Watch and learn people… GEO development at it’s best
There has been a lot of talk about “GEO development” in 2009 – 2010 within the domaining community. Probably more so than any other years… It is what’s hot apparently, and rightfully so because there is a lot more focus on local nowadays. So who has done it best? I’d have to say PATCH. Nobody else comes even close.
Never heard of PATCH.COM? “your local source for news, events, business listings, and discussion.” Where the hell have you been then??! This NYC based start-up was acquired in mid 2009 by AOL for around $7M in cash. Since then, AOL has invested something like $50M or more and their operations have exploded. Big time.
Patch is now in 20 states, across 600 communities…. If you visit any of their network sites, you will immediately fall in love with it. Down here where I live, there is pretty much a patch in every city. It has become my go-to place for lots of local stuff, including breaking news and events.
What is Patch?
Simply put, Patch is a new way to find out about, and participate in, what’s going on near you. We’re a community-specific news and information platform dedicated to providing comprehensive and trusted local coverage for individual towns and communities. We want to make your life better by giving you quick access to the information that’s most relevant to you. Patch makes it easy to:
- Keep up with news and events
- Look at photos and videos from around town
- Learn about local businesses
- Participate in discussions
- Submit your own announcements, photos, and reviews
AOL has been making a lot of moves as of late, and one of their biggest winners without a doubt is PATCH… It’s slowly but surely popping up just about everywhere. Their stock has been seeing a mini comeback since the summer, and I think in the next 10 – 20 month’s will grow 100% – 200% if not more. Keep your eye on em… AOL is becoming a big player in the whole social movement and content game 
I’ve been buying ads on numerous PATCH network sites quietly for about 5 – 6 month’s now and the results have been fantastic. It’s nice when you are able to get in early on something that is just taking off… Lots of money to be made.
Being a Norwegian I’ve never heard of Patch.com until I read your post.
“WOW!” is all I can say about it.
I completely agree about AOL. They are buying up solid web properties. Not just good ones, but great.
Patch.com is old news for me.
I’ve built a prototype in 2006 like that: http://www.mirceagoia.com/local (but didn’t continue)
Yours looks kinda crappy… No wonder it was discontinued, eh?
I own Hometowns.com and we are doing something similar.
Pump, pump, pump.
I own a bunch of GEO business directory domains. Names like LosAngelesBusinessDirectory.com, SeattleBusinessDirectory.com and BostonBusinessDirectory.com to name just a few. We own lots of other cities too.
I’m busy building out our niche career sites and other GEO properties so this project is still on the back burner. If you are interested in partnering and building out these domains, please contact me.
Those are some pretty good domains, but not the types of sites I partner up on in general. Best of luck though!
And I sell 3DPatch.com (yeah, and so what):)
What is the whole idea behind that domain… ??
The same Patch.com, but in 3D. A humble idea:)
Ever heard of UDRP’s… ? That is what’s coming your way if that is your one and only big plan.