New York, April 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bankrate, Inc. (Nasdaq: RATE)
announced today the company has published a preview version of the redesign of
its Web site http://www.bankrate.com. Consumers can access the preview Web
site at http://www.bankrate.com/beta/default.asp. The full launch of the new
site is scheduled for the beginning of May.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO )
"Our new site is intended to do three things: first, to make navigation
easier and more intuitive; second, to better showcase our "best-of-breed" rate
tables; and third, to provide a superior environment for our graphic and
hyperlink advertising customers," said Thomas R. Evans, President and CEO of
Bankrate, Inc. "With the new design, we believe we've accomplished these
objectives," Mr. Evans added.
Key areas of note for the redesign include:
-- A new user interface and navigation architecture which provides a
better experience for both consumers and advertisers
-- An enhanced rate search process with the ability to sort and compare
mortgage lenders and rates
-- A new College Finance editorial channel
-- A new Debt Management (sub-prime/problem credit) channel, including
editorial content, advice and rate offerings
-- Added nine content tutorials on the basics of personal finance
including managing your debt, saving for college, securing a mortgage
and buying a car
-- Increased the number of Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) compliant ad
formats, which will allow for greater flexibility and opportunity of
advertisers
Bankrate's internal design and development team built the new Web site in
conjunction with consultants from Mark Russell Associates. The redesign team
conducted consumer research and usability testing to develop the architecture,
feature-set, and look and feel of the new site.
Bankrate will use this preview period to gather consumer feedback, analyze
traffic patterns, and add new content and rate information, while continuing
to make product adjustments prior to a full launch in May.
About Bankrate, Inc.
Bankrate, Inc. (Nasdaq: RATE) owns and operates Bankrate.com, the
Internet's leading consumer banking marketplace. Bankrate.com is a destination
site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes and
small business finance. It is the leading aggregator of more than 300
financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto
loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans
and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial
institutions in more than 400 markets in 50 states. In 2004, Bankrate.com had
over 44 million visitors, according to comScore Media Metrix. Bankrate.com
provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75
partners, including Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO), America Online (NYSE: TWX), The
Wall Street Journal (NYSE: DJ) and The New York Times (NYSE: NYT).
Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 100 national
and state publications.
For more information contact:
Bruce Zanca
SVP -- Chief Marketing/Communications Officer for Bankrate, Inc.
http://www.bankrate.com/broadcast
bzanca@bankrate.com
917-368-8648
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