A New Level of Local Search

MapWide, owner of the MapAd.com group of local web search portals, recently released several new search portals that link consumers to businesses and suppliers at the local level. Users can search by zip code, distance and category, allowing them to pinpoint desired services in any neighborhood. It’s been said by the so called “experts” that what’s known as “vertical search engines” can’t compete with the likes of Google. If said experts were to actually do real time searches of a given zip code in both engines, the contrast and ultimate simplicity of the MapWide group of websites, is obvious.

Unlike major search engines and other directories which place sponsored listings first, Map sites provide filtered and targeted results. Businesses subscribing to the Map directories are insured visibility and can opt from two premium levels of placement (Platinum and Gold) at very reasonable rates. More than just a name, address, and phone number, Map directory listings are sophisticated marketing tools, providing a place for in-depth company info, local maps, custom images, online coupons, specials, appointment function, and real-time online account management. Over 80% of consumers look online for local products and services, and Mapwide.com provides a place where consumers can find anything from restaurants to healthcare providers nearby. If you look at the cost of placing a yellow pages ad or sending out weekly coupons, the value added, sustained content of the Map sites cannot be matched. The savings can reduce some businesses advertising costs by 200%!

What struck this author overall was ease of use. The sites are everywhere and they’re linked so if I were to go looking for a tune up on Mapauto.com but wanted to stop by the florist on the way home, I would merely click on the link Mapflower.com to find one between the auto shop and home. Simple, fast, and local, it’s about time. This is truly the new generation of search engine technology built around us, the consumer. As I peruse through the seemingly endless sites under the Map moniker, I find myself asking, “Why didn’t Google think of this”. Alas, sometimes it takes new blood to shake up an industry and show the big boys there’s more than one way to find it online.

MapDentist Inc., parent company of the Map branded web directories, was developed by Dr S. Said, a Dentist in Tustin, California, in an effort to help people easily find and interact with dental providers on the local level. Currently, MapDentist Inc. owns in excess of ten thousand web domains that vertically integrate consumers, professionals, and vendors in a multitude of industries, including the health care, legal, automotive, veterinary, and retail professions. This company is poised to become the consumers new local search portal.  


Author: Chris Borowski