The TechCrunch conference recently took place and its worthwhile event that I try to follow every year. It seems the big trend to emerge this year is around sites that provide consumer ratings and services. In essence, these sites are looking to merge phone book style listings with greater utility.

To that end, start-up Redbeacon.com took the top prize for its innovative model that allows users to search for services among rated providers and connect directly with them to set up appointments and receive quotes. Search results are organized based on a variety of user feedback that includes reviews, ratings, and proximity.

As Redbeacon’s press release explains:

“Consumers describe what they need done and specify when and where their job should take place. Using patent-pending machine learning and semantic technology, Redbeacon determines the best local service providers for the job. If matched, service providers get notified by email and text message and are given the opportunity to submit a price quote. Consumers can then select and book appointments with their top choice service provider based on a comparison of business profiles, price quotes, and ratings and reviews from past Redbeacon consumers.”

Picking up on this trend, the Atlantic Monthly reports last month on sites that have similar models to Redbeacon, pointing to the new wave of .coms seeking to satisfy this demand for consumer opinions online. These ratings sites allow users to offer up their personal spin on virtually anything, but I feel Redbeacon sets itself apart by providing utility for a wide variety of services and situations with a great search.

[image via Chanaye J. Thomas]