Hearst, ClearSpring partner for widgets

A new content widget is available that should appeal to magazine and media readers. Publisher Hearst and ClearSpring, a widget creator, have teamed up to create the content-based widgets for The Daily Green news and Seventeen magazine.

by Kristina Knight

The widgets can be launched on social networks so that users can share their favorite content with friends or can get the latest news without leaving their social hubs. The widgets can also be deployed in blogs and new aggregator services.

"Not only will the applications help to drive more referral traffic from leading social networks, aggregator and blog sites, but they will also provide our growing roster of advertisers with creative advertising and sponsorship opportunities," said Chuck Cordray, VP/general manager, Hearst Magazines Digital Media.

Referral links will be available in the widgets and so will advertising units. Advertisers can sponsor specific content pages or contextually target their ads for content phrases. Currently only content widgets are available but plans are already in place to increase the usability. eCard, quiz and video widgets are in the works for future deployments.

Widgets and widget ad units are growing in popularity. Many consumers like the versatility of widgets in obtaining their favorite news and sharing headlines with friends. As more users sign on to use widgets, advertisers are taking advantage of the built-in audience and are adding widget ads to their budgets.