Make use of the next generation of online directories

The next generation of online directories

by vendorsdirectory.com on 03/04/2011 - 04:05 am |

Have you ever wondered what is replacing traditional phonebooks and printed directories? People still have a need to find a business, but the data sources and retrieval methods have changed. If you’ve got a specific service, solutions or area of expertise, you might want to look into the latest online directories available on the web.

You might think of them as internet yellow pages on steroids. All offer a free listing and many have additional services for a fee. Even if you don’t plan to use the pay services, you should verify your business listing is correct. Otherwise, your competitor may profit.

More people appear to be finding local business information online, but I think their retrieval method is changing.

The big changes I see is people are:
- using mobile and smartphones to get business information
- using more user-generated review services

Newer cell phones and wireless devices have removed the step of telling a service your location. A quick look at the iPhone app store shows a number of “location-based services” that combine business information with reviews such as Gowalla, Fourthsquare, Urban Spoon, YP Mobile and so on. Google’s new Android operating system for phones has included location-based service APIs. Even if a cell phone doesn’t detect your location, many directory services have mobile features that allow you to send info to a mobile device.