community site, according to data from market research firm Hitwise Inc.
In Asia, the service attracts a younger demographic, aged 18 to 30, while in the United States, the Friendster generation has grown up, and now typically ranges from 25 to 35 years old, according to Friendster marketing chief David Jones, who recently joined from eBay Inc.
Friendster had 19.4 million active global users in January, up from a recent low of 13.6 million in March of last year. according to research firm comScore Networks Inc.
Friendster is backed by venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Benchmark Capital and DAG Ventures along with individual investors.
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