Thomas Hall

Bio:  Tom is the President of Hall Web Services, an internet marketing and web development consultancy located in Portland, Maine. Tom pioneered the use of random term multi-variant testing to validate site optimization methodologies (SEO) for search engines over 10 years ago. In 2000, while working with another University of Rhode Island graduate, he helped developed the FD Manager line of Fire Department Management Software which was sold in 2004. Tom currently leads the Hall Tools team that is developing of their innovative, web based, internet marketing software-as-a-service platform.

Company Description:  Founded in 1999, Hall provides web site design, web development, internet marketing and social media marketing services to B2B technology companies, nationwide. Hall is currently transitioning from a traditional consultancy to a product company based on their internet marketing tools software suite. Hall Tools collects a variety of daily internet marketing data that enables search engine marketing (SEM) professionals and site owners to optimize their web marketing efforts. Through a simple dashboard interface, Tools enables marketers to monitor the value of traffic from multiple traffic sources to allocate resources where the best return exists. Competitors can also be monitored, their sites analyzed, and online sectors can be easily reviewed to provide a unique view of marketing challenges. In North America, Search Engine Marketing (SEM) was a $14.7 billion industry in 2009 and according to the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization, spending is likely to grow to $26.1 Billion by 2013. In Entrepreneur Magazine's 10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010 (12/24/2009), 9 of the 10 trends listed can be monitored using Hall Tools, leaving Hall well positioned to meet this increased demand. DIY solutions, like Tools, are also becoming more popular as a once young internet savvy workforce ages into decision making roles reducing the need for full services SEM agencies. With 8 initial modules completed and generating revenue, Hall is currently focusing on enhancing software features, analysis tools and reporting functionality to prepare the software for general release. Hall has bootstrapped development of Tools since the successful beta launch in 2007, but has been able to expand the software thanks to the generous support of MTI through their Seed Grant Program and the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development through the Pine Tree Zones Program.