Local search Web site offers free business listings

After a year and a half of development, Citydrifter.com debuted June 15 with its detail-oriented business directory where users can search for places to go or things to do. Springfield is the only city currently listed, but others will be added as they are requested.

The site, operated by parent company Drifter Inc., P.O. Box 14445 in Springfield, allows restaurants, bars, art galleries, transportation service companies, music and recreation venues and stores to post profiles that include coupons, photos, advertising, upcoming events, daily specials and job openings.

Springfield businesses may submit a profile for free for the next year but then will be required to pay $30 a month, or a discounted $330 a year, to keep the listing. Other cities will not be eligible for the free offer.

Aside from listing fees, revenue also will come from paid business placement on the site’s home page under its Hot Spots heading.

Drifter Inc. CEO and President Jason Howard said the site is geared toward residents of a city as well as its visitors.

“I worked for Aflac Insurance for eight years, and I’d done so much travel – the idea came to me in just simply trying to find some place to go to have a nice dinner or sit down and have a couple of drinks,” he said. “I wanted to develop a site that allowed individuals to see what they’re getting into.”

The details of a business’ profile also make the site marketable, Howard said, because most other listings only provide a name, address and phone number.

Howard operates the site from his Springfield home but said he plans to rent office space in the near future. He also anticipates hiring up to five employees – including representatives in the St. Louis and Kansas City regions – as the site takes off.

So far, Howard has been conducting word-of-mouth marketing and visiting individual businesses to pitch the site. He said he also plans to invest in radio and print advertising.

Future Drifter Inc. endeavors include Drifter Apparel Co. and Citydriftersingles.com.