Borrell Associates Report Shows Search Advertising Up, Classifieds and Banner Ads in Steep Decline

NEW YORK — Advertising research firm Borrell Associates ranked Yodle the fastest-growing, locally-focused online advertising company today, ahead of 33 other companies, including YellowBook.com, ReachLocal and Local.com. Yodle, which tops the list for its second year in a row, is expected to see its revenues nearly triple in 2009. Yodle has over 300 employees in five offices across the U.S. and works with over 6,000 local advertisers.

“I think Yodle is spot on with its sales pitch and its products,” said Gordon Borrell, CEO of Borrell Associates. “They’re in a sweet spot right now – serving small businesses that have become disillusioned with traditional marketing and want to try something where they can see the results. The sales pitch is right on the mark: ‘How can we help you?’ as opposed to, ‘I’d like to tell you about what I’m selling.’”

The report findings point to a major shift in online advertising, revealing that companies who sell search and video advertising are increasing their sales – while those who rely chiefly on banner sales or classified up-sells are in steep declines.

“Local business owners now have a huge opportunity to advertise online and drive real leads to their business – and they’re taking advantage of it in droves,” said Yodle CEO Court Cunningham, who will keynote Borrell Associates’ Local Interactive Advertising conference in February 2010. “In an increasingly fragmented market, we are finding that online advertising is the most effective way for local businesses to generate leads and new customers for their business.”