Yell.com unveils major redesign - 29 November 2006
Yell.com, the UK’s local search engine, has announced a raft of major developments in its mapping, search and site content capabilities as part of a wide-ranging redesign. The new site significantly enhances the search experience, returning a range of options alongside initial search results. Yell.com now offers:- the UK’s first application of a wide range of local information on one map,
- new search technology with intuitive techniques to pinpoint the businesses users require,
- assistance in the purchase process with links to online stores.
Eddie Cheng, president of Yell.com, said “Yell.com now provides important information over and above a simple business listing to deliver results full of insightful local data you might need when looking for a business. These new enhancements are part of our programme of continuous development to combine richer content and intelligent search, meeting the growing expectations of Internet users.”
Significantly enhanced mapping allows users to plot a selection of local information onto any chosen location within the UK. Yell.com has combined key data a person may need when visiting a shop, such as cashpoints, parking, speed cameras en route. Yell.com can now provide all of this relevant local data before people leave the house.
Other local information includes the location of live traffic alerts, Wi-Fi hotspots, stations (including the Underground in London), Central London bus stops and taxi ranks, London River Services stops, Croydon Tramlink stops, disabled parking, motorbike and car parking which can all be displayed on a map, cross-referenced against any chosen business listing*. Yell.com is the first UK site to bring all of this data together in one place, putting it at the forefront of online mapping services in the UK.
The new Yell.com Search is distinct from search engines and local data sites as it combines Yell.com’s expertise in classifying businesses with the flexibility of keyword search, by matching content contained within Yell.com advertiser’s websites. Users can now search by product, service or brand, for example a search for ‘ipod’ will prioritise websites to bring up listings of local stores where you can purchase the product. However it will also present links to Yell.com’s new shopping and price comparison service, as some people prefer to research prices and buy online.
Yell.com has developed a thesaurus of around 50,000 product, service and brand terms and uses this to understand the relationships between concepts, e.g. a search for ‘pubs’ will also look for ‘bars’ and ‘taverns’. This intelligent search aids ease of use and can deliver exact results in just one search.
These developments are part of the continuous improvement of the Yell.com site which moves Yell.com away from simply an online directory, towards a highly compelling destination for trusted information on products, shops and services across the UK – either in your local area, nationwide or from a web-based supplier.
* All Data is available nationally, apart from London-based transport and Blue Badge (Disabled) and motorbike parking which is available in 65 cities nationwide.
