What about all the verticals? Yes, there are many local directories and marketplaces in many verticals: TripAdvisor, Zillow, ZocDoc, Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and dozens more. But Industry Email List most of these sites have been around for years and most of them are not “brands”. Zillow has a moderately strong brand but is also 15 years old. TripAdvisor, whose brand is Industry Email List arguably in decline, was founded in 2000 (and despite its Paleolithic UX, Craigslist is still relatively strong.) Indeed, if there are many vertical directories, there are few known brands.
Most of these sites rely on SEO and, as the SERP evolves, are increasingly compelled to buy traffic (see HomeAdvisor-Angie's list). Their trading models are Industry Email List essentially a version of arbitrage. I would say that with few exceptions, most of these local-vertical brands are getting weaker, not stronger, as Google strengthens its local offerings (e.g. travel, local service ads) and captures more traffic. Yet building a brand is Industry Email List the only way to have long-term success locally (and in general). If you rely on SEM and SEO for traffic and visibility, your costs will continue to rise and your brand will suffer as the algorithm and SERPs change. Uber is also 10 years old
I know what you're thinking, "what about food delivery and carpooling?" Food delivery is not innovative and has been around in its own industry for years, Industry Email List although some of the companies are newer (eg DoorDash, GrubHub). Uber was founded in 2009 and was very innovative - although it couldn't have existed without Google Maps. But it is now ten years old, with investors questioning its long-term prospects. Most new local startups are SME-oriented SaaS companies or focus on catering multi-site businesses, but don't reach the consumer. There is a Industry Email List lot of competition and activity in these areas. So why is the consumer side a ghost town even though the