Boodle™ Enhances Local Coupon Program
OPAL™ enables newspapers to create local coupon content.
SAN DIEGO (March 19, 2007) — Boodle™ (www.Boodle.com), the leading online grocery coupon marketplace on newspaper Web sites, recently launched an enhanced version of its local coupon software, OPAL™, that enables newspapers to sell, create and distribute coupons from locally-based merchants such as restaurants, dry cleaners, and auto repair. The enhancements to Boodle's local coupon program are in direct response to feedback from its newspapers partners.
OPAL demonstrates Boodle's longstanding commitment to the newspaper industry by making it easier than ever for newspapers to create truly local content from small merchants — content that is backed by the marketing power of the printed paper.
Boodle's Vice President of Newspaper Relations, Jeff Beliveau, says, "Newspapers are seeking ways to create local content, and local coupons are one of the easiest, cost-effective ways to provide valuable local content to their end-user while also creating a new stream of revenue. We are excited to offer this new and improved program to our newspaper partners."
One of the most requested improvements was the ability to "reverse publish" the online coupons into a print book. With OPAL, newspaper sites can do this using a common publishing tool. Another enhancement includes a new user interface that places more emphasis on graphics. Even with all these improvements, coupon creation still takes just a minute or less.
"Keeping coupon creation under a minute has been a primary goal of this program since we released the first version in 1999," said Beliveau. "We want our partners to maximize their profits by keeping soft costs low. You shouldn't have to be an artist or programmer to make a coupon."
Coupons include links to merchant websites, maps, logos and email among many other elements. Sites can choose to use a converted print ad image as the printed item. They can easily include additional messaging on the printed sheet, such as an ad from the merchant.
"The new look and functionality of Boodle's local coupon program is a huge improvement," said Vandy Paseur, Customer Service Supervisor, SignOnSanDiego.com. "We think this new ad space you can sell into is a very valuable feature to offer to our advertisers."
Boodle's national grocery coupon program is now available on more than 500 newspaper Web sites. Nearly 100 newspapers work with Boodle to create local coupon content. The local program requires minimal set-up and costs a low, flat monthly fee with unlimited prints from unlimited merchants.
About Boodle™
Boodle.com™ (www.boodle.com) is a leading grocery savings site and distributor of online grocery coupons among 500 media and lifestyle sites. Boodle.com combines the local strength and trusted brands of its affiliated newspapers with nationally branded products, such as Betty Crocker®, Pillsbury®, and Cheerios®. Boodle.com is a division of Consumer Networks, LLC based in San Diego. Investors include Gannett Co. Inc., Tribune Co., and the Copley Press. The company also offers the BoodleIZER™ online coupon organizer and a local coupon program that enables partners to feature online coupons from area merchants.
# # #
Media Contact Information
For all media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Sarah Peterson
651.646.8233
pr@boodle.com
Get coupons delivered to your inbox.