DigitalMediaTrends.com

Local Online Ad Biz Needs Scale

Consumers and advertisers face the same challenge when trying to navigate local content on the Web: an intensifying level of fragmentation. Media companies that can aggregate large-scale local audiences will ultimately be the ones that score with users and advertisers. More ...

Local Search Growing Faster Than General Search

The use of localized search services such as Internet Yellow Pages is outpacing generalized Web search when people are looking for location-specific products, services and information, says a new study. The study, performed by comScore Networks and commissioned by TMP Directional Marketing, found that local search grew 24 percent this year, while general search on Google, Yahoo, MSN and other sites grew at 14 percent. More ...

Sprint, Google Vow To Make WiMAX Widespread By 2008

Sprint has partner with Google to create a WiMAX portal that will house Web-based applications, social networking and search--creating an opportunity for marketers to reach consumers with a digital message wherever they are, and on any available device.  In the as-yet unnamed portal, Sprint's high-speed wireless service (which includes location detection) will be combined with Google Apps (including e-mail, chat and calendaring), allowing consumers to browse the Web, buy products on-demand, and stream media on devices ranging from laptops and PDAs to phones and music players. More ...

The Masses Make Maps

The practice of cartography has been opened to the masses thanks to a series of simple mapping tools introduced by Web companies. Anyone can draw on or add text, images, sound and videos to maps. The result is that users now are "collectively creating a new kind of atlas that is likely to be both richer and messier than any other." They're also playing a more important role in how information is organized and found. For example, for the environmentally inclined, there are maps of biodiesel fueling stations in New England, yarn stores in Illinois and hydrofoils around the world. Other maps show practical current information, such as road construction, collapsed highways and speed-trap locations. Maps can also be useful in flagging community issues. James Lamb of Federal Way, Wash., created a map to illustrate the spread of graffiti in his town, asking others to contribute to it. What we have here is a map-making movement similar to Wikipedia. More ...

Local.com Secures Sponsored Link Text Message Patent

Local.com has secured a patent for the delivery of sponsored directory assistance listings via SMS and MMS, positioning itself as the conduit between advertisers, free 411 service providers and mobile search consumers. Industry partners seeking to provide paid search results using a pay-per-click or pay-per-call model can license Local.com's patented method of delivery - which includes operator-assisted and automated calls, and wireless messages. More ...

Marchex Aims To Lead Local Search, Launches 100,000 Sites

Search and media company Marchex adds more than a billion Web pages to its content network today as it officially launches more than 100,000 vertical and local Web sites--taking aim at the top spot of the lucrative, but highly fragmented local search market. More ...

Borrell: Local Online Ads to Climb 31.6% This Year

Bucking the trend of slower online ad growth, local online ad spending will climb 31.6% this year to $7.5 billion, says a report to be released today by media consultants Borrell Associates. By contrast, national online ad growth is expected to rise by 20%. More ...