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 that are organized by the category of product or service. 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 trees to print 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 to use 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. Also, Super Pages includes helpful local guides and links to resources for disaster recovery. It also includes 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 comes with a companion app for your mobile device for looking up stuff on the go. You’ll also find helpful information such as coupons, articles, and city directories on the website.
Superior Business Network – The SBN utilizes thousands of registered reviewers from the country to post their experiences with local businesses. This allows others to read about these experiences in the form of reviews. In addition, the SBN has online search tools to help you find businesses locally or nationwide.
Search International Phone Directories
- Europages – Europages is a European Purchasing Guide to Companies designed to help you find, select, and contact companies. Available in 26 languages. Visit the website to search the yellow pages for companies in Europe.
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.