Patch, AOL’s platform of local news, information and engagement sites, today announced that May of 2012 was its most successful traffic and revenue period in the company’s history. Patch served a record 11.7 million users in May (comScore), representing a 14% increase over April (10.3 million users) and an 11% increase over its previous traffic record (10.6 million users in August 2011).
In addition:
- This 14% month-over-month growth outpaced the comScore Local/Regional category as a whole, which grew only 3% over the same time period.
- Patch had a 12% increase in engagement (visits per unique visitor) from April to May. Within the top ten local-regional properties, this represents the highest increase in engagement month over month, and ranks Patch as the second highest in engagement among those properties.
- With an average site age of just over 18 months, Patch is now the #5 local/regional property on the web, from #10 when it first entered the rankings in December 2010.
- Patch’s total revenue was 14% higher than its previous record (November of 2011). This represents a 17% bump in revenue over April of 2012. Patch has already booked for 2012 130% of its total 2011 revenue.
“We are extremely gratified to see these measures of the traction we have gained in our communities and in our business since our launch just over 3 years ago,” commented Jon Brod, CEO & Co-Founder of Patch. “We are laser-focused on continuing to serve our users and advertisers with high-quality content and impactful products, and building upon our success to date in innovative and engaging ways.”
The news of Patch’s May performance follows the recent announcement by AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong that Patch will generate between $40 million and $50 million in revenue this year. Patch also recently announced the launch of Patch Partners, a program to offer exclusive benefits to its local advertisers and resources for business owners at large.
About Patch.com
Launched in 2009 with the mission of becoming the most trusted source of local news and information via a platform of hyperlocal sites, Patch now serves nearly 12 million users (comScore, June 2012). Patch is managed by professional local journalists, photographers, and salespeople who live in the regions they serve. The hyperlocal platform is the premier online destination for residents who want to participate in discussions, post announcements and event information, share their perspectives via Patch's blogging platform, and get involved in their communities. In addition, business owners and advertisers benefit from Patch's unique ability to reach new and existing customers. Serving as the eyes and ears for what is happening at the grassroots level across the country, Patch is now in over 850 communities in 23 states plus Washington, D.C.
