After a few years of languishing in near obscurity, Looksmart announced today that they would be relaunching themselves as "the largest vertical search site launch in the history of the Web." The new Looksmart features 11 new vertical categories and over 161 new sites.

From a company press release:

LookSmart's new vertical search sites will give consumers the ability to find, save and share content - now segmented per topic. For example, consumers come to the Web with a specific agenda in mind. The vertical search sites are appealing as they provide a more defined, specific set of information about a specific problem, passion, or task.

In total, LookSmart's 181 vertical sites fall under the following 13 categories: Auto, Music, Education, Food, Home Living, Money, Health, Cities, Sports, Recreation, Travel, Tech and Games, and Style.

Advertisers are looking for more options on the Web beyond the big guys and these vertical sites make it easier for them to tap into their demographically targeted audience. LookSmart is offering advertisers paid listings products (pay per click), and now banners, rich media and other units to meet their marketing needs.

ClickZ's Pamela Parker has the full story in: LookSmart Searches for Vertical Comeback.