Startup Embeds Web Photos With Shopping Links

Lui doesn't yet see the ads as another revenue stream.

But she likes that Pixazza tags shoes, for example, in a photo that shows them as part of a complete outfit. By contrast, she said, a Google search will just give you links to Web sites selling those products.

Like Lui, eMarketer analyst Jeffrey Grau believes Pixazza's appeal is in its ability to show consumers how they could use a product, especially with photos on fashion and celebrity-geared sites.

"You're seeing someone you want to emulate wearing an outfit and think, 'Oh that's cool,'" he said.

Buying that kind of look is just a click away.

It's still too soon to tell what kind of money Pixazza can generate for Web sites, especially as the online advertising market is slowing because of the recession.

Regardless, Lisbonne believes that there's major potential for Pixazza, as Web sites are hungry for new sources of revenue, and images are prominent online but largely untapped for ads.

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