Pixsta Launches
A got a ’social media release’ in the mail for the launch of Pixsta, a new UK-based image search engine.
The Pitch
Although on the surface, it’s about a new search engine, in reality, the release spends most of its time talking about the ad model is has in place.
The advertising ecosystem is similar to Google’s adwords model, but based wholly on images rather than text. From a random starting point, users click on an image of an item of clothing, shoes or jewellery to return further images of items that are similar by colour, shape or texture. Clicking on any of the displayed items re-submits that item as the search term. When the user ‘discovers’ the item that they want to purchase, they click through not just to the retailer’s home page but directly to the product landing page to purchase their chosen item.
So it’s not really a ’search engine’ as an image and category-based shopping engine.
What I think about it
The email is tagged a social media release, which means that as well as the polished prose, it contains some quotes I can use, a link to a ‘social networking video‘ and links to some images - which are just screen shots of the site and services users, including browser bars.
To me, this email tells me that the sender (and I’m not sure if it is Both Barrels PR or WebBitPR who sent it for them) knows of Social Media Releases, believe they need to do them but does not yet understand them. There’s some links there, which is always good but linking to a YouTube video and calling it ’social networking’ rings a false note. The images they link to do not really add value, I can do them myself with a click - and I wouldn’t include all the browser chrome. If you are going to include images, send stuff that can’t be screen grabbed, that is different than what could be found browsing the service. Overall I’d say this is a C-
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POSTED IN: Pitches
1 opinion for Pixsta Launches
Stephen Davies
May 18, 2008 at 12:11 am
Hi Rachel,
I work at webitpr and have been involved in the development of the company’s SMNR so I’d be lying if I told you I’m disappointed you didn’t like this particular one. :-)
As you’re probably aware, there’s a lot of discussion and debate going on around the SMNR from some leading thinkers in the PR/social media arena. As of yet, though, there is no definitive description of the perfect SMNR platform and it seems that these same people are beginning to shape their own templates based on their own experiences and trials, ourselves included.
Obviously it’s still early days given that Todd Defren at SHIFT debuted the SMNR template a little under two years ago. Still a long way to go and two years now it probably won’t be anything like it is today. That’s the online space for you! :-)
We’ve actually commissioned some in depth research asking people (journalists and bloggers) who receive releases from us on how we can tailor our service to better suit their needs.
If you’ve got the time and you wouldn’t mind helping us trying to improve our service we’d love to get your input?
Thanks,
Stephen
P.S Sorry I’ve taken a little long to respond. I was travelling yesterday.
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