WO2016108864A1 - Procédé et système pour faciliter une relation de commercialisation de marchand interactive entre marchands et clients - Google Patents

Procédé et système pour faciliter une relation de commercialisation de marchand interactive entre marchands et clients Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016108864A1
WO2016108864A1 PCT/US2014/072902 US2014072902W WO2016108864A1 WO 2016108864 A1 WO2016108864 A1 WO 2016108864A1 US 2014072902 W US2014072902 W US 2014072902W WO 2016108864 A1 WO2016108864 A1 WO 2016108864A1
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Prior art keywords
merchant
marketing
user
customer
input user
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PCT/US2014/072902
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English (en)
Inventor
Nathan MAGGIO
Mark WARADY
James Lee
Original Assignee
Maggio Nathan
Warady Mark
James Lee
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maggio Nathan, Warady Mark, James Lee filed Critical Maggio Nathan
Priority to PCT/US2014/072902 priority Critical patent/WO2016108864A1/fr
Publication of WO2016108864A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016108864A1/fr

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of merchant to customer marketing. More specifically, the invention comprises an interactive merchant marketing service platform that facilitates a
  • [merchant, or group of merchants] to directly and interactively, solicit a targeted [customer, or group of customers], to purchase or acquire the [merchant, or group of merchant's] products or services, by offering the targeted [customer, or group of customers], tailored or custom merchant discount(s), coupon(s), promotion(s), offer(s), based on the targeted customer's demographics, profiled interests and likes, as well as their buying propensity and patronage history, regarding the merchant's products or services.
  • the interactive merchant marketing service platform also facilitates for a [customer, or group of customers], to directly and interactively solicit a targeted [merchant, or group of merchants], to approve or negotiate the [customer, or group of customer's] request for a tailored or custom discount(s), coupon(s), promotion(s), offer(s), on the [merchant, or group of merchant's] products or services.
  • Online Referral Marketing is a structured and systematic process to maximize [word of mouth] potential. This enhances the traditional method of referral marketing that is focused on encouraging, informing, promoting and rewarding customers and contacts to think and talk as much as possible about the supplier, the company, product and service, and the value and benefit the supplier brings to them and the people they know. This form of marketing takes [word of mouth] from the spontaneous situation, to one where maximum referrals are generated.
  • Online referral marketing using digital marketing as a platform, is the internet based approach to referral marketing. Given the advances in the Internet recording of customer behavior, Online Referral Marketing provides a high degree of that tracking and accountability.
  • referrals build a level of satisfied customers. This cycle self-perpetuates with more satisfied customers referring others to your company.
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • Online Merchant Marketing is a way for merchants to incorporate an [online marketing effort] in the organization of selling and distribution of the merchandises and services that are being offered. Merchants are selling their products and services all over the Internet, and they are applying Internet marketing strategies to get their message out and convert more sales online by various Internet marketing techniques and tactics, such as search engine optimization, web site marketing, viral marketing, affiliate marketing and so on. Online Merchant Marketing is comprised of affiliate, Cost Per Action and Pay Per Click marketing techniques.
  • affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate's own marketing efforts.
  • the industry has four core players: the merchant (also known as 'retailer' or 'brand'),
  • the network that contains offers for the affiliate to choose from, and also takes care of the payments
  • the publisher also known as 'the affiliate'
  • the market has grown in complexity to warrant a secondary tier of players, including affiliate management agencies, super-affiliates and specialized third party vendors.
  • affiliate marketing overlaps with other Internet marketing methods to some degree, because affiliates often use regular advertising methods. Those methods include organic search engine optimization (SEO), paid search engine marketing, Pay Per Click (PPC), e-mail marketing, and in some sense display advertising. On the other hand, affiliates sometimes use less orthodox techniques, such as publishing reviews of products or services offered by a partner.
  • SEO organic search engine optimization
  • PPC Pay Per Click
  • e-mail marketing and in some sense display advertising.
  • affiliates sometimes use less orthodox techniques, such as publishing reviews of products or services offered by a partner.
