Threats
For an Internet portal such as this directory, many 'threats' are evident, given that consumers have such a wide array of other potential choices use to find information. Perhaps the most obvious threat is Google itself -- consumers can simply Google businesses directly and cut out the 'middleperson.' Or they can look for portals specifically designed to direct users to movers, restaurants, etcetera. Many portals like 'Yelp' also include user reviews, which this website lacks.
Perhaps the most obvious competitor for the website, however, is the simplest -- the Canadian online Yellow Pages, which allows for easy searching -- the search function is on the website homepage. There are also multiple ways of searching the Yellow Pages,...
For example, a user could find a yoga studio in Ontario, rather than have to confine his or her search to simply yoga OR Ontario. A far wider array of businesses is showcased within the Canadian Yellow Pages (both small and larger). Users can review businesses, so a casual surfer can be immediately directed to a five star yoga studio in Ontario. There is also a friendly and helpful 'map quest' function easily accessible on the page.
References
Canadian Small Business Directory. (2011). Retrieved August 2, 2011 at http://www.vendorland.ca/
Canadian Yellow Pages. (2011). Retrieved August 2, 2011 at http://www.yellowpages.ca/
