How to Search the Yellow Pages Online

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Yellow pages
Andrew Sullivan (Kabl00ey), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This article explains how to search the Yellow Pages for information on businesses and companies. Private investigators can use the information in these directories to uncover important information.

What are the Yellow Pages?

Yellow Pages are a telephone directory for businesses organized by product or service category. As the name suggests, the Yellow Pages have been printed on yellow paper and bound into books for many years. However, fewer and fewer companies are wasting time printing physical books as the same information is available online. Users can easily search online databases via computer, tablet, or mobile device.

With the information and data at everyone’s fingertips, the days of pulling out a book to look up phone numbers are a thing of the past. However, they still carry some value, mainly for use in genealogy searches or when trying to find historical numbers for businesses. Visit your local library to find copies of old printed editions.

How to Search the Yellow Pages Online

Many companies allow users to search the Yellow Pages business listings, phone numbers, addresses, maps, driving directions to the business, and more. In addition, many companies provide mobile apps with the same functionality. Search the Google Play Store or the iPhone App Store.

Private investigators can use such sites to search the Yellow Pages to find information on businesses. Also, private eyes may consider advertising in their local publication to attract business.

The following are search tools we recommend for private investigators when searching for business or company information: 800 numbers, etc.

Super Pages.com—Super Pages is the leading online search site with a huge collection of resources, including maps, coupons, reviews, addresses, phone numbers, wireless directories, auctions, and more. It also includes helpful local guides and links to resources for disaster recovery. It also contains resources for maps and directions, a state directory, lottery results, weather forecasts, etc.

YellowPages.com – YellowPages is the only site you need. Considered the “Real Yellow Pages,” this site allows users to find local business listings, phone numbers, addresses, maps, and driving directions across the United States. Companies can also claim their listing and advertise directly on the site. It also has a companion app for your mobile device to look up stuff on the go. You’ll also find helpful information such as coupons, articles, and city directories on the website.

Search Tips

  • Use the Search Bar: Once you’re on the site, you’ll typically find a search bar where you can enter the name of the business or the type of service you’re looking for, along with the location (city, ZIP code). For example, you might search for “plumbers in Chicago” or “Italian restaurants in Miami.”
  • Filter Your Results: After submitting your search, you’ll be presented with a list of businesses or services matching your query. The site offers filters to narrow your results by distance, ratings, or specific services.
  • Explore Business Listings: Click on a business listing to view more details, such as the business address, contact information, hours of operation, and sometimes user reviews and ratings.
  • Be Specific: Use specific terms in your search query to narrow down the results. Including the type of business and the location (e.g., “dentist office in Queens”) can help you find what you’re looking for more efficiently.
  • Check Reviews: If available, use user reviews and ratings, as they can provide valuable insights into the quality of the business or service.
  • Verify Information: To ensure the contact information you find is up-to-date, cross-reference it with the business’s official website or social media profiles.

Alternative Online Directories and Search Engines

  • Google My Business: Use Google search to find a business. Google’s results often include information from the Yellow Pages, user reviews, maps, and contact information.
  • Bing Places for Business: Similar to Google, Bing provides business listings and information sourced from various directories, including the Yellow Pages.
  • Yelp: While not a traditional Yellow Pages directory, Yelp offers comprehensive business listings, reviews, and user-generated photos and tips.

Search International Phone Directories

  • Europages—Europages is a European Purchasing Guide to Companies designed to help you find, select, and contact companies. It is available in 26 languages. Visit the website to search the Yellow Pages for companies in Europe.

Mobile Apps

Yellow Pages Apps: Some Yellow Pages directories offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing a convenient way to search on the go. These apps often have additional features like saving favorite businesses or getting directions.
Following these steps and tips, you can effectively navigate the Yellow Pages and other business directories online to find exactly what you need.

More Information

If you need to search the white pages, read my article on White Page Search Tools.

If you need to find someone, try BeenVerified, the leading provider of People Search and Background Search reports. BeenVerified has an extensive selection of people search reports, background information, court records, real estate, and more.

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