Over the past few years, the USA Today Network has been positioning itself to become an advertising solutions leader, in addition to publisher with the purchase of ReachLocal in 2016 and SweetIQ in 2017.

This week, the company announced plans to consolidate its digital and data capabilities with the launch of LOCALiQ.

With the launch of LOCALiQ, the USA Today Network is able to offer a similar model offered by ad agencies, fortifying new lines of revenue for both itself and its clients. U.S. local ad spending is expected to increase by 5% this year, according to BIA/Kelsey.

The USA Today Network plans to aid local businesses connected to its publications take advantage of that increase.

LOCALiQ combines the web presence optimization, search and social-digital lead generation of ReachLocal and the local listings and reputation management services provided by SweetIQ, with existing online and offline advertising offerings.

The result is a comprehensive solution built to connect businesses with consumers across platforms like Bing, Google and Facebook.

The USA Today Network consists of more than 100 local papers and counts more than 120 million local audience members. LOCALiQ is equipped to connect small business across that network using rich data resources, resulting in more effect reach and a better RIO.

The launch also includes the LOCALiQ Grader audit tool, which provides small businesses with the ability to compare their online marketing presences with competitors and field suggestions on how they might improve their strategy.

Kevin Gentzel, Chief Revenue Officer, Gannett, and the USA Today Network, stated: “With LOCALiQ, we utilize our scale, proprietary technology, data-driven solutions and informed best practices — all to help millions of local business across the U.S. win. We believe that LOCALiQ, and the technology powering it, will give our clients a big advantage as they seek to reach customers effectively and efficiently wherever they are.”