MySpace announced a partnership with Citysearch, a leading online local guide, to beta launch ‘MySpace Local’—a social directory of small business profiles allowing users to review, rate, and share content from businesses nationwide. MySpace Local marries Citysearch’s database of local businesses with the social community to create new tools for users and small businesses to connect. Coors and Outback Steakhouse are the inaugural brand sponsors for the launch of MySpace Local.
“Today’s announcement marks a defining moment in MySpace’s emergence as a social portal,” said Chris DeWolfe,” CEO and co-Founder of MySpace. “MySpace is about the discovery of content and culture through the lens of your friends. Building on the success of Music and Video, MySpace Local represents both an evolution in social discovery and a revolution of our larger content strategy.”
MySpace has leveraged Citysearch’s database which includes major cities nationwide Citysearch businesses are available on MySpace Local via small business listing pages Small business categories available at launch are: (1) Restaurants, (2) Bars, and (3) Nightlife Listing pages empower users to rate, review, and share content in real time Users can access business photos, menu, videos, maps, and hours of operation Viral functionality includes allowing users to add the business to their profile, share the listing, and bookmark the business
Business listing pages include a user review module Display offers for coupons on the local business listing pages City Hubs
City hubs include new local search functionality Users can search by: (1) Neighborhood, (2) Small Business Categories, (3) Cuisine Type Users can browse by subcategories like Cuisine Type, Neighborhood, Club/Bar Category Hubs include citywide user reviews Celebrity reviews featured on each hub page, top celebrities rate and review their favorite hot spots.
MySpace Local will expand in the coming months to include more categories including personal and professional services (e.g. doctors, dentists, or dry cleaners), hotels, travel, and attractions. MySpace Local will roll globally on an iterative basis with additional features including mobile functionality and more options for businesses and users to contribute content to the listing page.
