MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Apr 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 Email Contact.
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.
Media Contacts: Sparkpr Jacqueline Tanzella Email Contact 415-321-1889 MerchantCircle Sean Pate Email Contact 650-352-1335 x514