Are yellow page ads really necessary?

[Mark Summers]

Here's the thing, yellow page ads are pretty expensive and I am wondering with
a properly google'ized web site and all the cell phones that do the web are yellow
pages really relevant anymore? There is a downward trend in the yellow page
ads I think I hear. How many out there have abondoned the yellow page ad idea?
Do you know others that have? Google has a presence that could supplant I'm
thinking.

Mark

[Roderick Treece]

Mark,
Had one years ago and didn't like it. Make a well built site and do alot of shearch engine optimizing . and you be getting work. As long as your selling something that people are looking on line for.

[Billie DeBekker]

I too, Dumped Yellow Pages about 4 Years Ago. Was a Complete waste of money. For 3 years There was absolutely Nothing in the Phone book. This year due to a few clients request that they would at least like to find my number in the book. (Computer Illiterates) We went with a line ad with website and phone only. $25 a Month..

[BruceJackson]

I started gradually reduced my yellow pages advertising spend about 15 years ago when I started to specialize in gold leaf work, and reduce my regular sign work. It was always an expensive place and never really seemed to be worth it. At least with a speciality, you could be more focused and not pay as much.

About 10-12 years ago, I had pretty well dropped the print advertising, but I paid extra to try their online ads. It was expensive and a complete waste of money. No a single response.

I had one last go at the regular yellow pages with a small ad a couple of years later, but again it was dead. Maybe a handful of phone calls that amounted to nothing.

I've had a website since the mid 90's and along with referrals and repeat clients, that's all I use now.

[Doug Bernhardt]

I have been wondering the same thing. I actually do use the yellow pages but I also haven't got a computer at work. Having a business line entitles me to a listing in the yellow pages and think for next year that might be sufficient. Also I'll make a point of asking first time clients how they found me before deciding.