Searching for a specific person, business, or service can often take a great deal of time. The effort is made easier with YP.com, the new Yellow Pages. The site is intended for searches, allowing users to easily find people, restuarants, automotive solutions, attorneys, and more in a fast timeframe. Businesses can utilize the marketing solutions provided by YP in an effort to gain more customers and reach a larger audience.
About YP.com
Helping local businesses grow is the goal of YP. The company is a marketing solutions provider available to local businesses throughout the United States. What was once known as AT&T Interactive, and then AT&T Advertising Solutions, is now a conversion of the two. YP began in 2012 in an effort to provide marketing solutions to local companies. Connecting consumers with businesses is the main objective.
Top Features of YP.com
The new YP is available in the app store. It can be downloaded through Google Play for Android devices, or in the Apple App Store for iPhones. The app allows users to easily store searches so they can be found quickly the next time around. Businesses should be sure they are included in the listings so they are seen and saved by as many people in the area as possible to gain more attention.
There is a browse section listed on the YP website. It allows users to browse through seven different categories, providing quick access to the necessary information. Find people, featured collections, restaurants, automotive, home improvement, health & wellness, and attorneys are the categories listed. A list of the most commonly searched for businesses are included, as well as the most popular cities. Businesses need to have their categories set to be sure they are included in this lists.
The Featured Collections section provides a full list of areas or businesses that meet specific criteria. Ten parent-friendly vacations is one of the options, offering information on vacation spots that provide childcare so the parents can get away for a short while. Unplugged Getaways is another listed collection, offering insight into locations around the U.S. where people can simply enjoy their surroundings and get away from the modern world. These collections are ideal to use when a specific type of adventure is on someone’s mind. Businesses listed in these collections will be visited by anyone who reads them and decides to make the trip.
Another helpful feature is the coupon addition. Any coupons listed for nearby businesses are included on the site. They can be printed directly off the site and used during the designated timeframe. Businesses can include their coupons in this section to receive more attention.
YP.com Prices
YP Marketing Solutions offers a free presence scan. This scan pinpoints problems with business listings. For example, if a business owner provides their phone number and business name, the scan will turn up all results with the same name. The number may be listed differently on a Facebook page than it is in the YP directory. Performing the scan will help owners find the mistakes so they can correct them and ensure all information is up to date so customers can reach them.
While the initial scan is free, all of the results may not be. Businesses must pay to have all of the details unlocked so they can use it to their advantage. The price of this needs to be discussed with a sales representative, whom can be reached at (800) 573-0059 between 8 a.m and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
There is also a form to fill out if additional needs are to be discussed. Those that do not want to speak by phone can fill out the form and receive an email instead. It should include the first and last name of the business owner, email address, phone number, business name, business type, zip code for the business area, the number of employees, and what the exact purpose is for reaching out. This could include being interested in local search ads, search engine marketing, print yellow pages, websites, videos, listing management, direct marketing, display advertising, or otherwise. Any of these business solutions are worthwhile to look into. A YP representative will respond to all inquiries and discuss the available options.
Starting at $50 per month
Local ads on YP offer several key benefits. They allow businesses to promote themselves on the YP site, provide a campaign strategy, include featured ads, offer organic result listings, and provide program reports. Prices start at $59 per month for this service, and increase based on the level of involvement. 
$120 per month
Professional video solutions are also available through YP. One option is the video profile. It helps to enhance a company’s online image and put potential customers at ease. The video is published both on the YP website and Youtube for further exposure. A customized call-to-action is included.
$79 per month
A full service website solution is offered by YP. For $79 a month a company can have a mobile-friendly website created that includes their own customized details. The professionally designed web page includes five pages. Social media integration is also included. For the first 30 days, unlimited design support is offered to help owners get through the process. Ongoing design support is offered at 60 minutes per month. The site includes tracking and reports that will help to generate leads.
$120 per month
The Video 360 option is the same price as the profile, at $120 per month. It offers a photo-realistic 3D tour of the business. It helps to grab the customer’s attention and showcase the company’s expertise in the industry. This video solution is also published on Youtube and YP. This gives an in-depth look at a company and what it is they have to offer. Photos of both the inside and outside of the business are ideal to include, along with pictures of featured products, as well as smiling employees.
Various Pricing Packages
Search engine marketing is also a possibility for businesses. The ypSearch and ypSearch Pro options are both available. Packages for ypSearch range from $300 to $5,999. It costs upwards of $6,000 for ypSearch Pro, which includes a number of additional services.
These include a dedicated account manager, exploratory consultation call, monthly strategy sessions, detailed reports, and custom report solutions.
Starting at $10,000 per campaign
A local direct marketing consultant will help a business begin a campaign. Lifestyle and demographic filters will help to pinpoint appropriate targets for the business. Customized graphics will be made that will help capture the essence of the business in order to better stand out to potential customers. A single drop date can be selected for when all materials will go out, or it can be spread out over multiple drop dates. The printing, mailing, and email sending will all be handled by the marketing consultant, so the business owner can worry about other tasks.
By providing a phone number and business name, companies can at least have their listing included on the YP site. It is free to do so. The listing can be set up in just a few minutes, once a few simple details about the business are filled out, including contact information and a category that describes what the business is or does.
Downside of YP.com
The hefty monthly expenses is the main complaint of YP customers. While it is worth it in the end for businesses to utilize these solutions, the initial costs seem steep before knowing how well the solutions will actually work.
Another common complaint is the amount of time it can take for a representative to respond to phone calls, or how long the wait is while attempting to contact them. While this can be frustrating, there are a number of other people who are waiting to hear from customer support, so it may not always be timely for every person. There are other methods for contact, however, such as sending an email that support will typically respond to within 24 to 48 hours.
Customer Support
There are two main methods for contacting YP customer support. There is a phone number available where a representative can be reached. The number can be reached at 1-800-577-7126. It is available between the hours of 7 a.m and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Those that would rather discuss options via email can send a message to support instead. All that needs to be done is filling out a simple form with basic information about the business, along with contact information. Click the submit button at the bottom when finished, and the message will be sent. Someone will respond shortly.
Final Thoughts
YP.com offers innovative marketing solutions for businesses. With an assortment of options to choose from, including websites, video, search engine marketing, and more, every business can receive the solution they need to grow their business.
A few free consultations, scans, and listings are a great way to begin the process before making final purchasing decisions on more in-depth products.
