African Internet search engine Aardvark has almost tripled the number of impressions a month to 500 000 since re-launching its new look Web site in November last year with Google search technology.
"Google`s quick search times has made Aardvark the fastest link to South African Web sites," says Craig Medefindt, On-line Marketing Manager at Intekom, Aardvark`s holding company. " We believe that the site`s popularity can mainly be attributed to fast and accurate search results, user-friendly design, as well as additional value-added content," he adds.
The fun elements on the site include the Lottery results, the Top 10 most popular search request links and the Aardvark Web Master`s favourite five sites. Woza provides up to the minute news relating to sports, business and entertainment and visitors can download Prodigy Instant Messenger (PIM), an easy-to-use real-time chat system, free of charge.
"Aardvark`s new uncluttered home page downloads in a flash and is easy to use, offering visitors speedy access to an extensive database of local and International Web sites. A variety of news content and entertainment sections keeps surfers informed as well as amused," says Medefindt.
According to Medefindt, Aardvark has become a vital partner in the marketing of any South African Web site. Web site owners can submit their sites to Aardvark`s local and international directories, or place an Aardvark search window on their site - free of charge.
Information on other advertising and promotional options designed to make Web advertising easy is also available on the site.
On-line marketing campaigns on the site have delivered good results with some clients more than doubling the industry standard for click-through rates on banner campaigns.
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Intekom
Intekom PTY Ltd. is the premier Internet service provider in South Africa, and the ISP of choice for Internet users and businesses needing quality connectivity and personal service. With offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban, Intekom employs more than 150 South Africans, meeting and exceeding labour standards for Affirmative Action. Intekom`s strategic partners include Telkom, Oracle, Prodigy, Microsoft, Real Media, SACA, Unisys, Open Systems Integrators, Google, IBM, Sakaza, Time Quantum, Business Connection, Global Technology Associates, Everest Cyberversity and Dimension Data.
Through 100 (and growing) points of presence, Intekom delivers local Internet connections to more than 30,000 dial-up subscribers, 500 small to medium enterprises and 7% of the corporate market. These subscribers enjoy 24-hour service and technical support, 365 days a year, through highly skilled, service-oriented consultants.
Intekom`s online Portal www.intekom.com offers South Africans a convenient gateway to the Internet, enhanced by daily updated news content.
Intekom`s African search engine, Aardvark, www.aardvark.co.za, has adopted state of the art Google search technology and retains its position as the continents fastest and most accurate search engine.
In May 2000 Intekom launched an interactive portal for small to medium enterprises with Inzuzo, the home of small business on the Internet: www.inzuzo.co.za