Regional publisher Johnston Press has launched a new online directory service on all its local newspaper websites.
The company has teamed up with user-generated local review website Qype to create ‘Find it’, its new online directory platform service.

Johnston Press’ 234 newspaper websites have had the Qype platform integrated into them, enabling users to search for a local business or service, assisted by reviews, comments and ratings of other customers.

The launch of Find it is being supported by a local advertising campaign spanning print, online display advertising and paid search with the strap line ‘Your Paper, Your Local Directory’, to emphasise the value of ratings and reviews to help customers select a business.

Henry Faure Walker, digital and business development director at Johnston Press, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities from the launch of our new online directory platform, which combines Qype’s powerful search and social media functionality with the trust of our local news brands and websites.

“Find it will give local businesses a highly effective new advertising medium giving them stand out from the competition as well as giving consumers a fantastic new guide for finding the best local service.”

Businesses will be able to purchase premium listings on the site to make them more visible, which will assist them in attracting new customers.