Member Avatar for larrych

Wonder whether other IT professionals are advertising in yellow page directories, or just online?

My company has been using local print yellow pages for years, but just read this in B to B Marketing Magazine and made us think about the future.

Are Yellow Pages still relevant?

This Yellow Page blog pokes fun at the directories ith links to You Tube postings and shows that others are raising the same question.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by BluEyeKid

Dani AI

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A practical way to think about this: neither "print bad / online good" nor "keep print forever" is universally correct. As asked, and as and argued from different angles, the decision should be driven by where your customers actually look and by measurable return — not by habit or a single article.

Start with a small, measurable test instead of a full switch. Run parallel, time‑boxed experiments and track source-specific response:

  • Give print a tiny, targeted buy in one zip code with a unique phone number, short URL, QR code, or promo code.
  • Run a matching online campaign (local paid search or targeted directory listing) for the same period aimed at the same geography.
  • Use unique landing pages with UTM tags and call tracking so leads can be attributed reliably.
  • Compare cost per lead, close rate, and lifetime value over a 3–6 month window (print often shows slower, brand-driven lift).

Tactical checklist useful for IT firms:

  • Claim and optimize your local listings (consistent NAP across all directories).
  • Add structured data (LocalBusiness) and click-to-call on pages.
  • Use short, mobile-friendly landing pages for any print QR/URL.
  • Collect and manage reviews; review sites often outrank directories for trust signals.
  • Treat directories as citation/SEO plays rather than primary lead generators unless tests prove otherwise.

Cautions: print has long lead times and weaker attribution, so avoid cancelling or doubling down without data. For most B2B IT shops, digital channels scale and measure better, but certain local service verticals and older demographics still produce print ROI in pockets. Run repeatable tests, keep tracking in place, and let cost per qualified customer — not impressions — decide the final mix.

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Member Avatar for muta

I think it depends on your market. I only look in the yellow pages for brick and Morter businesses e.g Carpenters not IT firms. I think online directories are better and if you have a website then you dont need online directories. Because the same why a client is going to find them they can find you (if your website is design with SEO in mind). If I were you I would review my website and the money I would spend on online directories I would give to Google adwords.

That is what I think hope it helps.

Member Avatar for BluEyeKid

In most cases I believe the Yellow Book is still a good place to advertise, at least until it has been fully replaced.

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