lorenbaker - 1:48 pm on Nov 4, 2005 (gmt 0)

Can't go too much into the details but I have had AWESOME experience on both Google AdWords and Yahoo Search Marketing with the marketing of a local company (not pizza related) in a major metropolitan market.

Google AdWords has been terrific with the campaign, letting us high positions for specific targeted terms only in our client’s target market, with no spill-over outside of that market (with Google AdWord’s regional targeting). High CPC’s, but very very high conversions.

As far as Yahoo goes, for top keywords we cannot target to the specific region, so we use geo-specific terms in the copy. Lots of spillover but the lower CPC’s than Google.

We tried Yahoo SM’s Local Match, but were restricted to searches for our keywords + “town name” in the specific area. Very little traffic, but very targeted.

Additionally, MSN AdCenter, when launched outside of Beta testing, will be offering locally targeted search ads in MSN search. Jot that down on your to-do list for when it goes live.

Personally, I would also suggest Verizon Smart Pages or other Yellow Pages opps in your area along with taking advantage of the local enhanced listings in Yahoo and Amazon (with user reviews), TrueLocal, Verizon's Enhanced Listings, and 'renting a web page' on other local sites in your area.