SBC SMARTpages.com Revamps, Enhances Local Guides

On the heels of Yahoo Local’s relaunch, SMARTpages.com, part of the SBC and BellSouth YellowPages.com joint venture, evolves into a combo directory/local site with more than 100 revised city guides (including local news, weather, etc.) enhanced search and in-depth consumer shopping content. Advertisers will get space on SMARTpages.com, Switchboard and, soon, AOL Yellow Pages.
The timing is a little confusing given that plans are well underway to combine SMARTpages.com, RealPages.com and YellowPages.com later this year at the YellowPages.com url but the company says this redesign is the foundation for the new site.
The back-to-back announcements highlight the intense battle for local turf. Last week, I wrote that Rupert Murdoch issued a wake-up call when he talked about News Corp.’s plans in the local arena. Looking at all the activity, I’m reminded of how very late he is to the party.

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