BitClave understands your desire for privacy and online anonymity, which is why they are disrupting the current online search engine and advertising industry. This Silicon Valley startup leverages the power of blockchain technology to incentives users who make a conscious choice to share their data in return for hyper-targeted ads and promotions. Currently, this sharing occurs within major search engines, social media platforms, and ecommerce websites without a user’s consent—and all ad profits go directly to the third-party advertising company. But things are about to change.
The Current Online Search Model
Over 5.5 billion internet searches are performed each day. Search topics span work related topics, local area business searches, online price comparison, and DIY anything you can think of. However, online searches also include health related topics and personal and private product or self-help research. As the frequency in which we turn to the internet for instant access and information increases, it’s frustrating and even a bit unsettling when you start to see ads pop up for information you have previously searched for—or even direct messaging from companies selling similar products or services. For example, if you search for or order a baby present for a friend’s newborn, you will be “targeted” as a potential new parent, and delivered ads for further baby items. Even if not personal in nature, many internet users don’t want their online and mobile activity to be analyzed and shared.
Eliminating The Third-Party Privacy Breach
Let’s face it, the average person doesn’t take the time to read the Privacy Policy for every website they visit. Even if you did, the sheer act of visiting the site or typing anything into common search engines is enough for a company to collect private data. While there are measures you can take to lessen the amount of data that is shared, there is currently no way around the data that many websites rely on to monetize their businesses—or that they purchase to improve their advertising efforts.
BitClave eliminates the third-party privacy breach altogether, by empowering users to decide when and who they want to share their identity or data with. An innovative new product-only search engine providing consumers with a private way to shop for products online. For example, if you are looking for a dri-fit tank top you type it into BitClave, and make a conscious decision if you want to disclose your personal information and/or identity to the products that populate in the search results. If you make the choice to share your data, which is valuable information to businesses with services or products to sell, you are incentivized with Consumer Activity Tokens (CAT). The more information you choose to share, the more CATs you can earn. Additionally, you are only shown products you are searching for, with targeted and meaningful offers.
Decentralizing Search Engines Is A Win For Consumers And Businesses Alike
Decentralizing search engines doesn’t just increase consumer privacy, but provides anyone marketing or selling a local, nationwide, or global product a cost effective new method of online and mobile marketing. Currently, the cost of PPC ads favors those with big marketing budgets. This makes it difficult for startups and small businesses to get ahead. Even with a substantial marketing budget, it is estimated that about 50% of clicks are made by bots.
By decentralizing search engines and eliminating the middleman, it is a win for all. Businesses can advertise without the expense of paying a third party. They can hyper-target their ads in a bot-free zone—and reward consumers with CATs for taking the time to view their product or promotion. There is never any obligation to buy, and information is never shared beyond the ads clicked on.
Transparency Equals Trust
By developing a direct connection between users and businesses, an unprecedented level of transparency is achieved. Businesses still have the creative freedom in designing their headlines, imagery, and uniquely targeted ads—but earn the trust of consumers by being upfront about their intentions. Even if a purchase is not made, this can go a long way in terms of branding a business in a positive light.
BitClave has completed a very successful private and public pre-sale token event raising $16 million. Full token sale begins in November. Businesses who are searching for an innovative new way to advertise, and users looking for an anonymous way to browse can sign up at any time.