With so many phone books out there, it can be hard to choose which ones are worth being listed in. These days, most of them not only have a print version of their book, but also have an online presence. This also gives the advertisers more options, such as having a video clip attached to their online listing page. Today I will review the top 3 on my list: YellowPages, Canpages, and Goldbook.
Yellow Pages
Probably the largest, most recognized and therefore most expensive directory out there for both print and online advertising. They now have Canada 411 and other directories which enhances their presence. Even though they are a valuable directory to be in, I wouldn’t go ahead and dump all my advertising dollars in this one. Only if your budget is big enough, they might be a viable option.
Alexa Ranking for www.yellowpages.ca is approximately: 5,500
Canpages
Their print portion is growing quite rapidly across the nation. Their online portion is quite unique. You can get a free online link throughout Canpages, without paying for an online listing. This is the only one of the 3 that gives you a free online link when you get your business in their online directory…so in terms of getting stuff for free, Canpages ranks number 1. They do offer a sponsored listing, which may or may not be worth it. I found that in some categories, the competition is so slim, that a regular free listing will do, especially if your company’s name is closer to the start of the alphabet.
Alexa Ranking for www.canpages.ca is approximately: 12,000
Goldbook
Probably weaker than Canpages in terms of their print distribution, but stronger in terms of their local online presence in southern Ontario. They were purchased by The Toronto Star, and are affiliated with many other local newspapers and search sites. You will find their search bar on www.thestar.com and many other local sites, which helps attract many users. Goldbook charges $25 for a listing, and $5 for every additional link. They create a content page for your business, which seems to be more search engine friendly compared to the short abbreviated listings in other directories.
Alexa Ranking for www.goldbook.ca is approximately: 65,000
Don’t rely on just one of theses directories. Ideally, if you can be in all 3, than you’ll be way ahead of the game. If you can’t afford that – start with the smallest package from one or two directories, and work your way to larger ads. Test the directory first, before you dump your whole advertising budget with one vendor.
