There has been a lot of speculation and argument regarding the print Yellow Pages and its future. Usually I hear lists of stats on why the print Yellow Pages are either dead or here to stay.
Well, here’s a real-world example. Eight years ago, I bought a condo in a pretty populated complex. Every year, a big pile of print Yellow Pages books appear in the underground parking area. Back then, if you didn’t grab the book in a few days, you’re out of luck. Now, these books have been down there for well over a month and quite a few still remain.
Boatloads of these get shipped every year, but how much are they used?
I’m not going to say that the print book is dead. If that were the case, three times as many books would still remain. It does remind me of a scene during Monty Python’s “Holy Grail” though…
Boris Mordkovich from the Search Marketing Standard magazine contacted me a few weeks ago about sending out a copy for any particular feedback I had. Many industry leaders have received similar inquiries in the past year and it was nice to be thought of like that. I received the copy today (with a cool and fancy dark chocolate bar included).
Reading the cover feature ”Insider’s Guide to SEM Training & Certification” made me think of my buddy and old FindLaw co-worker David as he’s a big SEM training advocate. More on that below…
I always enjoy reading good articles online. Maybe since this is a print magazine, even more thought, effort, and editing were put into these articles. Whatever the case, I’m really impressed! Contributing authors are well-known in the search marketing industry including one of my favorites, Patricia Hursh, who provides an compelling article titled “Why Big Companies Need Local Search Advertising”.
After reading Patricia’s article, I’m thumbing through and see the magazine’s featured article “Insider’s Guide to SEM Training & Certification”, written by Twin Cities’ own SEM and certification extraordinaire, David Temple!
Nice, David! I read the piece, learned more about the importance of SEM training and you’re more than deserving for the featured article. I see you gave Super-Christy a really nice mention, too.
I’m a little biased, but the Twin Cities area probably has the most talented online and search marketing professionals around.
As a consumer, I normally use Google Maps when looking for local business information. I’ve been trying to switch that up lately. A week ago, I had a simple but nice user experience, and decided to give them some quick props on Yahoo Local.
This time, I’m searching for information. Citysearch has a newer facelift so it’s time to put them to the test. It’s been awhile since I’ve visited friends in Seattle and am planning to go there sometime this year, preferably during Bumbershoot.
On Sunday, our rec league soccer team played a great game at the Augsburg College field. To celebrate our win (really, it doesn’t happen that often), a few of us headed across I94 to Tracy’s Saloon. I wound up ordering some bottled PBR and what just might be the tastiest batter-fried chicken strips I’ve ever had.
Exciting? Maybe not. It was a nice enough experience though to give a very quick user review on Yahoo Local.
A day later, I received an email from Yahoo Local with the heading “Nobody knows the hottest local spots like you”. I don’t go to the “hottest local spots”, but the heading was easily enticing enough for me to click. The email invited me to share my opinions on other places. Plus, it provides the Social Web implications of being part of an online community.
I’m glad to see Grumpy’s on that list. The juke box alone is worth the visit. The Yahoo email I received does entice me to write a quick review for them. Some day I probably will.
It’s probably not new, but I’m glad to see this approach from Yahoo. It’s something that can help their local results and their relevancy.
On the lighter side, during our game I was smart enough to not collide heads going for a header with my own teammate, Rob. Three weeks ago I did which gave me a little shiner, just in time for three search marketing presentations for some full-time job clients. Oops.
Actually, this isn’t between white or black hat search marketing. It’s between SEM and flat-out marketing. When it comes to local search, it winds up I’ll set aside my SEM hat and trade it in for that regular ol’ marketing hat. During the summer, I’ll settle for any hat. I burn too easy! But I’m digressing.
When it comes to local search and search engine marketing, the difference between the two lies at the core. Search engine marketing drives targeted traffic to a Web site while local search marketing literally “drives” people to a physical business.
Google Analytics is going to be giving more user-friendly stats. Check out the demo.
It’s an upgraded and holistic approach on how users find and navigate through your site. Here’s a screenshot of the announcement:
What’s nice about this is it gives a better perspective that businesses can learn and understand. If they’re savvy enough, they can use that as a benchmark to whether their search marketing campaigns are working or not.
If you’re a local business with a Web site and don’t have a Google Analytics account, you can easily do so. Once you get confirmed, you can copy the code they send you and just place it right before the </body> tag on each page.
This is the second week of this, it probably won’t be weekly, but I like to give out plugs when I can.
Ed Kohler from The Deets gives his insight on the new Minneapolis WiFi rollout.
Aaron from the SEO Buzz Box gives a good view in what a few people are calling Google’s supplemental results Google Hell. He also keeps it real in a Matt Cutts’ blog comment. The Underpants Gnome SEO types probably don’t agree.
I mentioned CitySearch’s new layout in an earlier post, but Greg Sterling has some great and more detailed input regarding it.
Currently on iTunes: Just So You know – American Head Charge
This isn’t by accident. Four of us saw them last night at the First Avenue in Minneapolis. It winds up that one in our group purchased their Sight Line Seating. I always thought this set you back a good couple hundred bucks, but it literally only cost $35.00. The servers treated us like rock stars, and we got to enjoy a great show. The view was perfect and I’m too old to get pushed around on the floor. Thank you First Avenue!
I’m impressed. They mentioned they were giving it a new look, and it certainly looks appealing.
They also talked about some local customization with this relaunch. It’s pretty subtle, but I like the few different Twin Cities images they rotate in the upper-right corner.
Donna Bogatin from ZDNet provides her input regarding the facelift and new video ads, and if it makes local search cool.
I’ll have some near-future input on how their new look works with local search, but wanted to at least give it an initial mention.
I’ve mentioned Martini Blu in regards to local search before, and I’m guessing they’ll like their Citysearch page. It’s pretty enticing.
Posted by Paul Jahn 
Posted by Paul Jahn 
Posted by Paul Jahn 
Thank you First Avenue!
