Find Local Computer Software Web Tips Guide
Find Local Events And Services Online
By Dirk C Wallace
In the 1990s, when we wanted to know who was playing at Key Club,
we just picked up a copy of LA Weekly or cruised down Sunset Boulevard
to gawk at the large billboard out front, if we had the time.
Sometimes we just showed up, hoping for the best. If we wanted
to know what movies were playing, we grabbed the yellow pages
and phoned the nearest movie theater to listen to automated recordings
of all the film titles and times.
The Land Before The Internet
Service based businesses were discovered in the yellow pages
or the classified section of the newspaper and new restaurants
were discovered by word of mouth or a spontaneous "this place
looks good" impulse.
It seems like eons ago when this world existed in the "land
before the internet." Today, if you want to find local events,
goods, services and establishments, you need only check an online
local guide or local business directory.
It's never been easier to find local events, restaurants, show
times and services. The popularity of the online yellow pages
has finally surpassed its printed counterpart for a number of
obvious reasons. First, it is convenient.
Quick Look Up On Your Blackberry
Imagine trying to lug that oversized five pound book around with
you to work! Now you can just review your options and look things
up on your Blackberry cell phone connected to the internet, which
is a service that has gotten much cheaper over the past decade,
by the way. Secondly, it is quick.
Remember when we had to spend five minutes listening to a phone
recording of all the show times and titles just to get to the
information we actually wanted? Now we can see the exact theater,
title and time we need in less than a minute.
Setting Up A Date In A Fancy Restaurant
One of the greatest American pleasures is undoubtedly dining
out. Sure, we have our favorite digs, places that we know are
guaranteed to whet our palette. But what about that fancy Valentine's
Dinner? She's not going to appreciate a couple of greasy dogs,
mounds of fries and potato salad on such a special occasion.
Then there are those times when all the guys want to watch the
game and have a couple beers, but which pub is big enough to fit
twenty rowdy sports fans? There are a few national websites featuring
local business searches for the major cities. Internet users can
browse by location, by type of food and by price range usually.
Also, the more advanced sites feature videos, photos, virtual
menus and customer reviews. A popular site to find local food
is www.inmarketmaker.com
Finding And Buying Local
Most of the goods and services we use are located within a five-mile
radius of our homes, which is what makes our desire to find local
things so strong. From one standpoint, why would we go all the
way across town for an oil change, when there's an auto shop right
down the street that does an equally impressive job?
Does it not make more sense to buy from a local farmer's market,
rather than drive a few towns over to get produce? We're becoming
ever more conscientious about our carbon footprints too, so we'd
rather not burn all those fossil fuels if we don't have to. And
let's face it.
At the end of a long day or a long work week, we just don't want
to be bothered with the hassle of an aggravating commute. A local
guide seems like just the answer we've been awaiting.
About the Author:
Dirk C Wallace has written a number of articles on Small Business, Business Software, Computers and Internet Security including
Business Directory,
Online Directory,
Business Tax Software,
Customer Support,
CRM Software,
Turbo Tax Software,
Computer Security Handbook,
Computer Instruction.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Did You Know This About Business Directories?
I have a new business. Should I put it in a local business directory?
If you have a new business, or even if it
is an old one, you definitely need to put it in a business directory.
But whether or not it is a local one is up to you. It really depends
on what type of business you are operating.
If it is a business that is completely
online then you really do not need a local business directory
that directs people to a physical address. In that case you need
to find an online directory to place your business information.
You do still need a physical address, of course, but it will not
be used as a way to sell a service or product.
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