Your first set of comments are right on target. I so rarely hear anyone suggesting to business to “claim” their listing(s). Most companies keep pushing “getting listed” services,which do not necessarily benefit the local business in terms of updating their local listings with marketing information for the local consumer through web searches or mobile searches.

My argument is that “getting listed” is not the real services needed. The local business still has to claim, update and maintain their local listing at multiple local listing websites. “Getting listed” is an admirable starting point, but it will not address the long term need of the local business and their local marketing efforts.

Consumer reviews add to the work load of a local business by having to monitor these listings as well. A public relations task most local businesses have not had to deal with in the past.

At KillerStartUps reviewed a company that is offering a low cost service to update then manage these listings for companies. You can read about this at KillerStartUps here:

http://www.killerstartups.com/Search/smartfinds…

It is a changing world and the local business will benefit. There will be some adjustment to this space needed.

Good information from your post and hopefully this is helpful to others.