THOMSON LOCAL AND GOOGLE EXTEND DEAL

Thomson Local has announced that it is has expanded its long-standing relationship Google, after signing a two-year extension to its AdWords Authorised Reseller agreement.

Gary Brown, Product and Marketing Director, Thomson Local said: “The deal is fantastic news for local businesses. Maintaining our status of Google AdWords Authorised Reseller allows us to continue provide the small to medium sized enterprise (SME) access to a local audience that accounts for 77%* of all UK searches. Most importantly, approximately half of all SMEs do not have websites; which means Thomson Local is the only way for these local businesses to get themselves on Google. No other UK directory provider is able offer the same level of online exposure for SMEs, website or not.”

He continued: “Thomson Local is committed to helping the SME grow, it is therefore important that businesses understand the value of the internet. As part of our new offer, we will transparently allocate part of the advertising funds to be spent on Google. Moreover, we will report on the performance of customers’ online advertising and on how their advertising ‘fund’ is being used. The reports will give a breakdown of clicks and click cost generated on a quarterly basis.”

“Businesses are increasingly asking for accountability on how their marketing budget is being spent. Our new offer is part of our commitment to show the return on investment that working with Thomson Local provides”

Brown concluded: “Thomson Local is able reach more people than any other directory, and nobody knows ‘local’ like we do.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors
* Source: Hitwise 2007

About Thomson Local

Thomson Local has been operating for over 25 years and has established itself as the leading Local directory publisher in the UK. Today, the directory is available both in print and online with the launch of ThomsonLocal.com in 2003.

Thomson Local produce 173 editions of The Book, delivered free of charge to over 22 million homes and businesses throughout the UK. Each week Thomson Local directories are used by 6 million people and generate 15 million business referrals. Following the partnership formed in 2006, Thomson Local is the only classified directory that rewards people with Nectar points for calling businesses listed in the Thomson Local.

ThomsonLocal.com is powered by the most comprehensive database of its kind in the UK with over 1.8 million businesses listed and additional content provided. With a variety of online advertising options, as well as being Europe’s only Google AdWords Authorised Reseller, Thomson Local’s tailor-made packages help promote businesses to an online audience that makes over 275 million searches a month across its partner network, which includes MSN, Tiscali, Skype, Daily Express and UpMyStreet.

Through its Business Strata division, Thomson Local provide highly accurate and effective B2B data lists for direct mail, telemarketing and opt-in email marketing campaigns. Business Strata’s range of data list services ensure the best possible lead generation.

With its head office in Farnborough, Hampshire, Thomson Directories employs over 500 head office staff and a further 500 employees located at 10 regional sales offices throughout the UK.


About Google Inc

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com

For more information:

Mark Cox
Press Relations Manager
Thomson Directories Ltd

DD: +44 (0)1252 390506
Mobile: 07768 578270
Email: mark.cox@thomsonlocal.com