  • affiliate marketing is commonly confused with referral marketing, as both forms of marketing use third parties to drive sales to the merchant. However, both are distinct forms of marketing, and the main difference between them is that affiliate marketing relies purely on financial motivations to drive sales, while referral marketing relies on trust and personal relationships to drive sales.
  • Cost Per Action (sometimes known as Pay Per Action or PPA) is an online advertising pricing model, whereby the advertiser pays for each specified action (a purchase, a form submission, and so on) linked to the advertisement.
  • Cost Per Action the optimal way to buy online advertising, as an advertiser only pays for the ad when the desired action has occurred.
  • An action can be a product being purchased, a form being filled, and so on.
  • the desired action to be performed is determined by the advertiser.
  • Radio and TV stations also sometimes offer unsold inventory on a cost per action basis, but this form of advertising is most often referred to as "per inquiry.”
  • Pay Per Click advertising provides an easy, cost-efficient way for small businesses to compete with businesses of all kind: You only pay when someone clicks on your Ad.
  • Pay Per Click business owners can target Internet users who are searching for specific terms related to their business. If you own a shoe store, for example, and you want people to know that you sell a particular brand, you can create an ad that will appear when people search for that brand. Since it is likely that consumers are using search engines to research products and services before making a purchase, Pay Per Click will drive traffic to your website with the hope of bringing in business.
  • Pay Per Click is often more effective than Search Engine Optimization, commonly known as SEO, which makes your website appear at a higher position in unpaid search results.
  • Search Engine Optimization commonly known as SEO
  • Pay Per Click you're paying to be sure your Ad will rise to the top of results.
  • search engine optimization there are no guarantees that your content will rise to the top.
  • the middle players are equally well established and own most of their market share, as well. However, they each are experiencing considerable growing pains, as they look to achieve their ongoing financial projections. This demands additional and unexpected financial investments, that are above and beyond the budgeted plan.
  • Stabilizing the erratic customer retention rate and non-consistent participation in daily programs is crucial before any significant effort or investment is placed on acquiring new business.
  • the invention comprises a computing platform running Interactive Merchant Marketing software applications that support both online web based and mobile users.
  • the merchants are provided with dedicated Interactive Merchant Marketing compute resources and functionality that allows them to engage in an interactive marketing relationship with customers, that permits the merchant to develop, send and manage tailored and customized, discounts, coupons, promotions, and offerings provided to these targeted customers, as well as the capturing, data mining and dashboarding of the associated customer intelligence that was gathered in the process.
  • the invention also provides forecasting capabilities for the merchant that will allow the merchant to accurately forecast future purchases with precision and accuracy, through a profiling mechanism that will increase incremental revenue. Furthermore, the profile mechanism will enable the merchant to precisely forecast each individual customers buying propensity to maximize the company's revenue to its full potential.
  • customers are provided with dedicated compute resources and functionality that allows them to engage in an interactive marketing relationship with a merchant and request customized discounts, coupons, promotions, and offerings that are tailored specifically for that customer.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the overall INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING design and operational structure.
  • Each item listed (illustrated as [001 - 005]) can be deployed on separate platforms, in a myriad of possible configurations, provided that an efficient communications vehicle is utilized between the items.
  • [001] illustrates the individual MERCHANT or MERCHANTS, that are able to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]), via their specific MERCHANT ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [002]).
  • the MERCHANTS are required to be authorized, via a contract agreement, to log on to the MERCHANT ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [002]), in order to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • [002] illustrates the MERCHANT ACCESS POINT in which a MERCHANT or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]), logs on to and accesses the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • the MERCHANT ACCESS POINT facilitates access to the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]), that will allow the MERCHANT or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]), to develop an interactive merchant marketing relationship between a CUSTOMER or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]).
  • MERCHANT or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]), to develop an interactive merchant marketing relationship with a CUSTOMER or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), in which to promote their products and services. And conversely, to allow a CUSTOMER or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), to directly interact with a MERCHANT or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]), regarding their request for a customized and tailored discount on their products and services.
  • the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services provide the functionality that connects a MERCHANT or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]), to a CUSTOMER or
  • CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), and conversely, provides the functionality that connects a CUSTOMER or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), to a MERCHANT or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]).
