CitySearch has unveiled a new set of designs across its network of city sites, and one of the new features should be of grave concern for local TV stations. In a deal with TurnHere, CitySearch will start posting video of local restaurants, spas, boutiques and other local businesses. “Video on Citysearch, coupled with our trusted information, arms users with the ability to make more informed, confident decisions about where to spend their time and money,” said Scott Morrow, EVP at Citysearch. Truthfully folks, local broadcasters should’ve already owned this space. Now we’re going to get beat. Screen grab…
PRESS RELEASE — WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 2 /PRNewswire/ — Citysearch, the leading online local guide and an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI) , today unveiled the next-generation of Citysearch, including new features and functionality to make finding and evaluating local businesses easier for Citysearch users. New features on the popular site include: Video on Citysearch, which gives users an insider look at local businesses; enhanced search functionality to improve content navigation on the site; and an improved My Citysearch Summary, which delivers local business recommendations based on popularity and recent search activity.
“Video on Citysearch is the first of many enhancements that our audience can expect to see from us this year,” said Jay Herratti, President of Citysearch. “Leveraging our trusted content, we will continue to introduce new features designed to provide consumers with the best local experience on the web.”
New Video on Citysearch Gives Users a Sneak Peak into Local Businesses
Video on Citysearch gives users the opportunity to experience the ambiance and meet the owners of businesses before visiting. Citysearch tapped Internet video company, TurnHere to create the videos.
“A great local experience is about providing consumers with the most relevant information,” said Scott Morrow, Executive Vice President, Product and Marketing, Citysearch. “Whether they’re searching for a restaurant, spa or boutique shop, Video on Citysearch, coupled with our trusted information, arms users with the ability to make more informed, confident decisions about where to spend their time and money.”
New features on Citysearch:
* Enhanced search and browse capabilities: Search results for specific
businesses by name and across categories produce more relevant and
targeted results. Citysearch also introduces a new module that allows
users to quickly browse local information in its more than 500
categories.
* Personalized suggestions: My Citysearch offers recommendations based on
a user’s recent search activity and popularity of similar locations.
* New site design: Citysearch updates its design, embracing color and new
imagery to highlight deep content and local personalities.
“Consumers are increasingly searching for deeper and more engaging information on local businesses. This is underscored by our recent research, which indicates that a majority of consumers watch Internet video ads,” said
Matt Booth, Senior Vice President, The Kelsey Group. “Citysearch’s enhancements answer consumer demand for a better local experience.”
Experience the new Citysearch at http://www.citysearch.com/. About Citysearch
Citysearch is a leading local search and directory company that provides the most up-to-date information on businesses, from restaurants and retail, to travel and professional services. Citysearch empowers consumers to make informed decisions about where to spend their time and money by delivering trusted content, local expertise and helpful tools, including 14.5 million local businesses listings, over 600,000 user reviews and ratings nationwide. Citysearch is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI) . For more information, visit: http://www.citysearch.com/