Street Fight Daily: 04.11.11

A roundup of today’s big stories in hyperlocal media, technology, advertising and startups.

It makes sense for Groupon to move beyond vouchers, given indications that just 20% of customers using Groupons return to a retailer for a second, nondiscounted visit. That’s a steep price to pay when selling a service for 75% off or more after commission. (Forbes)

Although location-based services are still in the early stages, they appear to be having an influence that is similar to the one that social media has had. (WebProNews)

Google said it has added check-in deals nationally to its location-based service. Companies participating in the service at launch include American Eagle Outfitters, Quizno’s, Macy’s and RadioShack. (DM News)

Jason Lorimer is “calling time of death” for opt-in daily deals sites. “The bottom line is that ‘Bob the Business Owner’ sees someone coming in off a deal voucher as unlikely to return.” (Daily Deal Media)

Huddlebuy, the ‘Groupon for small businesses’, has raised £350,000 in Angel funding. The site offers group buying discounts aimed at small businesses, mixing a sprinkling of economies of scale with a heavy dose of social media marketing. (TechCrunch)

Patch fills a clear gap in coverage and, on its best sites, really engages the community with local news and events. But with its long-term on-the-books feasibility in doubt, it still leaves room for other hyperlocal solutions. (Yale University/”Politics and the New Media“)

The Dealmap, a site that helps deal hunters track down and pinpoint local deals as well as share them with friends reported last week  that it now has over 2 million users. (Daily Deal Media)

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