Only time will tell whether Wolfram emerges as a viable and popular search engine but it has already enjoyed major success in terms of media and blog coverage – including this bubbly story on BBC.com.
From a media relations/public relations standpoint, Wolfram is making for a great case study on why some start-ups can generate so much buzz and excitement, while others fail miserably to attract any kind of attention.
There are a few key elements that seem to be ingredients for success:
1. A service that many people can understand and use on a regular basis. These include search (particularly if the start-up appears to be taking aim at Google), blogging and social media.
2. The start-up has attracted a ton of venture capital
3. There are some well-known people involved with the project, who have enjoyed previous entrepreneurial success or have a high level of domain expertise
4. The service appears to major potential and, as important, it passes the sniff test (aka works well when taken through its paces)
5. It has strong relationships with key bloggers (Mike Arrington, Om Malik, et al) and/or Walter Mossberg. Nothing like some great coverage to get other bloggers and reporters on the coverage bandwagon.
6. The company involves people who made millions at Google before leaving to do their own start-ups
7. Luck. Nothing like being at the right place at the right time when there’s a dearth of tech news.
Admittedly, it’s a straightforward list but covers many of the major issues. Let me know if you have anything to add.
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