  • [004] illustrates the CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT in which a CUSTOMER or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), logs on to and accesses the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • the CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT facilitates access to the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]), that will allow the CUSTOMER or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), to develop an interactive merchant marketing relationship between a MERCHANT or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]).
  • [005] illustrates the individual CUSTOMER or CUSTOMERS, that are able to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]), via their specific CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [004]).
  • the CUSTOMERS are required to be authorized, via a contract agreement, to log on to the CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [004]), in order to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • FIG. 2 is a high level representation of the three major components of a composite model of the invention that will be used to demonstrate the interactive communication path between an INPUT USER and an OUTPUT USER.
  • FIG. 2A is a flow diagram representing the complete path in which an INPUT USER solicits a predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER with an offer, and that offer being accepted by the OUTPUT USER, is subsequently forwarded to the INPUT USER.
  • This process starts at the INPUT USER location represented by a CIRCLE X.
  • the INPUT USER queries the SYSTEM to identify an OUTPUT USER that best matches the profile of the specific offer that the INPUT USER wants to solicit to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER creates an offer to send to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER instructs the SYSTEM to forward the offer to the predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER chooses to accept the INPUT USER solicitation by instructing the SYSTEM to forward the accepted offer to the INPUT USER.
  • the SYSTEM stores the transaction data associated with each phase of the INPUT USER and OUTPUT USER dialogue for future use by the INPUT USER.
  • FIG. 2B is a flow diagram representing the complete path in which an INPUT USER solicits a predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER with an offer, and the OUTPUT USER chooses to modify the INPUT USER offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the modified offer to the INPUT USER for approval.
  • This process starts at the INPUT USER location represented by a CIRCLE X.
  • the INPUT USER queries the SYSTEM to identify an OUTPUT USER that best matches the profile of the offer that the INPUT USER wants to solicit to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER creates an offer to send to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER instructs the SYSTEM to forward the offer to the predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER receives the INPUT USER offer and chooses to modify that offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the modified offer to the INPUT USER for approval.
  • the INPUT USER receives the OUTPUT USER modified offer, and the INPUT USER chooses to accept the OUTPUT USER modified offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the approved modified offer back to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the output user receives the INPUT USER approved modified offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the OUTPUT USER response to the INPUT USER.
  • the SYSTEM stores the transaction data associated with each phase of the INPUT USER and OUTPUT USER dialogue for future use by the INPUT USER.
  • FIG. 2C is a flow diagram representing the complete path in which an OUTPUT USER solicits a predetermined, targeted INPUT USER with a request for an offer, resulting in an INPUT USER submitting an initial offer to the OUTPUT USER, based upon the OUTPUT USER request, and the OUTPUT USER accepting or modifying the INPUT USER initial offer.
  • the INPUT USER chooses to either submit a modified initial offer, if the OUTPUT USER has modified the INPUT USER initial offer, or the INPUT USER submits a final offer confirming the OUTPUT USER offer request.
  • This process starts at the OUTPUT USER location represented by a CIRCLE X.
  • the OUTPUT USER queries the SYSTEM to identify a predetermined, targeted INPUT USER with a request for an offer that the OUTPUT USER wants to solicit to the INPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER creates a request for an INPUT USER initial offer and submits it to the INPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER instructs the SYSTEM to forward that request to the predetermined, targeted INPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER receives the OUTPUT USER request for an offer, and the INPUT USER chooses to submit an offer based upon the OUTPUT USER request, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward that response to the OUTPUT USER for acceptance.
  • the OUTPUT USER receives the INPUT USER initial offer, and the OUTPUT USER chooses to either accept the INPUT USER initial offer, or modify the INPUT USER initial offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward that response to the INPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER has the option to continue in this bidirectional negotiation with the OUTPUT USER until a final offer is agreed upon.
  • the INPUT USER then instructs the SYSTEM to submit an OUTPUT USER offer acceptance confirmation to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER receives the OUTPUT USER offer acceptance confirmation from the INPUT USER.
