SadakMap is a 2-month old startup that relies on user generated content (UGC) to put relevant local listings on the site.
As per Unmesh, founder of SadakMap:
“SadakMap has developed a platform that allows users to build out quality local information. Unlike traditional yellow pages sites, we don’t aspire to have all local listings on our site but only those that our community chooses to list. Thus, a local bhelpuri-walla that is a popular hangout for nearby college kids, is more likely to make it on SadakMap than on any of the yellowpages sites. Add reviews to this mix and what you get is community run collaborative local listings. Another feature is the ability to post messages (or what we call mini-blogs) which allows users to talk to their neighbors, highlight civic issues, etc.”
SadakMap uses Google Maps API for rendering the maps and also allows FaceBook logins for user registration.
One of the interesting feature is SpotMeUrl – which is the user profile/home page for users (and captures user’s activity in SadakMap). SadakMap is smart enough to build seo-friendly permalinks for businesses (e.g. http://www.sadakmap.com/p/Gupte-Hospital/) : apart from getting some google juice, it also helps one to remember any point of interest.
Unlike WikiMapia, SadakMap doesn’t allow users to add locations without signing in and as I spoke to Unmesh, they haven’t witnessed any spams so far.
SadakMap’s UGC approach is also followed by few local search providers too (sites like yulop/youmagix etc too allow viewers to add listings).
But the basic question is why should somebody add local listings or even edit local listings? Infact, of all the sites that rely on UGC for content, very few are able to drive visitors to contribute.
In general, UGC doesn’t seem to have taken place in India and SadakMap needs to really identify the sole reason why it should appeal to the wide audience. Most importantly, SadakMap will face a stiff competition from local search providers – who are running across the entire city to index businesses (and rely on users only for feedbacks/reviews of those businesses).
As far as monetization is concerned, SadakMap can partner with enterprise companies or businesses (like banks etc) to license their platform – case in point, one can look for SBI bank locations in a city.
SadakMap has some cool community-oriented feature lined up (can’t disclose now), and it would be interesting to see how they compete with other local players.
What’s your take on SadakMap? Will you use it?
tags: sadakmap
Interesting idea – but what’s their differentiator? And as you said- I dont think there is enough meat to actually add my location/listing details on the site.
Though I must say that site has been beautifully done – cool use of google apis and aesthetically sound!
“Thus, a local bhelpuri-walla that is a popular hangout for nearby college kids, is more likely to make it on SadakMap than on any of the yellowpages sites.”
Why would i be interested in facts like which bhelpuri guy sells good 20kms away?..and if it is 2kms away i will know it anyway!
classifieds are organized for convenience and a purpose!…
i dotn see any use of this mini google maps application…people could have done this with google maps anyway!..what’s the special incentive here?
If i need to “make a decision” in today’s traffic conditions am not sure how much i can rely on a service like this!
It will be hard for getting users glued to this site, unless there is a REAL incentive!
All said,I wish this venture good luck, and I wish it helps one and all and the founders are happy after 10 years, and they take solace in the fact that all that I said is wrong!
Thanks Ashish for the “plugg” and a candid review.
@Sameer – we have focused on creating a map-based platform that lends itself to different applications. The ones you see are adding local places and posting messages. Next we are working on a mechanism for enterprises to use SadakMap for their location lookup services. e.g. the current SBI Banks ATM/Branch locator is tedious to use. Imagine it being replaced by SadakMap’s interface (demo here).
I agree, there is not a whole lot of “incentive” to get people to add local places to the map – so a tie-up with a portal could be the way to go.
Glad you liked the site – we know that only goes so far – but its a first step.
@vk – 10 years – the last 2 months almost feels like 2 years so we should soon be there
We feel our advantage over traditional yellow pages sites is the fact that we give you contextual information. e.g. if you search for an electronic store on a YP site – you will get just that. On SadakMap, you will be able to see what else is around it and in the process hit upon that bhelpuri-walla around the corner. (Google local also limits searches to the keyword – but no telling what they would do next). Again – we are evolving, so all this feedback is pure manure and thanks for taking the time. Our Facebook integration have opened up some networking related possibilities – so who knows where this might lead.
Regards,
Unmesh.
unmesh [at] sadakmap [dot] com
SpotMeUrl: http://www.sadakmap.com/spotme/unmesh
Umesh,
Thank you – keep it going!
my comments were purely from a crtical analysis p.o.v.
all said, it is an evolutionary process,and kudos to you adn your team for getting STARTED!
my best wishes,
vK
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hi guys
Interesting. since we faced lot of reluctance from UGC to build content from scratch we have populated our site http://www.findnearyou.com with a lot of local info from bhelpuri wala to swarvoski showrooms.
check us out