LocalBizBits Local Search Marketing Information and Resources
This was a nice panel discussion of with these two directories. It was a nice introduction for those not familiar with them. (I have not used them yet). I had a chance to speak with Angie Hicks of Angie’s List beforehand (this will appear in another post).
ServiceMagic works with the consumer and service provider and helps the two to connect. Right now they have 55,000 prescreened contractors nationwide, have matched 10 million homeowner request life to date and 500,000 reviews posted. Rodney commented that the future for them is going global, moving into job delivery in addition to lead delivery, and strengthening value proposition.
Rodney did conclude with the following comment. He believes business will seek the following:
- turnkey marketing solutions
- performance-based spend
- a trusted way to set my business apart (ratings, screening)
Angie’s List is a membership based directory with some ads. They began offline 13 years ago and an interesting point to it, is that a business cannot add themselves. A business must be reviewed by the consumer to get listed. Consumer set up an account (fee based) and can review and rate business. Angie’s List also develops content, has a local magazine produced for all cities it serves. Their future includes moving into the health care area and going global.
The ads they serve only come from top rated businesses in the list, all reviews are checked by a human and no one can leave an anonymous comment. Angie’s List seems to produce a cool service, but does cost money so it is something the consumer needs to be “dedicated” to get their money’s worth.