  • the SYSTEM stores the transaction data associated with each phase of the INPUT USER and OUTPUT USER dialogue for future use by the INPUT USER.
  • server processes discussed herein may be implemented using a single server or multiple servers working in combination.
  • Databases and applications may be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components may operate sequentially or in parallel.
  • the actual data may travel between the systems directly or indirectly. For example, if a first computer accesses a file or data from a second computer, the access may involve one or more intermediary computers, proxies, and the like.
  • the actual file or data may move between the computers, or one computer may provide a pointer or metafile, so that the second computer user may access the actual data from a computer other than the first computer, for instance.
  • the present disclosure also makes reference to the relay of communicated data over a network such as the Internet. It should be appreciated that such network communications may also occur over alternative networks such as a Dial-Up Network, a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Intranet, and others over any combination of hard wired or wireless communication links.
  • a network such as the Internet.
  • network communications may also occur over alternative networks such as a Dial-Up Network, a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Intranet, and others over any combination of hard wired or wireless communication links.
  • LAN Local Area Network
  • WAN Wide Area Network
  • PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
  • Intranet Intranet
  • Embodiments of the methods and systems set forth herein may be implemented by one or more general purpose or customized computing devices, accessing software instructions that are rendered in a computer readable form.
  • Embodiments of the methods and systems set forth herein may also be implemented by hard wired logic or other circuitry, including, but not limited to application specific circuits. Of course, combinations of computer executed software and hard wired logic may be suitable, as well.
  • Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may be executed by one or more suitable computing devices. Such devices may access one or more computer readable media that embody computer readable instructions which, when executed by at least one computer, cause the at least one computer to implement one or more embodiments of the methods disclosed herein.
  • components of the presently disclosed technology may be implemented using one or more computer readable media.
  • Any suitable computer readable medium or media may be used, including diskettes, drives, and other magnetic based storage media, optical storage media, including disks (including CD-ROMS, DVD-ROMS, and variants thereof), flash, RAM, ROM, and other memory devices, and the like.
  • a merchant decides to solicit a customer with a specific customized and tailored merchant offer.
  • the merchant must first utilize an Internet capable device to connect to an Internet addressable Interactive Merchant Marketing system.
  • the merchant Once connected, the merchant must log on to the system with a dedicated merchant User ID and Password (logically depicted in Fig. 1 as the "Merchant Access Point") in order to access the services authorized for that specific merchant.
  • a dedicated merchant User ID and Password (logically depicted in Fig. 1 as the "Merchant Access Point") in order to access the services authorized for that specific merchant.
  • the merchant can query a series of dedicated databases (containing merchant, customer and system related data) in an effort to identify a specific customer [along with the customer profile and associated contact information] that best match the merchant's query parameters.
  • a series of dedicated databases containing merchant, customer and system related data
  • the merchant can then access additional Interactive Merchant Marketing services that allow the merchant to create a customized and tailored offer that is to be sent to the targeted customer.
  • the merchant then instructs the Interactive Merchant Marketing system to send the merchant's new offer to the customer's Internet capable device that is recorded in the merchant's customer database.
  • the Interactive Merchant Marketing system formats the merchant's customized and tailored offer to match the presentation logic requirements of that specific customer's Internet capable device.
  • the Interactive Merchant Marketing system will then send the formatted merchant offer to the customer, via the Interactive Merchant Marketing, Customer Access Point (logically depicted in Fig. 1, as the "Customer Access Point").
  • the customer receives and reviews the merchant's offer, along with a selectable "Customer Response” option [displayed on the customer's Internet capable device] that allows the customer to accept, decline, negotiate, or opt out of the merchant's solicitation.
  • the program logic embedded in the merchant's formatted offer sends the customer response to the Interactive Merchant Marketing system, via the "Customer Access Point", and instructs the system to send the customer response to the merchant.
  • the system sends the customer response to the merchant, via the "Merchant Access Point” that is associated with that specific merchant.
  • the merchant reviews the customer response and has the option of accessing additional
  • the Interactive Merchant Marketing system stores the transaction data associated with every phase of the dialogue between the merchant and customer. This data can be viewed and queried for future use by the merchant.
