Just read a story about Google's newest offering:

A system that allows online sites to offer coupons to increase sales. Coupons can be a useful way to drive sales in general, and now Google makes it easier for small buisnesses to offer users coupons through their website for products or services they offer.

This is being run in conjunction with Google Maps, so it's use in local marketing is obvious.

Might be a nice benefit in the local arenas being developed now.

Here is the story from USA Today.