Local Search Sites Seriously Lacking

Jamaica- Globally they got a lot, locally and Regional, we do not. Yes Google has the .jm and .tt extensions for us to search local, but there is a dearth of local search tools, directories if you want to find local information online outside of the yellow pages which in itself is behind in aggregating certain types of information.

Additionally, the local customer is online and as internet penetration grows in the Caribbean, all businesses but especially small to medium businesses are going to want to engage them, making sites that offer local aggregated information crucial to their online advertising needs.

We did a bit of research and found the following short list of search tools and directories which can be used to find local information online

– top5jamaica.com

– jamaicanservices.com

– caribseek.com

– http://www.jamaicawebguide.com

– http://www.jamaicans.com/links/

– http://www.jalive.com.jm/

– Top100trinidad.com

– Zoomjamaica.com

– Search.co.tt

Having done that, it’s clear there are not many and more so not many that take it seriously. And of all the search sites and directories, I only know of three that are making money. They are caribseek.com because they have a business model tied directly to site submission (a yellow pages model), top5jamaica.com as they have an advertising and affiliate marketing model in addition to jamaicanservices.com which also charges an annual listing fee. Without question, the fact that these local search sites have a business model and also clear branding gives them the greatest chance of thriving while we wait on others to come.

And just to prove that local search can be a business. Here’s a bit of news to sway the naysayers. Reach local aims to take down yellow pages.