  • the merchant could have optionally chosen to create a list of target customers, rather than a single customer, and instructed the system to repeat the entire process with each targeted customer.
  • a customer decides to solicit a merchant for a specific customized and tailored merchant offer.
  • the customer must first utilize an Internet capable device to connect to an Internet addressable Interactive Merchant Marketing system.
  • a dedicated customer User ID and Password (logically depicted in Fig. 1 as the "Customer Access Point") in order to access the services authorized for that specific customer.
  • the customer is provided access to Interactive Merchant Marketing services that allow the customer to identify, locate, view, access, and manipulate merchant information, in which the customer wishes to solicit a customized and tailored merchant offer that is designed specifically for that customer.
  • the customer then instructs the Interactive Merchant Marketing system to send the customer's request to the targeted merchant for review and consideration.
  • the Interactive Merchant Marketing system records the customer request in the merchant's dedicated Interactive Merchant Marketing system resources, and notifies the specific merchant that there is a pending customer request.
  • the notification is first placed on the merchant's dedicated Interactive Merchant Marketing Dashboard, and highlighted as an "Alert" to be viewed.
  • the dedicated merchant Dashboard is a functional, graphical user interface that allows a merchant to view and administratively manage their Interactive Merchant Marketing business.
  • the merchant can option the Interactive Merchant Marketing system to additionally send merchant notifications to the merchant by utilizing alternative merchant communication resources, such as email, Social Networking platforms (ie; Facebook, Twitter, and the like), text messaging, as well as a myriad of other industry standard communication and messaging systems available today.
  • alternative merchant communication resources such as email, Social Networking platforms (ie; Facebook, Twitter, and the like), text messaging, as well as a myriad of other industry standard communication and messaging systems available today.
  • the merchant can view the Alert and identify that the Alert is a customer request for a customized and tailored merchant offer, that is based on the detailed customer information contained in the text of the Alert.
  • the merchant can then access Interactive Merchant Marketing services that allow the merchant to create a customized and tailored offer to be sent to the requesting customer.
  • the merchant then instructs the Interactive Merchant Marketing system to send the merchant's new offer to the customer's Internet capable device that is recorded in the text contained in the Alert.
  • the system can also obtain the customer's preferred contact method, by accessing the customer profile file, located in the systems dedicated, customer information folders.
  • the Interactive Merchant Marketing system formats the merchant's customized and tailored offer to match the presentation logic requirements of that specific customer's Internet capable device.
  • the Interactive Merchant Marketing system will then send the formatted merchant offer to the customer, via the Interactive Merchant Marketing, Customer Access Point (logically depicted in Fig. 1, as the "Customer Access Point").
  • the customer receives and reviews the merchant's offer, along with a selectable "Customer Response” option [displayed on the customer's Internet capable device] that allows the customer to accept, decline, negotiate, or opt out of the merchant's solicitation.
  • the program logic embedded in the merchant's formatted offer sends the customer response to The Interactive Merchant Marketing system, via the "Customer Access Point", and instructs the system to send the customer response to the merchant.
  • the system sends the customer response to the merchant, via the "Merchant Access Point" that is associated with that specific merchant.
  • the merchant reviews the customer response and has the option of accessing additional
  • the Interactive Merchant Marketing system stores the transaction data associated with every phase of the dialogue between the merchant and customer. This data can be viewed and queried for future use by the merchant.
  • the customer could have optionally chosen to create a list of targeted merchants, rather than a single merchant, and instructed the system to repeat the entire process with each targeted merchants.
  • a merchant can choose to federate with one or more other merchants [within the Interactive Merchant Marketing system] in an effort to provide a bundled merchant offering that is targeted for a single, or group of targeted customers.
  • the merchant accesses the Interactive Merchant Marketing "Federated” services, and establishes a symbiotic business relationship with other merchants in the system.
  • the system creates a dedicated shared merchant workspace in which the merchants can communicate, collaborate, and manage the specific Federated merchant business instance.
