Today,   is launching a location-based publishing platform to go along with its hyper-local business directory.  This move is designed to put MerchantCircle on the map with competitors like AOL’s local content network Patch, Facebook Places, and FourSquare. With this system, local merchants both make money off their expertise and also guide further customers to their stores via participation in the app.

This is all part of a growing trend of hyper-local mobile applications and social networking.

Earlier this week, a story ran about the release of a hyper-local travel content network released by Nileguide. A content system dubbed “Ask Locals”, which adds the participation of locals to their tourism and exploration guide.

Also not wanting to miss this boat, Yelp—which already runs the ultimate hyper-local review service—has given us a sneak peek into a new feature called “Yelp Deals.” It will connect Yelp users to local businesses by offering limited-time deals to Yelp users. However, it is yet unclear if these deals will be available via the Yelp app or through the Yelp website. Given the nature of limited-time offers, it would greatly behoove both Yelp and their local merchant partners to enable this sort of feature on their mobile app.

These features, and mobile apps, combined with mobile payment (the ability to pay at the register with just a smartphone) mean to revolutionize how consumers connect with local businesses. Get a ping on a hyper-local application that a nearby restaurant is running a lunch special, go the restaurant and buy with the same phone that provided the notice, then afterwards publish a short review of the meal on a hyper-local reviews website. It’s like the beginning of a highly interconnected Sci-fi movie.

Of course, things are heating up on the mobile payment front as well with AT&T and Verizon jumping into the game.