Founded in 1999, Local.com's first product was a downloadable local search software application for consumers, followed by a web-based search engine. In 2003, the company developed its patent-pending Keyword DNA™ technology, which was designed to greatly improve the relevance of local search results. In October 2004, the company completed its IPO and in 2005, acquired the Local.com domain name and developed and launched its own local search site. Within six months, Local.com experienced explosive growth to the site and by July 2006, was ranked fifth among the pure-play local search engines and was the 79th most-visited site in the United States (comScore, July 2006). In July 2007, the company was granted U.S. patents related to local search technologies and processes, and acquired PremierGuide making it one of the largest private-label, local search networks in the United States, which now has over 800 regional media sites.
By the end of 2007, Local.com was ranked as the leader in online advertising revenue growth, with a 138 percent year over year increase by Borrell Associates. In 2008 and moving into 2009, despite a challenging economic climate, the company achieved consistent revenue growth and adjusted net income. In 2009, it aligned its operations into three business units: Owned & Operated ("O&O"), Network and Sales & Advertiser Services ("SAS"). During this same year, Borrell Associates named Local.com one of the top three fastest growing local online advertising companies in North America, and the Nielsen Company ranked it the 10th largest search engine in the U.S. Local.com was also awarded the patent that covers a system and method for Enhanced Directory Assistance (EDA) Services. In 2010 the company continued to report quarterly revenue growth and build the company's management team, acquiring OCTANE360 and expanding relationships with partners including SuperMedia.
Today Local.com owns and operates a leading local search site and network in the United States and continues to expand and grow.
In 2008, Local.com has made significant progress in growing organic traffic, expanding the company’s sales force and private-label, local search network and building its direct advertiser base.
In July 2007, the company was granted U.S. patent numbers 7,200,413 and 7,231,405 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which are both related to local search technologies and processes. In late 2007, the company acquired PremierGuide, one of the largest providers of online business directories to regional media publishers. With over 700 regional media sites, Local.com now owns and operates the largest private-label, local search network in the United States.
By the end of 2007, Local.com was ranked as the leader in online advertising revenue growth, with a 138% year over year increase by Borrell Associates.
Local.com experienced explosive growth to the site. Within six months Local.com was drawing over eight million unique visitors and generating nearly 40 million page views per month. As of July 2006, Local.com ranked fifth in pure-play local search engines and was the 79th most-visited site in the United States (comScore, July 2006). The company expanded into the European marketplace via acquisition in 2005 and launched a UK beta version of Local.com in early 2006.
The company decided to develop its own local search site and in early 2005 acquired the Local.com domain name. Shortly after, the company acquired a specialized patent-pending local search technology, which was integrated with Keyword DNA - and Local.com was officially launched in beta in August 2005.
The company completed its IPO in October 2004 and raised $25 million. The Local.com IPO was one of the largest IPOs in North America in 2004.
In 2003, the company developed its patent-pending Keyword DNA™ technology, which was designed to greatly improve the relevance of local search results. The company incorporated Keyword DNA into its LocalDirect search and advertising platform, which was released in early 2004. LocalDirect was marketed to regional media sites such as newspapers and telephone directory websites. LocalDirect enhanced their search results, as well as enabling regional media to sell pay-per-click advertising using Local.com's advanced technology platform.
