ReachLocal, an SEM firm offering simplified Internet and local search services directly and indirectly to the small business market, has closed a massive $55 million round of funding. This adds to previous rounds raised by the company. Reach is building out sales offices in cities across the U.S. and a local sales force to sell search marketing directly to small businesses. It’s a challenging and audacious course, but one that could succeed if pursued intelligently and with discipline.

I have a long discussion of the segment, the challenges, and the opportunity on my personal blog, Screenwerk.

Related Topics: Business Issues: Acquisitions & Investments | Channel: Local | Search Marketing: Local Search Marketing | SEM Industry: Outsourcing

About The Author: Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land. He writes a personal blog Screenwerk, about SoLoMo issues and connecting the dots between online and offline. He also posts at Internet2Go, which is focused on the mobile Internet. Follow him @gsterling. See more articles by Greg Sterling

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