Local online ad spending to double by 2010… on verticals

Steve Safran November 9th, 2006

The Kelsey Group, a market research group, expects spending on local search and classifieds to hit $31 billion in 2010, about twice the buy we saw in 2005. But here’s the thing: the trend is moving away from “broad-based” sites (read: big traditional news sites) and toward targeted niche sites. Go vertical and win. Listen up and take note: The group’s advice to advertisers? “If you have the opportunity to advertise with someone that has a really robust vertical, that can discuss your industry’s specific needs, then you have a good chance of capturing some of those dollars.” Expand your thinking beyond your “core” site and start building out niche sites.