Today, search engine giant Google announced the integration of local-area search results into Google’s own with the launch of Google Local.
This enable users to find relevant local information like business listings, directions, and web pages, giving them a much wider knowledge base when searching locally.
Sergey Brin, co-founder and president of Google offered these thoughts:
“Google’s goal is to connect searchers with the information they need whether it’s half-way around the world or in their neighborhood. Google Local combines a wide array of sources including Google’s more than 4 billion web page index, to produce the deepest local search.
The technology for Google Local is integrated into Google search engine, and is based on keyword searches. For instance, if you were searching for a local business, you would type in the name of the business along with your zip code.
The search results are then returned to the user with the local returns placed at the top of Google’s results page. These are indicated with a small compass. When the user clicks the local area link, they are forwarded to a Google Local search results page.
Currently in beta format, Google Local comes as a response to Yahoo!’s SmartView local search that was launched earlier this month. Google and Yahoo!’s interest in the local search area is stiff competition for local Yellow Pages trying to make an online impression.
Although it doesn’t currently do so, Google is planning to sell paid-search advertising on Google Local. This is a move that is seen as a profitable one, helping Google maintain their strong presence in the search industry.
Murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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