Google Inc. (Nasdaq:GOOG - news) released on Tuesday a free tool that allows businesses to add or update business listing information ...
March 19, 2005 (Press Release) --
Google Adds New Tool Amid Local Search War
Google Inc. (Nasdaq:GOOG - news) released on Tuesday a free tool that allows businesses to add or update business listing information, such as operating hours and addresses, that appears within its local search results.
Google, the leader in the Web search sector, said its new Local Business Center tool is available to U.S. businesses, including those that do not operate an Internet site, potentially expanding the reach of its service.
Search providers aim to have consumers use local search to find nearby restaurants, stores or service providers, like dry cleaners or plumbers.
Local search is currently one of the most competitive markets in the booming Internet search industry as providers eye potential profits from search advertising.
The Kelsey Group forecasts the U.S. local advertising market will reach $5.1 billion by 2009, with local search accounting for $3.4 billion, or two-thirds of the total. Local search advertising hit $162 million in 2004, according to the market research company.
Marissa Mayer, Google's director of consumer Web products, would not quantify the company's investment in the segment but said it had recently stepped up efforts, adding a local search tab to the Google.com home page and integrating maps and business information.
"It represents the beginnings of a direct channel into the small business market," Kelsey Group analyst Greg Sterling said of Google's latest local search announcement.
Google Inc. (Nasdaq:GOOG - news) released on Tuesday a free tool that allows businesses to add or update business listing information, such as operating hours and addresses, that appears within its local search results.
Google, the leader in the Web search sector, said its new Local Business Center tool is available to U.S. businesses, including those that do not operate an Internet site, potentially expanding the reach of its service.
Search providers aim to have consumers use local search to find nearby restaurants, stores or service providers, like dry cleaners or plumbers.
Local search is currently one of the most competitive markets in the booming Internet search industry as providers eye potential profits from search advertising.
The Kelsey Group forecasts the U.S. local advertising market will reach $5.1 billion by 2009, with local search accounting for $3.4 billion, or two-thirds of the total. Local search advertising hit $162 million in 2004, according to the market research company.
Marissa Mayer, Google's director of consumer Web products, would not quantify the company's investment in the segment but said it had recently stepped up efforts, adding a local search tab to the Google.com home page and integrating maps and business information.
"It represents the beginnings of a direct channel into the small business market," Kelsey Group analyst Greg Sterling said of Google's latest local search announcement.
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