| [February 14, 2006] |
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Top Web Search Inquiries for Valentine's Day -- ''Flowers'' and ''Love;'' Survey by Global Performance Marketing Network, MIVA, Shows Sharp Increase in Web Importance for Valentine's Search And Shopping
NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- Feb. 14, 2006 -- MIVA, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIVA), the leading independent Performance Marketing Network, today revealed a list of top search terms on the web leading up to Valentine's Day, the most important romantic holiday of the year worldwide. In the U.S., U.K. and France, the top term was - no surprise, "flowers," perhaps reflecting the more practical nature of those countries. In Spain and Italy, "love" topped the list, reflecting the historically romantic nature of both countries while Germans show a penchant for "poetry."
"Analyzing the search terms of the weeks before February 14, shows the growing significance of the Internet as a research and retail channel for Valentine's and other seasonal events," said Seb Bishop, Director and CMO, MIVA. "Our advertisers profit from optimizing their Pay-Per-Click and Pay-Per-Call campaigns according to seasonal changes in keywords."
Despite the similarities in celebrating Valentine's Day, the analysis of the most popular search terms also reveals some interesting country-specific differences and customs. Key findings include: -0- *T Germany The Germans use text messages and eCards to say "I Love You." While not a romantic form of communication, it is comforting that Germans - known as a nation of poets and philosophers - search for love poems as well. Expensive gifts such as jewelry and lingerie are not common in Germany. Great Britain In contrast to Germany, the British locals treat loved ones with luxury gifts such as jewelry or a romantic getaway to London, Edinburgh or Paris, the latter of which seems to be the epitome of romance. Spain The search term "romantic getaway" ranked high in Spain. The Spanish also like to visit a romantic spa or to give lingerie on Valentine's Day. Italy In Italy, many couples celebrate their love with a city trip to Milan or Rome. France The French also like romantic getaways while counting on special Valentine's chocolate to say "I Love You." United States Americans celebrate Valentine's Day in the same fashion as Europeans. According to MIVA's analysis, roses are the top gift on Valentine's Day followed by sterling silver jewelry. *T
The analysis of Valentine's Day search terms shows that the Internet has become essential in researching unique gifts and special ideas for loved ones. MIVA records show that the number of Valentine's related searches have increased significantly in 2006 compared to the previous year. It also seems as if a lot of people who used to go to the corner florist are now buying Valentine flowers on the Internet, as evidenced by the fact that the search terms "delivery flower" and "flower online" were top ranked in all countries analyzed by MIVA.
This trend is also reflected in a current survey from Constant Contact(a) among 400 small-to-medium-sized businesses. According to the survey, small business owners expect to see strong online sales leading up to February 14. Promotional offers will be implemented by 70 percent of small businesses, many of which will count on online marketing to achieve their business goals.
MIVA's Valentine's trends are revealed following the analysis of billions of monthly Web queries from across the Company's network of partner sites. This network includes leading web sites, search engines and directories, as well as hundreds of vertically focused web publishers. The analysis covered the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the U.S.
About MIVA(R), Inc.
MIVA is the leading independent Performance Marketing Network, dedicated exclusively to helping businesses grow. Our new media platform facilitates performance marketing for partners (publishers), advertisers and consumers (end-users). Our primary focus is on providing our partners with a complete set of innovative solutions enabling the acquisition, retention and monetization of their online audiences. As an independent provider, MIVA does not promote a branded destination search engine or portal that actively competes with our distribution partners for end-users. For our advertisers, we provide solutions to manage and optimize keyword-targeted and context-related Pay-Per-Click (and Pay-Per-Call) marketing programs. Our advertisers access distribution and generate leads through our network of publisher partners and are able to capitalize leads through our integrated e-commerce merchant solution. The Company has relationships with approximately 100,000 businesses, spanning North America, Europe and Asia.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words or expressions such as "plan," "intend," "believe" or "expect" or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Key risks are described MIVA's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-K/A for fiscal 2004, and the most recently filed quarterly report on Form 10-Q. MIVA undertakes no obligation to update the information contained herein. -0- *T (R)Registered trademark of MIVA, Inc. (a)Source: Constant Contact survey: "2006 Small Business Valentine's Day Outlook," 2006 *T
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