Earlier this year, Google, Yahoo! MSN and Ask Jeeves all released versions of “local search”. So, what the heck is it and how does it differ from the regular searches you do on those sites?

Local search obviously targets the local area. Whereas before, you might type “St. Petersburg web design” into the search bar, now you can do a local search and type “web design” in the search bar and select “St. Petersburg, FL” as your search location. Instead of retrieving a bunch of websites that the search engine thinks are relavent, this search will actually retrieve yellow page like listings for all local businesses that match “web design”. In addition, the results page will show a map with the various businesses marked, so you can judge which one is closest to you. In some cases, you can even get a satellite view of the business, just in case you want to place it in the scope of local landmarks (or check out their roof).

The search engines get their local search listings from the local yellow pages, and other database companies. In most cases, you can submit your business to be listed yourself. Yahoo! even offers enhanced listings for $9.95 a month. As local search becomes more useful, more and more people are beginning to use it over the more traditional internet search methods. Now is a good time to get a leg up on the competition.

What is podcasting?

1) Fishing for trout using pea pods as bait
2) Creation of magical spells using a group of marine mammals
3) A method of publishing via the internet

The word “podcasting” is actually a combination of the words “broadcasting” and “ipod”. It usually involves users subscribing to a feed of new files. Typically these files are mp3 audio files, that are downloaded onto a personal computer or a portable player. Podcasts became popular in late 2004 and have since sprung up all over the place.

You can find a podcast on just about any subject you want, from business to poker to the random bantering of Ben and Heather after their son goes to bed.

If you want to listen in on a podcast, a great place to start is Podcast.net. Now you’re no longer limited to local radio. Enjoy.