Denver-based Local Matters has launched a new local search site, LocalGuides.com. The site lets users create lists of favorite local businesses, based on destinations, like “jazz clubs,” or on a task, like “kitchen remodel.” The site also incorporates social media elements by letting users share those guides with friends, or with all other users.
“Consumers want more involvement with local information. While some progress has been made in a few entertainment categories, the search industry has failed to give consumers useful tools for personalized local information and opinions,” Perry Evans, Local Matters CEO, said in a statement. “LocalGuides.com fills this void by creating a relevant and engaging shared-consumer experience, while also helping local merchants find new ways to connect with their local audience. This is a big part of what has been missing in Local Search.”
Writing on his blog, Evans describes LocalGuides as a mix of local, social and vertical search.
“We think we have made it engaging to turn your list into a richly annotated guide that you’ll be excited to share. A very web 2.0 style mash-up tool sits at the center, supported by lots of local content aggregation with simple tools for finding, copying and sharing guides,” he writes.