Yell.com links with UK trade associations to enhance online searching - 2 March 2004
Yell.com is launching a new initiative to offer further assistance in selecting a business or service online. Working in partnership with trade associations throughout the UK, the new service enables consumers to choose from a list of businesses or individuals that are members of the relevant association.Trade associations and professional bodies vary in practice, but Yell.com users will be presented with information on the selected association, including its membership criteria and vetting procedures. Additional details of member businesses will help consumers make an informed choice when selecting a business or service.
The new Yell.com service builds on an existing successful scheme that has run in Yellow Pages directories since 1987. Feedback from consumers has been extremely positive: research revealed that 86 per cent of Yellow Pages users said it increased their confidence in the competence of the business if they appeared within a trade association page (Abacus 2002).
Visitors to www.yell.com will see a new link appear above their search results. This will direct them to a web page dedicated solely to members of the relevant trade association that have opted into the scheme, e.g. the Institute of Plumbers, the Painting and Decorating Association, or the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.
Ian Bowen-Morris, head of marketing at Yell.com, said: "The Internet is a great and efficient source of information when you're looking for a supplier or service, but with so much choice it can be difficult to make a selection. Leading UK trade associations can provide additional information to help consumers make more informed decisions and find a business or service to suit their requirements. This information is now available on Yell.com alongside relevant searches.”
