What's Wrong With Google Local Search? Well, the search results are not what you are looking for.

Let's take a look at a Google search result when you need a locksmith in Seattle.

Notice that the sponsored ads are scams - the businesses do not exist in your neighborhood (or anywhere else) :

 If you go to any of these paid ads you will find that they are all legitimate looking websites that claim to be local businesses. None of them are. In fact, it is not possible to tell who these non-existent businesses belong to or where the phone number goes . A state wide search for a business license returned negative results on all of them. These websites are anonymous listings with no traceable owner. This type of directory search result has corrupted the local business directories significantly. Google makes billions on these. Who pays the bill? You do. (Do you really think a 24hr legitimate locksmith is going to come out and unlock your car for $15 or $19?)

What's Wrong With Bing Local Search?

It's the same as Google - Fake Businesses - Let's take a look at locksmiths again:

Exactly the same issue as we had with Google Local: Fictitious Businesses placed in front of, and mixed with the real neighborhood businesses you are trying to find!

Here is a ad-words cost report on one of these nationwide scams listed: FidelityLocksmith.com:

They spend $59,700.00 monthly nationwide pretending to be local businesses.

This website advertises itself as a local company. They have no legitimate business here at all. It is a consumer scam.

What happens when you call these fake businesses? It is not a pretty picture. Just Google "locksmith scams"

The New York Times published a report on Google and the locksmith scams

Your SeattleOnly.com Business Directory is the answer!

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Local businesses should consider enhancing their listings and getting the lowest cost real local exposure on the Internet.