Local Internet Marketing Growth

A good friend shared an interesting stat with me today about Local Search and the growth it’s had over the last two years. In 2005, 14% of all searches had a local qualifier in the search term (local qualifier meaning city, state, town, district, community or something “local”). In 2006 that number jumped to 20% of all searches having a local qualifier.

I haven’t heard anything about 2007 estimates and since it’s only February I don’t expect updates for about a year but none the less, local search is growing and that means local internet marketing is going to continue growing as well. I know statistics can be made to tell anything you want them too but these numbers don’t lie.

MSN AdCenter’s Latest Problems

Now it’s no secret, to those I’ve told, that I’m not a big fan of Microsoft’s AdCenter.  Yes, I’ve seen a great conversion rate and less competition than Yahoo Search Marketing or Google but I still don’t like anything about AdCenter.  That said, the bug that’s been costing advertisers hundreds and thousands of dollars over the last day or so is Fixed

WebMasterWorld forums have been lighting up with some users writing about being charged over $800 per click on keywords with .44 bids.  WOW!  I’m sure Google is taking the Microsoft search threat really seriously now.  I know I’m certainly taking a close look at all my campaigns.

Another Local Search Marketing Conference in Denver

Denver is slowly becoming one of the hubs for Local Internet Marketing conferences.  Late last year (so only a few months ago) Denver hosted SES Local and now SMX Local & Mobile will be in Denver (September 19th & 20th). 

I guess Denver is going to be the new destination for rocky mountain local search conferences. The real test will be if SES heads back for this years local show….only time will tell.

More details about SMX Local & Mobile