Local software as a service (Saas) startup, Longtail UX, has secured $5 million in new capital in a funding round led by Investec to accelerate its international expansion and deliver a full self-service platform.
Longtail UX’s patented search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimisation (SEO) technology is the world’s first inventory-driven user experience automation technology. Using long tail search terms – phrases of four or more words – its technology connects searchers to the exact matching products for every single word in just one click. All matching results are displayed together on optimised landing pages built within Longtail UX’s system.
The system allows the client to add store listings, maps, articles, reviews and any other type of content that is directly related to the user search query to the landing pages at scale. These landing pages are incorporated in the publisher’s site via a proprietary link widget and secures more site traffic and higher sales conversion rates for that business.
Longtail UX’s solution has already delivered rapid growth in domestic and international markets with patents secured or pending in Australia, the US, Japan, the EU and China, with major Australian brands on board, including Adore Beauty, Booktopia, Dan Murphy’s, Kogan and Woolworths Group.
The deal will see IEC Fund I co-manager, Ben Sebel from Investec join the Longtail UX board, alongside founders, Andrea Dzumla and Will Santow.
Longtail UX co-founder and co-CEO, Will Santow said, “We’ve had a close relationship with Investec over a number of years, and throughout that time they’ve been great supporters of our business in several informal but important ways. We’re delighted to have now formalised our partnership with Investec and to officially welcome them onboard.
“This investment comes at a testing time for businesses and shows the belief Investec have in our unique, patented technology as well as recognition of the consistent growth we’re delivering across a broad range of markets.”
Longtail UX co-founder and co-CEO Andreas Dzumla added, “We’ve built a unique product that is delivering massive value for our clients across a wide range of industries. Having Investec on board increases our reach to support more businesses in enhancing customer’s search experiences, securing site traffic and gauging ROI on SEO investment.
“The development of a full self-service platform will give our clients an unprecedented level of insight and control over their SEM and SEO efforts and will ultimately be an incredible game-changer for the industry.”
The investment will enhance the launch of Longtail UX’s new product – ‘Google SOS’ (‘Google Shopping Ads on-page Suggestions’, or ‘Google Shopping on Steroids’ as the project is named internally) which will allow online retailers to increase return on ad spend on Google Shopping Ads by creating landing pages that show multiple products related to the search, rather than just single items, as is currently the case with traditional Shopping Ads.