  • the Federated merchant group utilizes the same Interactive Marketing Services as outlined in Scenario 1 and Scenario 2.
  • a customer can choose to federate with one or more other customers [within the Interactive Merchant Marketing system] in an effort to request a customized and tailored merchant offering, or a Federated merchant bundled offering, that is targeted for a group of interested customers.
  • the customer accesses the Interactive Merchant Marketing "Federated” services, and establishes a symbiotic business relationship with other customers in the system.
  • the system creates a dedicated shared customer workspace in which the customers can communicate, collaborate, and manage this specific Federated customer business instance.
  • a group of customers can also be defined in the system as a single customer entity.
  • Single entity customer groups can also Federate.
  • the Federated customer group utilizes the same Interactive Marketing Service as outlined in Scenario 1 and Scenario 2.
  • Online Referral Marketing is a structured and systematic process to maximize [word of mouth] potential. This enhances the traditional method of referral marketing that is focused on encouraging, informing, promoting and rewarding customers and contacts to think and talk as much as possible about the supplier, the company, product and service, and the value and benefit the supplier brings to them and people they know. This form of marketing takes [word of mouth] from the spontaneous situation, to one where maximum referrals are generated.
  • Online referral marketing using digital marketing as a platform, is the internet based approach to referral marketing. Given the advances in the Internet recording of customer behavior, Online Referral Marketing provides a high degree of that tracking and accountability.
  • referrals build a level of satisfied customers. This cycle self-perpetuates with more satisfied customers referring others to your company.
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • Recommending a restaurant forwarding an email, telling a friend about a Web site or application, are all known as referral marketing.
  • Online Merchant Marketing is a way for merchants to incorporate an [online marketing effort] in the organization of selling and distribution of the merchandises and services that are being offered. Merchants are selling their products and services all over the Internet, and they are applying Internet marketing strategies to get their message out and convert more sales online by various Internet marketing techniques and tactics, such as search engine optimization, web site marketing, viral marketing, affiliate marketing and so on. Online Merchant Marketing is comprised of affiliate, Cost Per Action and Pay Per Click marketing techniques.
  • affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate's own marketing efforts.
  • the industry has four core players: the merchant (also known as 'retailer' or 'brand'), the network (that contains offers for the affiliate to choose from, and also takes care of the payments), the publisher (also known as 'the affiliate') and the customer.
  • the market has grown in complexity to warrant a secondary tier of players, including affiliate management agencies, super-affiliates and specialized third party vendors.
  • SEO organic search engine optimization
  • PPC paid search engine marketing Pay Per Click
  • e-mail marketing and in some sense display advertising.
  • affiliates sometimes use less orthodox techniques, such as publishing reviews of products or services offered by a partner.
  • affiliate marketing is commonly confused with referral marketing, as both forms of marketing use third parties to drive sales to the retailer. However, both are distinct forms of marketing, and the main difference between them is that affiliate marketing relies purely on financial motivations to drive sales, while referral marketing relies on trust and personal relationships to drive sales.
  • Cost Per Action Cost Per Action (sometimes known as Pay Per Action or PPA) is an online advertising pricing model, whereby the advertiser pays for each specified action (a purchase, a form submission, and so on) linked to the advertisement.
  • Cost Per Action the optimal way to buy online advertising, as an advertiser only pays for the ad when the desired action has occurred.
  • An action can be a product being purchased, a form being filled, and so on.
  • the desired action to be performed is determined by the advertiser.
  • Radio and TV stations also sometimes offer unsold inventory on a cost per action basis, but this form of advertising is most often referred to as "per inquiry.”
  • Pay Per Click advertising provides an easy, cost-efficient way for small businesses to compete with businesses of all kind: You only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
  • Pay Per Click business owners can target Internet users who are searching for specific terms related to their business. If you own a shoe store, for example, and you want people to know that you sell a particular brand, you can create an ad that will appear when people search for that brand. Since it is likely that consumers are using search engines to research products and services before making a purchase, Pay Per Click will drive traffic to your website with the hopes of bringing in business.
  • Pay Per Click is often more effective than Search Engine Optimization, commonly known as SEO, which makes your website appear at a higher position in unpaid search results.
