November 21, 2003 — (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — Internet search solution provider LookSmart (looksmart.com) and telecommunications carrier BellSouth (bellsouth.com), publisher of print and Internet versions of the yellow pages in the Southeastern United States, said this week that they have entered into a partnership to help advertisers with BellSouth achieve exposure through search results across the Internet.
Atlanta-based BellSouth said it will offer Real Search Engine Solutions, a bundled solution to help Yellow Pages advertisers get listed across LookSmart’s partner distribution network via paid search inclusion. In addition, BellSouth will promote RealPages.com, its online destination for Yellow Page services, via LookSmart LookListings.
“This is the first major US agreement between providers of traditional Yellow Pages and Internet search,” said Tony Mamone, vice president of sales and marketing for San Francisco-based LookSmart. “We’ve always believed that paid search inclusion was the right vehicle to bridge the gap between offline and online lead generation, and we’re pleased that BellSouth shares our belief. RealPages.com is an ideal match for us, because they’re known as the leader in providing media solutions for local businesses in the Southeast.”
LookSmart paid inclusion and auction-based keyword search results are distributed through top portals and Internet service providers including Lycos, Road Runner, InfoSpace, CNET, Cox Interactive Media and search services such as Inktomi.
“This is a groundbreaking deal for our industry,” said Charles Stubbs, president of BellSouth IntelliVentures, the BellSouth advertising & publishing subsidiary that operates RealPages.com. “We’re pleased to offer businesses in the Southeast another way to reach their target audience with a new and highly effective vehicle that’s a natural complement to traditional Yellow Pages advertising.”
