Method and system for determining overall content values for content elements in a web network and for optimizing internet traffic flow through the web network
A method for optimizing traffic flow through a web network including collecting data corresponding to the content elements, determining a revenue value for each content element, calculating an overall content value for each content element based on the corresponding revenue value and revenue generated from subsequent flow of a user during a visit to the network, and modifying the network based on the overall content value and the content data, so as to maximize the value of the network. Also disclosed is a system for determining overall content values for a plurality of content elements including an analytic server for receiving content data corresponding to the content elements, and a processor determining a revenue value for each element and calculating an overall content value for each content element based on the corresponding revenue value and revenue generated from subsequent traffic flow of a user during a visit to the network.
1. A method for optimizing internet traffic flow through a web network containing a plurality of interlinked content elements, the method comprising:
receiving an overall content value corresponding to a content element, wherein the overall content value is based on a revenue value corresponding to the content element, and a subsequent flow value corresponding to the content element;
balancing the overall content value with a cost associated with the content element;
modifying the web network based on the balancing, so as to increase overall revenue generated by the web network; and
determining a return value arising from modifying the web network, wherein the return value is equal to an internal rate of return (“IRR”) such that
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wherein “Cost” is equal to the cost associated with modifying the web network.
2. The method of claim 1 further including determining a minimum desired return value, and wherein modifying includes bidding on a search engine keyword, wherein a maximum bid for the search engine keyword is based on the minimum return value.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein modifying includes modifying placement of an advertisement in a video stream so as to increase the return value.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein modifying includes modifying the placement of an advertisement on a web page.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein modifying further comprises altering interlinking between the plurality of interlinked content elements.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein modifying comprises altering interlinking between the plurality of interlinked content elements.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the content element is selected from a group comprising: a web page, a web page type, a web page element, a video, a widget, a flash module, an AJAX module, a display ad, and a combination of any of the foregoing.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein modifying comprises altering interlinking between the plurality of interlinked content elements.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the content element is part of an online advertising network.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the return value is equal to a return on investment associated with modifying the web network based on the balancing.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the step of determining a return value includes determining a first return value arising from a first modified version of the web network and determining a second return value arising from a second modified version of the web network, and further comprising comparing the first return value with the second return value to determine which is greater.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of determining a return value includes determining a first return value arising from a first modified version of the web network and determining a second return value arising from a second modified version of the web network, and further comprising comparing the first return value with the second return value to determine which is greater.