Local startup arms content creators and brands with powerful new tools

Local startup company Snipps wants to start a revolution in how we share content on the web. Their idea for how to do it all started with a simple thought.
 
“We noticed that sharing on the web was a one-way proposition,” says Greg Ackerman, Co-founder and Director of Sales for Snipps. “People are collecting our data, they’re making money off of what we create and share—and we’re not. On principal, we didn’t think that was right.”
 
Snipps’ idea is to change the model to one where people not only share content online because they want to, but because they are rewarded to do so. Currently, their approach revolves around a simple link shortener, similar to tools like Bit.ly, that can be shared via social media, e-mail, etc. As the link is disseminated and opened, the user is paid per click by Snipps for the content they have generated.
 
“It’s a great way to monetize your social value in terms of what you’re bringing to the table via any website or social media platforms,” Ackerman says. “But we are also allowing brands crucial visibility to their specific demographics.”
 
The other side of the equation is that when users push out a link, viewers that click on it will see a short ad before being redirected to the content. The technology that Snipps has developed allows the ad to be highly targeted based on what the content is about, who is clicking on it, where they are located and more. In this way, they allow brands a chance to present relevant ads to an audience that is more likely to consume their products.
 
“The management team behind Snipps come from an advertising background,” says Logan Huidt, C-ofounder and Vice-President of Sales. “We believe the technology we’ve developed not only gives consumers a stake in the content they’re creating, but it allows brands to connect in a way that is unique compared to anything else out there.”
 
Although the founders of Snipps are from Cincinnati, they have worked all across the country in cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Boston, and came back to town by choice.
 
“We see Cincinnati as the branding capital of the world,” Huidt says. "You have all of these great companies like Procter & Gamble and Landor, and we want to come on board while we’re still growing and be part of that nucleus. When we thought about really being part of a movement, we decided there’s no better place for what we’re doing.”

By Mike Sarason