While major search companies are improving their local search technology, a pair of smaller players are offering new services that stand out, according to SearchEngineWatch. Metrobot, a local search
engine specializing in maps, has recently expanded its search coverage nationwide, offering local results presented on an individual street level, as opposed to the large-scale maps used by other
search engines. Metrobot says these other services are more geared for cars than pedestrians. The maps include business listings and links for each displayed road segment. As users "walk" down the
road, they can view these listings. Another service, called TrueLocal, aims to drive searchers to offline businesses, by only including verified, offline businesses in its database of 50 million local
pages. Aside from a standard flat-rate auction ad model, advertisers get a local toll free number and a local tracking number at no added cost. The service also tracks impressions and clicks to Web
sites, phone calls and other usage metrics. SearchEngineWatch claims that TrueLocal's results are superior to Google and Yahoo!'s local offerings.
Read the whole story at SearchEngineWatch »