  • Search Engine Optimization commonly known as SEO
  • Pay Per Click you're paying to be sure your ad will rise to the top of results.
  • search engine optimization there are no guarantees that your content will rise to the top.
  • the middle players are equally well established and own most of their market share, as well. However, they each are experiencing considerable growing pains as they look to achieve their ongoing financial projections. This demands additional and unexpected financial investments, that are above and beyond the budgeted plan.
  • Stabilizing the erratic customer retention rate and non-consistent participation in daily programs is crucial before any significant effort or investment is placed on acquiring new business.
  • FIG. 1 Illustration of the overall INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING design and operational structure. Each item listed (illustrated as [001 - 005]) can be deployed on separate platforms, in a myriad of possible configurations, provided that an efficient communications vehicle is utilized between the items.
  • FIG. 2 is a high level representation of the three major components of a composite model of the invention, that will be used to demonstrate the interactive communication path between an INPUT USER and an OUTPUT USER.
  • FIG. 1 A first figure.
  • [001 ] Illustrates the individual MERCHANT, or MERCHANTS that are able to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]), via their specific MERCHANT ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [002]).
  • the MERCHANTS are required to be authorized, via a contract agreement, to log on to the MERCHANT ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [002]), in order to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • [002] Illustrates the MERCHANT ACCESS POINT in which a MERCHANT, or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001 ]), logs on to and accesses the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • the MERCHANT ACCESS POINT facilitates access to the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]), that will allow the MERCHANT, or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001 ]), to develop an interactive merchant marketing relationship between a CUSTOMER, or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]).
  • [003] Illustrates the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services that allow a MERCHANT, or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]), to develop an interactive merchant marketing relationship with a CUSTOMER, or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), in which to promote their products and services. And conversely, to allow a CUSTOMER, or
  • CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), to directly interact with a MERCHANT, or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]), regarding their requests for customized and tailored discounts on their products and services.
  • the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services provide the functionality that connects a MERCHANT, or
  • MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001 ]), to a CUSTOMER, or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), and conversely provides the functionality that connects a CUSTOMER, or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), to a MERCHANT, or MERCHANTS (illustrated in [001]).
  • [004] Illustrates the CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT in which a CUSTOMER, or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]), logs on to and accesses the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • the CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT facilitates access to the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]), that will allow the CUSTOMER, or CUSTOMERS (illustrated in [005]) to develop an interactive merchant marketing relationship between a MERCHANT, or MERCHANTS illustrated in [001 ]).
  • [005] Illustrates the individual CUSTOMER, or CUSTOMERS that are able to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]) via their specific CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [004]).
  • the CUSTOMERS are required to be authorized, via a contract agreement, to log on to the CUSTOMER ACCESS POINT (illustrated in [004]), in order to access the INTERACTIVE MERCHANT MARKETING services (illustrated in [003]).
  • FIG. 2A is a flow diagram representing the complete path in which an INPUT USER solicits a predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER with an offer, and that offer being accepted by the OUTPUT USER, is subsequently forwarded to the INPUT USER.
  • This process starts at the INPUT USER location represented by a CIRCLE X.
  • the INPUT USER queries the SYSTEM to identify an OUTPUT USER that best matches the profile of the specific offer that the INPUT USER wants to solicit to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER creates an offer to send to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER instructs the SYSTEM to forward the offer to the predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER chooses to accept the INPUT USER solicitation by instructing the SYSTEM to forward the accepted offer back to the INPUT USER.
  • the SYSTEM stores the transaction data associated with each phase of the INPUT USER and OUTPUT USER dialogue for future use by the INPUT USER.
  • FIG. 2B is a flow diagram representing the complete path in which an INPUT USER solicits a predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER with an offer, and the OUTPUT USER chooses to modify the INPUT USER offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the modified offer to the INPUT USER for approval.
  • This process starts at the INPUT USER location represented by a CIRCLE X.
