buying MCNS 9. News of Media Metrix rate MCNS highest number of page views per visitor and the longest visits among all health sites, above Dr.KOOP, WebMD... (COMTEX) B: Consistent 'Stickiness' Figures Put Mediconsult At Number B: Consistent 'Stickiness' Figures Put Mediconsult At Number One NEW YORK, Dec 1, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- - Latest Traffic Data From Media Metrix Demonstrate Mediconsult Is The Clear Leader In Retaining Unique Visitors - Latest independent figures from Media Metrix confirm that Mediconsult (NASDAQ:MCNS) (www.mediconsult.com) is the leading Internet healthcare family of sites in terms of 'stickiness,' with the highest number of page views per visitor and the longest visits. Additionally, Mediconsult set a corporate record for the month, with 19 million page views. Media Metrix numbers include all sites in the Mediconsult network, with the exception of Physicians' Online (www.pol.net). Internal page view numbers, which include Physicians' Online, are regularly audited by I/PRO and BPA Interactive. Data from Media Metrix, an independent provider of Internet audience measurement products and services, confirm that Mediconsult is maintaining its leadership status by a very healthy margin. During October 1999, visitors viewed an average of 11.8 pages, and the average number of minutes spent on the site for the month was 13.7. Comparative sites averaged between five and nine pages per visitor, per month and a duration of three to six minutes. In addition to the growth in the 'stickiness' numbers, Mediconsult has enjoyed a 22 percent rise in unique visitors per month from September to October. "Mediconsult is differentiating itself by putting the emphasis on the quality of our visitors, not quantity," said Ian Sutcliffe, president of Mediconsult. "We provide deep, compelling information which attracts healthcare consumers with very specific needs. This captive audience also is valuable to pharmaceutical sponsors and physicians. In addition to the Media Metrix data, our internal computer logs confirm that the Mediconsult family of sites, including Physicians' Online, generated more than 19 million page views for the month of October. This is a record for the company and reinforces our leadership position in the marketplace." "These figures conclusively prove Mediconsult is delivering the right message to the right audience," Sutcliffe continued. "Our high traffic numbers, while significant on their own, are more meaningful because our visitors return frequently and spend time on the site." The financial analysts also understand the value of duration and visitor loyalty. "Mediconsult.com is the clear leader in driving site stickiness," wrote Josh Fisher, research analyst with WR Hambrecht and Co., regarding the September Media Metrix figures that showed average visit time increased by 15 minutes from January to September 1999. In his report, Fisher continued, "We believe Mediconsult's site stickiness is related to the perceived value of its content, which focuses on severe, chronic illnesses and therefore attracts motivated patients and caregivers. This excellent stickiness, which is imperative to advertisers, positions Mediconsult to win Internet advertising business from healthcare companies, in particular pharmaceutical companies. We expect pharmaceutical sponsors, having thus far only dipped their toes, to dive head first into Internet marketing very soon." About Mediconsult.com, Inc. Mediconsult.com, Inc. through its family of sites is a leading provider of physician and patient healthcare information and services on the World Wide Web. Founded in 1996 with its flagship Web site, www.mediconsult.com, the company's mission is to improve patient outcomes through information and tools that educate doctors, empower patients and build on the doctor/patient relationship. By educating and empowering consumers to manage their health with in-depth medical information, active support and interactive tools, Mediconsult prepares patients to work effectively with their healthcare provider. By providing physicians with the most current healthcare information and a private community of peers, physicians can offer their patients a higher level of care. This unique, integrated approach has resulted in the largest and most loyal following of medical Web site visitors and a leadership position in the online health industry. The Mediconsult family of sites and communities include: Mediconsult.com (www.mediconsult.com), the medical Web destination patients use most; Mydoctor.com (www.mydoctor.com), visit your doctor online; Physicians' Online (www.pol.net), the world's largest online physician community; Heart Information (www.heartinfo.com), heart health for patients and physicians; PharmInfo (www.pharminfo.com), current and in-depth drug information; Cyberdiet (www.cyberdiet.com), fitness and nutrition resource and community; INCIID (www.inciid.org), infertility information and support; Mediconsultinc.com (www.mediconsultinc.com), redefining medicine through the Internet. Certain statements in this release, such as management's view of future revenues and expenses, may be forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Potential risks and uncertainties include such factors as acceptance of the Company's products and services, competition and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copyright (C) 1999 Business Wire. All rights reserved. Distributed via COMTEX. -0- CONTACT: Mediconsult.com, Inc. Ellen L. Turbeville, 914/332-6100 (ext. 283) eturbeville@mediconsult.com or Corporate Ink Lisa-Marie Cashman, 617/969-9192 lcashman@corporateink.com |