Local Internet Ad Sites Provide Cost-Effective Marketing Options

Internet advertising gives you unparalleled value for your advertising dollar. Studies have found that the majority of consumers begin their search for products and services on the internet. Most internet savvy businessmen have heard of Google Ad Words and Yahoo! Local, the industry giants. But there are a significant number of small, local internet advertising services that are starting to muscle in on the big boys. These smaller sites demand serious consideration in your advertising budget. Viewership is growing, particularly on Craigslist and Local.com, which are becoming major players on the local marketing scene.

Consider checking out the following sites to see what they have to offer in your area. Note that not all sites are available in all areas just yet, but keep checking. Newer sites are expanding quickly.

Craigslist: Favored by the young and hip, Craigslist was one of the first local sites on the scene and is available in 300 communities. Using a classified ad format, the site connects buyers and sellers. Postings are usually free.

Local.com: Search for products, services, people, jobs, etc. by location. Basic listings are free or choose pay-per-click options.

Froogle Local by Google: Froogle was developed by Google specifically to search for products online. It's great at steering viewers to brick-and-mortar retailers.

ReachLocal: Site sets up and tracks your online ads, providing detailed reports so you can judge your ad's effectiveness. Prices vary depending on service level.

MyEzClicks by Web.com: Site places your ad on 30 major search engines for a monthly fee. Choose from 3 pay-per-click plans to fit your budget.

YellowPages: Just like the big yellow book the phone company drops on your doorstep, but more complete and up-to-date as it is constantly updated with new listings.

TrueLocal: An alternative to YellowPages. Choose a product or service and city and you get a list with maps. Advertising rates vary.

Sites focusing on arts, entertainment and leisure activities

AskCity by Ask.com: Recently launched, it's a one-stop destination for making entertainment plans. On one screen, you can make reservations, purchase tickets and email plans to friends. Ad prices vary.

CitySearch: Choose your city, then easily find restaurants, spas, shopping, hotels, events, etc. Online tools make it easy to open an advertising account, manage daily results and place ads on Yahoo!, Google and Ask.com. Similar to pay-per-click ads, the site offers two paid plans.

AOL CityGuide: Another entertainment site, CityGuide allows you to target consumers by lifestyle and market.