Understanding Local Search is made easier with an insight into how service and product searches differ. The starting point was the analysis of search patterns which identified 3 distinct sets of terms that are used in searches, these are categorised below:

Generic - A common term for the product or service being searched for. An example would be 'plumber'. Searching for only the generic term will usually return a large number of websites that offer any product or service in the chosen category.

Specific - Words which describe aspects of the product or service required. 'leaking pipe' is a specific term related to plumber. When enough specific terms are used it is possible to find suppliers of the precise product or service required.

Geographic - Where the product or service is to be delivered or performed. These can also vary in scope such as Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh or Grassmarket. The terms used by people can differ but are usually a place name, hamlet, locality, village, town, city, county, region or country.

People expect companies who sell products online to deliver to their home or business regardless of where they are in the UK, therefore most searches for products will not include a locality. On the other hand when people are searching for services they will usually include a locality to indicate where the service is to be performed or delivered. This is why LocalSearch+ works so well when promoting your service online.