TECH CRUNCH – July 22 – On Project Fixup, users create a profile and take a simple quiz about their interests, likes and dislikes. The sites then sends the info to an assigned “fixup specialist", who works like a matchmaker. The fixup specialists set users up on a blind date with someone they think they’ll mesh with. They coordinate the date, time and location for the couple to meet. The concept is now launching out of beta and into San Francisco this week. None of the “fixup specialists” are professional matchmakers though. Each matchup costs $20 and comes with a 100% “Awesomeness Guarantee.” That means if a user had a bad experience, he/she gets the money back.
Month: July 2014
Instant Chemistry Partners With Agape Match
OPW – July 22 – Instant Chemistry, the at-home compatibility test for couples, is partnering with Agape Match, a professional matchmaking service. Agape Match will offer Instant Chemistry’s DNA kit to interested clients.
Mark Brooks: The DNA test is $199. Basisnote and Scientificmatch were a lot more pricey. The conversions funnel on this sort of service is a bit tough…but this is a very media-friendly story. The press like DNA matchmaking.
See all posts on Instant Chemistry
See all posts on AgapeMatch
Future Of Niche Dating Uncertain
CHRISTIAN CONNECTION BLOG -July 9 – Following the recent upheaval at Spark Networks, questions arise as to the long-term sustainability of the niche-dating industry. Unsuccessful attempts to apply mass marketing techniques to niche dating site reminds marketers that users subscribe to a niche product for the sense of community, individual focus, and safety it provides. Many larger white label networks are falling short in creating the safe, trustworthy environment members expect from niche-based communities.
by Jackie Elton
See full article at Christian Connection blog
Online Dating Second Most Successful Meeting Method
THE MORNING BULLETIN – July 21 – According to RSVP's 5th annual report – Date of the Nation, has revealed that 17% of Australians who have used online dating have got married or entered a relationship as a result. When it comes to meeting new partners, online dating is now #2 most popular method behind introductions via friends or family. (Online Dating was #5 in 2012).
Revealr Dating App Uses Audio As A Profile
BUSINESS STANDARD – July 20 – Revelar is a new app that uses voice recording as a profile instead of photos. Users record their profiles and browse through 20-seconds audios presented along with a blurred photo. If they like what they hear, they swipe right. If a mutual match is made, they are connected and the un-blurred photos are shown.
DatingFactory.com Is Hiring
OPW – July 22 – White label dating provider, DatingFactory.com, is looking for a confident and experienced digital Marketing Manager to focus on delivering conversions and revenue through managing dating sites’ content, CRM and conversion points. Check out the latest Internet Dating Jobs post for more details.
Swoon Hits The Dead Pool
OPW – July 21 – Tagged is closing down its mobile dating app Swoon.
Hi everyone! We’ve decided it's time for us to say goodbye and move on to our next adventure. Thank you for swooning!
— Swoon (@SwoonApp) July 18, 2014
Single Mom Used OKCupid To Make Friends
THE GLOBE AND MAIL – July 17 – Solmes, a single mother used OkCupid to meet other single mothers. She scoured through profiles, looking for women who had the highest compatibility index with her, and then messaged them. Looking for new girlfriends later in life is a lot like dating. Websites such as GirlFriendCircles.com, a “dating site for women finding friends,” tap into our tendency to hit it off with people who are substantially like us. A Yale study published this week found that we make friends with people who are genetically similar to us. Shasta Nelson, started GirlFriendCircles.com in 2009. The site now counts 40K member.
by Zosia Bielski
See full article at The Globe and Mail
Dating Startups Don’t Stand A Chance Against IAC
WIRED – July 17 – For dating startups, resistance against IAC is futile. Many of the companies that do come along with a new idea, like HowAboutWe, inevitably fail or surrender to IAC. Zoosk, which filed its S-1 with the SEC earlier this year, is one exception.
eHarmony Is Working On New TV Ads
ADAGE – July 17 – The TV ads are directed by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst. The national push is set to break in August. eHarmony has a strong base with 25-40 year-olds, but it hasn't been as popular with people outside of that age range. eHarmony hopes the funny ads will resonate with its existing audience and appeal to singles of all ages. TV comprises ~80% of eHarmony's $90M annual marketing budget. The commercials are part of a shift in marketing strategy that began in 2012 when Mr. Warren resumed his role as CEO. In 2013, Mr. Warren said its subscriber base grew by 55%, which he attributed in part to his return and improved online marketing efforts.