CitySearch, Marchex enter content, advertising partnership

A new content and advertising partnership between IAC's CitySearch and Marchex, a local online ad company, could open up new consumers to both platform. The partnership will distribute CitySearch's content and ads to a new user base and will offer Marchex new content for its network.

by Kristina Knight

As part of the agreement, CitySearch will offer Marchex access to its content from editorial information to user reviews and video. Marchex, in turn, will give CitySearch access to a growing number of websites in the network, which is currently more than 150,000 strong. These local websites are geographically targeted in some instances; more than 26 million users log on to the sites each month.

Jay Herratti, CEO, Citysearch said, "Marchex's local network will drive highly qualified consumers to our advertisers, and in turn Citysearch user and editorial content will help Marchex consumers make smarter decisions that save time and money."

Local online advertising continues to grow as more local businesses realize that mobile search and online search is usually the first step in converting a consumer. Rather than looking in a phone book or asking a friend, many consumers are logging on to sites like CitySearch to find restaurant locations or ticketing information. Local advertising networks are the next step in connecting more local businesses with consumers who are in-market.