Yahoo Launches Yahoo Local

Integration of Yahoo Local into Yahoo Search and Yahoo Front Page further Demonstrates Commitment to Providing the Best Search Experience on the Web. Yahoo has launched Yahoo Front Page and Yahoo Search. Yahoo Local leverages Yahoo!'s leading search technology, comprehensive local listings, innovative mapping functionality, and user-generated content to deliver a more relevant and precise search experience for consumers looking for local information online. "We're very excited to fully integrate our local search product into the Yahoo search experience," said Jeff Weiner, senior vice president of Yahoo Search and Marketplace. "Given that local is one of the most popular and valuable search categories for our users, Yahoo Local serves as yet another example of Yahoo's ability to innovate in order to provide the highest quality search experience on the Internet. Furthermore, this launch continues to demonstrate Yahoo's unique ability to extend search to key vertical areas such as local, shopping, travel, news and more." Yahoo Local offers comprehensive merchant listings and provides consumers with the tools necessary to pinpoint localized information and businesses in their hometown, or any other location in the United States. As a result of extensive feedback and usage from hundreds of thousands of users since the beta launch in August, Yahoo further enhanced its local search tools, including: -- Improved relevance algorithm to deliver more precise local results based on the type of search -- Increased comprehensiveness via additional data sources -- Streamlined rating and review system to enhance community involvement -- Improved integration of SmartView and driving directions from Yahoo Maps -- "Also try" search suggestions to help users quickly find what they're looking for -- Improved interface for narrowing and sorting results by price, rating and distance "The new Yahoo Local is a more powerful, precise and comprehensive product, affording users a higher quality search experience. Local searchers can now feel like an insider in the neighborhood they are exploring, whether it is knowing the best bakery, bookstore or tailor," said Paul Levine, general manager, Yahoo Local. "We will continue to improve our local search product by aggregating deeper content, adding more innovative features and further integration within the Yahoo! network." Local search is an increasingly vital tool to connect consumers and businesses. Merchants can ensure placement on Yahoo! Local in the United States through