Local Search

Recent studies have revealed that the printed yellow pages are no longer the number one way customers look for local information. Going online and using search engines and local directories is now the preferred way most folks seek local information.

One study, conducted in mid 2008, was a follow up to a study done in 2007 with the goal of understanding how people searched both through online local search and offline yellow pages.

Those results, now a year old (watch this blog for the results of this years report) revealed that local Internet search (for the first time) was the primary source of information of information for local customers. The survey also revealed that many local searches result in some type of action, a phone call, a store visit or even an email. This indicates that local searchers are in the later stages of their buying decision and are almost ready to make a purchase.

This is a real wake up call for local businesses: You need to be found on the Internet.