  • the INPUT USER queries the SYSTEM to identify an OUTPUT USER that best matches the profile of the offer that the INPUT USER wants to solicit to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER creates an offer to send to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER instructs the SYSTEM to forward the offer to the predetermined, targeted OUTPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER receives the INPUT USER offer and chooses to modify that offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the modified offer to the INPUT USER for approval.
  • the INPUT USER receives the OUTPUT USER modified offer, and the INPUT USER chooses to accept the OUTPUT USER modified offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the approved modified offer back to the OUTPUT USER.
  • the output user receives the INPUT USER approved modified offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward the OUTPUT USER response back to the INPUT USER.
  • the SYSTEM stores the transaction data associated with each phase of the INPUT USER and OUTPUT USER dialogue for future use by the INPUT USER.
  • FIG. 2C is a flow diagram representing the complete path in which an OUTPUT USER solicits a predetermined, targeted INPUT USER with a request for an offer, resulting in an INPUT USER submitting an initial offer to the OUTPUT USER, based upon the OUTPUT USER request, and the OUTPUT USER accepting or modifying the INPUT USER initial offer.
  • the INPUT USER chooses to either submit a modified initial offer, if the OUTPUT USER has modified the INPUT USER initial offer, or the INPUT USER submits a final offer confirming the OUTPUT USER offer request.
  • This process starts at the OUTPUT USER location represented by a CIRCLE X.
  • the OUTPUT USER queries the SYSTEM to identify a predetermined, targeted INPUT USER with a request for an offer that the OUTPUT USER wants to solicit to the INPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER creates a request for an initial offer and submits it to the INPUT USER.
  • the OUTPUT USER instructs the SYSTEM to forward that request to the predetermined, targeted INPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER receives the OUTPUT USER request for an offer, and the INPUT USER chooses to submit an offer based upon the OUTPUT USER request, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward that response to the OUTPUT USER for acceptance.
  • the OUTPUT USER receives the INPUT USER initial offer, and the OUTPUT USER chooses to either accept the INPUT USER initial offer, or modify the INPUT USER initial offer, and instructs the SYSTEM to forward that response to the INPUT USER.
  • the INPUT USER has the option to continue in this bidirectional negotiation with the OUTPUT USER until a final offer is agreed upon.
  • the INPUT USER then instructs the SYSTEM to submit an OUTPUT USER offer acceptance confirmation to the
  • the OUTPUT USER receives the OUTPUT USER offer acceptance confirmation from the INPUT USER.
  • the SYSTEM stores the transaction data associated with each phase of the INPUT USER and OUTPUT USER dialogue for future use by the INPUT USER.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système pour faciliter une communication bidirectionnelle entre un apporteur d'affaires et un destinataire commercial, qui permet à un apporteur d'affaires de fournir à une destinataire commercial ciblé et au profil établi une information qui est spécifiquement personnalisée pour ce destinataire commercial dans un effort pour solliciter l'entreprise de ce destinataire commercial. Inversement, le système facilite: une communication bidirectionnelle entre une destinataire commercial et un apporteur d'affaires, qui permet à un destinataire commercial de formuler une demande d'information auprès d'un apporteur d'affaires ciblé et au profil établi, qui est spécifiquement personnalisée pour ce destinataire commercial, dans un effort pour obtenir l'entreprise du destinataire commercial.
PCT/US2014/072902 2014-12-30 2014-12-30 Procédé et système pour faciliter une relation de commercialisation de marchand interactive entre marchands et clients WO2016108864A1 (fr)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050033660A1 (en) * 1998-06-29 2005-02-10 Netmarket Group Inc. Interactive computer-implemented system and method for negotiating sale of goods and/or services
US20100106568A1 (en) * 2008-10-24 2010-04-29 Cardlytics, Inc. Offer Management System and Methods for Targeted Marketing Offer Delivery System

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050033660A1 (en) * 1998-06-29 2005-02-10 Netmarket Group Inc. Interactive computer-implemented system and method for negotiating sale of goods and/or services
US20100106568A1 (en) * 2008-10-24 2010-04-29 Cardlytics, Inc. Offer Management System and Methods for Targeted Marketing Offer Delivery System

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