Google Plans Coupons

Google(GOOG Quote) today will unveil a free service that will let local businesses offer coupons through Google Maps, media reports say.

The move underscores Google's plans to expand its offerings to smaller companies that may not even have Web sites. The No. 1 search engine will offer the coupons in partnership with Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, a unit of Cox Enterprises, according to The Wall Street Journal. A Google rep couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

Local advertisers, which have long relied on traditional media such as newspapers, are becoming increasingly important to Mountain View, Calif.-based Google and its competitors. Demand for search, though still strong, is showing signs of slowing, which means the engines are looking for new markets to conquer. ...