CBS Local Digital Media and CityGrid Media will leverage CBS’s two dozen co-branded television and radio websites in major markets across the country to help local businesses gain exposure to millions of online and mobile consumers. CBS Local Pages will provide businesses the opportunity to be featured on their websites, and in addition across hundreds of premier websites and mobile apps.
CBS Local Digital Media sites include www.cbsnewyork.com, www.cbslosangeles.com, www.cbssanfrancisco.com, www.cbsphilly.com and www.cbschicago.com.
CityGrid is a content and ad network for local businesses that includes placement with search engines Google and Bing. Included in the directory will be general business info, editorial and user reviews, insider tips, videos and photos, and links to the businesses websites. Online offers, links to menus and reservation systems, social media links, maps and directions are also included on the page.
“By delivering local advertisers cost-effective and efficient solutions for their marketing and sales needs, CBS is able to reach the active consumer interested in utilizing local search to make purchase decisions,” said Ezra Kucharz, President, CBS Local Digital Media. “Consumers who reach a business listing are already at the point of decision, and they now have what they need to choose a particular establishment. The information is easily consumed and shared by local customers, and completely integrated with the businesses social media initiatives.”
CBS will leverage its extensive sales force in dozens of major markets to sell its Local Offers product. Clients can target their campaigns by specific category and neighborhood, and enjoy real-time reporting of consumer activity and engagement with their listing.
RBR-TVBR observation: So it’s not always going for revenue sharing options like GroupOn, it’s combining that service for advertisers with search and listings. When local media conglomerate their clicks to mega local sites, a lot of traffic can be monetized. A 360-degree approach for advertisers that includes numerous on-air and online packages is the new sales pitch. Getting AEs properly trained for all of the new ad options is a challenge for managers as well.
