Google Express Goes Local

Now Google (GOOG Quote) is selling local ads, too.

Joining rival Yahoo! (YHOO Quote), Google is trying to offset declining sales growth by wooing local businesses. Yahoo! recently released its Yahoo! Local feature from beta testing. The MSN unit of Microsoft (MSFT Quote) has local search under development.

The Google local service marks the Mountain View, Calif., company's second try in less than a month to lure smaller companies. As many as three text links will be visible at the bottom of the screen of Google Local. People who click on the ads will be directed to a location on the adjacent map that's highlighted with digital push pins. These ads will also be found on the main Google site and on the Google network of affiliated Web sites. ...