Add in the fact that Google is placing a much greater emphasis on the Places pages as they try to move into review generation (Hotpot*) and social media and the mix puts added emphasis on local search engine data.
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Here are three reasons why local data will rule 2011:

Accurate data equals more quality citations

Citations are the local search engine equivalent of links for Google Places pages. With the recent Google algorithms changes data accuracy must be of great concern to growing businesses.

Data can prevent break lead generation

Nothing is worse than having all of your marketing efforts stumble because of bad contact information being listed on an unmonitored venue. Inaccurate information may prevent sales.

Data leaves a trail

Nothing on the internet ever goes away completely. If you leave your data accuracy to data aggregators, then you are at risk for having your information look jumbled to the search engines. A jumbled mess will rank low and work in opposition to your marketing strategy.

Insuring the accuracy of your business’s online information is essential to success. Hiring a company to manage those services is the best way to protect your online image and reputation.

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