Social search directories, basically search engines that allow members to rate and review listings, are getting more and more popular as people move their Internet surfing mobile.

Getting restaurant reviews by zip code when you’re out with friends or finding a veterinarian when traveling has become a one button task on the newest generation of phones – of course, then just push another button and get a directions, coupons or place a call.

The primary search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN are also pulling reviews from listings on social search directories as a way to add content to their local directories. If you’ve either ignored getting listed or just didn’t know about these types of site, now is the time to invest some time and a small amount of money to make sure you get listed, found and reviewed.

Here are some of the primary candidates for your social search strategy

• citysearch
• insiderpages
• judysbook
• merchant circle
• yelp
• switchboard
• superpages
• yellowpages.com

Each of the above directories has either built or is in the process of building applications to reside on the home screen of iPhones and other smart phones.

These social business directories are getting into the “location aware” act as well. With new phone coming equipped with GPS capabilities, services are being built that can tell where your phone is and deliver services and information based on that.

Yelp just launched their location aware application for iPhone users that pull up business reviews based on your phone’s location. You know, it just might be a good idea to make sure your business is listed and getting some good reviews in the Yelps of the world. This type of business search in only going to get bigger!

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