Local search provides a new tool for web marketing

Many purchasers prefer to choose a supplier in their immediate neighbourhood. So they do not want to be inundated with lists of suppliers from all over the world. 

For years Yellow Pages has had a key place in local marketing because it was the easiest source to find local suppliers.

The major search engines are now actively trying to improve their service to searchers and tap a proven market in doing so.

Google now have their UK local search facility in beta test.  Check it out now at:

http:local.google.co.uk

To test it, search for 'web marketing' in 'TW10'.  You should find Web4 Marketing at the top of the list. You can then look at the map or a satellite picture.  It shows me which of my neighbours have swimming pools in their back garden!

So if your business has a particular appeal to local customers, this is where you should be.  Google provide this service in conjunction with Yell.com so you have to pay to be indexed there.  It also means that, at present, search results are very dependent on the business categories set by Yell.com.  However, I expect better word searches and satellite pictures in the future as the service is further improved.  It certainly offers searchers an improved service from Google - and might make them less likely to go direct to Yell.

Regards

Stephen Orr