DexKnows Local Business Directory

Remember the Dex telephone directory—you know, back when people used to sift through the phone book to find contact information? It turns out Dex is alive and well, and has shifted its business model to fit into the technological era (online marketing).

The Dex directory has morphed into DexKnows, and now specializes in helping consumers find local businesses using a search engine similar to Yelp or Citysearch. Site visitors enter the category of business they’re looking for, i.e., Mexican restaurant, chiropractor or hotel, into the large search field on the main page along with a city and state. Then, DexKnows delivers a search results page with the best matches. Each listing shows the business’ address, phone number and Yelp star rating. When users click on a listing, a page with a map and Yelp reviews comes up.

DexKnows is compatible with standard browsers as well as iPhones and Androids. Beyond business listings, the site also offers a tips section with articles on pets, food, car care, real estate, gardening and more. The tips articles are essentially how-to guides for general consumer needs. There are also specialized DexKnows sites for weddings and home improvement.

DexKnows is operated by Dex One, a marketing company that also owns the website DexPages. The company runs a social media site for small business called ShopTalk, which provides a forum for company owners and managers to discuss the ins and outs of online marketing.

Along with its Internet directories, Dex still publishes paper directories for home delivery. The DexKnows website offers a link for consumers to opt out of the printed phone book, and also pairs people with recycling sources so they don’t need to toss the books into the garbage.

Throughout the ups and downs of the directory business, Dex has hung in there—and DexKnows may prove a valuable marketing outlet for some small businesses.