Consumers given reason to choose Canpages
Jim Jamieson
Province
Convinced that Greater Vancouver residents want everything in one big phone book, Coquitlam-base Canpages Inc. has begun distributing a directory that covers the entire area.
This week, as well, Canpages launched online and wireless services it believes will give users — and advertisers — a reason to choose it over rival Yellow Pages Group.
Canpages, which publishes more than 70 telephone directories across B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Yukon and the Northwest Territories with a total circulation of 5.6 million, has included Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, North Vancouver and West Vancouver in its latest phone book.
Yellow Pages Group breaks its directories into smaller geographical areas.
“The world of phone directories in Canada has been a monopoly for many years,” said Olivier Vincent, president and CEO of Canpages.
“Directories’ [area of coverage] has narrowed and content become boring. There is a need for an alternative.
“Our company is focused on delivering products that are better designed for users, but also more friendly for advertisers.”
The Greater Vancouver directory consists of about 2,000 pages of business phone numbers, listed alphabetically and by type of business. