Where do people go for local information? Online, that’s where. According to the Pew Research Center, more folks turn online than any other medium – including newspapers, TV or word-of-mouth – for information and resources.
And they don’t just go online for information, but also to shop. According to Google, 53% of users make purchases as a result of smartphone searches.
To help you capitalize on the vast opportunities presented by the local market, here are five of the most meaningful local marketing trends for 2012:
1. Paid Search Still Packs a Powerful Punch
2. Mobile, Mobile, Mobile
3. Deals, Deals, Deals
4. Location-Awareness
5. Localization Will Trump Local

The most significant local marketing trends and related key strategic initiatives for national brands in 2012 include a dramatic increase in localization of media channels, the need for integrated marketing analytics and content marketing to satisfy national brands.