Over the past few years, i’ve spent a lot of time thinking about ways to help small businesses get found by prospective customers.
I’ve thought about the issue in the context of on-line search (the future) — natural, paid, local, mobile, etc.
I’ve also thought about the issue in the context of off-line search (the past) — print yellow pages, classifieds, newspaper, etc.
Every once in a while i come across a simple (and sometimes humorous) artifact that reminds me just how massive the shift has been from offline to online. Take for example the following photograph.
Old School: How to Get Listed in the Yellowpages
I snapped this photo with my Blackberry while visiting Warren County Ohio on Friday. I apologize in advance for the poor resolution, but i just had to share. This is an actual page located in the front of the paper phone book. It’s called a “business response” page and it says the following:
If you operate a business that is not listed in this directory and would like your company information listed in the next issue, please fill in the following as you would like it to appear.
After you fill-in the form. You’re supposed to tear out the page and mail it to a PO Box in Pennsylvania. A few weeks later you will receive a phone call from a Yellowbook sales rep who will kindly sell you an advert. How’s that for old school?
With that sales model, maybe that’s why Yellow Book is in the tank…just a thought…
If I have use a internet voice type phone (no phone co. per se), how do I get a listed in the local yellow pages or white pages. thanks paul
I would encourage you to submit your business here http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter?gl=US&hl=en-US
You should also take a look at http://www.universalbusinesslisting.org and http://www.getlisted.org
I hope that helps.