109 million Americans conducted 849 million local searches in July, says comScore
According
to a local
search market study,
63% of U.S. Internet users (or approximately 109
million people) performed a local search online in July, a 43%
increase versus July of 2005, reports comScore
Networks. Google Sites (30%) and Yahoo! Sites
(29%) garnered the largest share of local searches in July.
Microsoft Sites captured 12% of local searches, followed by the Time
Warner Network with 7%.
Local search is experiencing strong growth as approximately 849 million local searches were conducted by Americans in July. Local search is defined as searches conducted by consumers on the local or directory (Yellow Pages) sections of leading search sites, and other searches identified as having local intent.
-
59% of those searching in their home area, were searching for a restaurant or something entertainment-related, such as a theater, theme park or an attraction for sightseeing
-
52% were searching specifically for a business phone number or address
-
41% of searchers were looking for information on a local service in their home area including car rental office, dry cleaner or lawyer
The comScore study also found that performing a local search drives consumers to take action. During the second quarter of 2006:
-
47% of local searchers visited a local merchant as a result of their search behavior
-
41% made contact offline
-
37% made contact online as a result of conducting a local area search
|
Share
of Local Searches by Site July 2006 |
|
|
|
Total Local Searches |
|
Google Sites |
29.8% |
|
Yahoo! Sites |
29.2% |
|
Microsoft Sites |
12.3% |
|
Time Warner Network |
7.1% |
|
Verizon Communications |
6.6% |
|
YellowPages.com |
3.9% |
|
Ask Network |
2.7% |
|
Local.com |
1.9% |
|
InfoSpace Network |
1.9% |
|
DexOnline.com |
1.4% |
|
All Other |
3.2% |
