6683 1 3 econsultancy_xml <p>Google (30%) and Yahoo! (29%) had the largest share of searches, followed by Microsoft with 12% and the Time Warner Network with 7%. </p> <p>The study defined local searches as those conducted by consumers on the local or directory sections of leading search sites, and other searches identified as having local intent. </p> <p>The analyst group said 41% of users performing a local search were searching for something in their home area, as opposed to information on locations they intended to visit. </p> <p>Among those, 59% said they were searching for a restaurant or something entertainment-related, such as a cinema, theme park or tourist attraction. </p> <p>Fifty two percent said they were searching specifically for a business phone number or address, while 41% were looking for information on a local service in their home area, including car rental office, dry cleaner or lawyer.</p> <p>The study also found that performing a local search can drive consumers to take action. </p> <p>During Q2 2006, 47% of local searchers visited a local merchant as a result of their search behaviour, while 41% made contact offline. Thirty seven percent made contact online as a result of conducting a local area search.</p> <p>“<em>Local search is experiencing strong growth as more consumers adapt to the ‘always on’ nature of their broadband connection, which enables them to quickly find information on local businesses</em>,” said Jack Flanagan, EVP of comScore Media Metrix. </p> <p>“<em>With approximately 849 million local searches conducted by Americans in July, local advertisers have a sizeable market that can be reached through leading search sites.</em>” </p> <FormattedContent xmlns="http://www.e-consultancy.com/schema/formattedContent/"> <Paragraph>Google (30%) and Yahoo! (29%) had the largest share of searches, followed by Microsoft with 12% and the Time Warner Network with 7%. </Paragraph> <Paragraph>The study defined local searches as those conducted by consumers on the local or directory sections of leading search sites, and other searches identified as having local intent. </Paragraph> <Paragraph>The analyst group said 41% of users performing a local search were searching for something in their home area, as opposed to information on locations they intended to visit. </Paragraph> <Paragraph>Among those, 59% said they were searching for a restaurant or something entertainment-related, such as a cinema, theme park or tourist attraction. </Paragraph> <Paragraph>Fifty two percent said they were searching specifically for a business phone number or address, while 41% were looking for information on a local service in their home area, including car rental office, dry cleaner or lawyer.</Paragraph> <Paragraph>The study also found that performing a local search can drive consumers to take action. </Paragraph> <Paragraph>During Q2 2006, 47% of local searchers visited a local merchant as a result of their search behaviour, while 41% made contact offline. Thirty seven percent made contact online as a result of conducting a local area search.</Paragraph> <Paragraph>“<Quote>Local search is experiencing strong growth as more consumers adapt to the ‘always on’ nature of their broadband connection, which enables them to quickly find information on local businesses</Quote>,” said Jack Flanagan, EVP of comScore Media Metrix. </Paragraph> <Paragraph>“<Quote>With approximately 849 million local searches conducted by Americans in July, local advertisers have a sizeable market that can be reached through leading search sites.</Quote>” </Paragraph> </FormattedContent> 2006-09-29T14:51:00+01:00 1 1 econsultancy_xml <p> <strong>A study by</strong> <a href="http://www.comscore.com"> <strong>ComScore</strong> </a> <strong>, focusing on the US, has shown an increase of over 40% in the number of users performing local searches online in the last year.</strong> </p> <p>According to the research, 63% of US internet users (around 109 million people) performed a local search during July, a 43% increase over the same month in 2005.</p> <FormattedContent xmlns="http://www.e-consultancy.com/schema/formattedContent/"> <Paragraph> <Emphasis>A study by</Emphasis> <Link URL="http://www.comscore.com" Window="New"> <Emphasis>ComScore</Emphasis> </Link> <Emphasis>, focusing on the US, has shown an increase of over 40% in the number of users performing local searches online in the last year.</Emphasis> </Paragraph> <Paragraph>According to the research, 63% of US internet users (around 109 million people) performed a local search during July, a 43% increase over the same month in 2005.</Paragraph> </FormattedContent> false 287 361765 Local search gains momentum, says study false 2006-09-29T15:52:00+01:00 local-search-gains-momentum-says-study 2009-04-28T22:34:06+01:00 2009-04-28T22:34:06+01:00 226