This morning AT&T put out a press release formally announcing YP.com as the flagship brand for its yellow pages site:
AT&T Interactive today introduced YP.COM, the new YELLOWPAGES.COM, as its evolved flagship web property and brand. Powered by its proprietary local search technology, YP.COM draws from AT&T’s history and success in local search to provide innovative solutions that connect consumers with businesses. . .
From the start of the search experience, YP.COM promotes discovery through predictive text search technology that automatically suggests potential search terms as a user enters a business name or category. Search results, supported by YP.COM’s database of over 21M business listings[i], allow users to filter results by neighborhood, Video Profiles and business coupons. Giving users more reasons to explore, YP.COM leads to more consumer engagement, which means advertisers have a better opportunity to connect with engaged consumers who are ready to make a decision about where to dine, catch a movie or stay while away from home. While in beta testing, advertisers averaged a 28 percent increase in calls and clicks per search[ii] as a result of placement on YP.COM.
The site expands beyond traditional YP to include events and other information. I wrote about the change yesterday when I stumbled upon it.
I agree with the brand change because it makes the site much more flexible for the inclusion of additional types local information and content.
April 6, 2010 at 9:48 pm
AT&T spent $100 million to purchase the domain name “yellowpages.com.” Then in the last 4-5 years they spent at least another $100 million building the brand. That’s good for domain squatters, good for ad agencies, but bad for stock holders. $200 million … flussshhh.
April 7, 2010 at 7:29 am
I agree. The brand yp.com makes no sense. Why pee? People won’t make the association in the new demographic.
April 12, 2010 at 9:52 pm
regardless of the new name, the new features of the IYP are a step in the right direction.
I am not sure the best place to put this link but I think this is a relevant post because I would be curious to get your feedback. http://www.localsearchpilot.com/local-search/local-search-reliable-organic-answers-or-not