I am often asked about businesses that don’t have a landline, only mobile phone numbers,  and if that presents any challenges in  Local Search. The answer usually is that a mobile number is fine, but the IYPs are a trusted source of local business data and you can’t get a citation from them if you don’t have a land line.

That may be changing with Verizon’s release of a white pages business directory of mobile numbers for 12 states. It’s not just for Verizon customers, but for all mobile numbers regardless of the provider. In addition to being included in a national 411 online directory, you  choose one or more print directory to be listed in, as well.

The minimal cost of less than $5 per month per print directory certainly isn’t much of a barrier for spammers. There is some type of phone verification, but I haven’t tried it so I don’t know what is involved. Hopefully it’s enough to make it a trusted source of business data  for Google Places.

We don’t really know where this might lead. The idea is a good one and for true local businesses, it could definitely help them to be found in the print directories of the areas they serve, as well as online. (Yes, some people still use those fat books.)

If you’d like to give it a whirl, go to https://www22.verizon.com/multimedia/listings/ , where it says:
Wireless Listings

Get your business cell phone number listed in 411 and the print directories – no matter which wireless carrier you use.

You get listed in our 411 national database
You get to pick the print directory that best meets the needs of your business
You make it easier for customers to find you – 24X7

Make your number available right away! Go ahead and sign-up now and you will be contacted to confirm and complete your order.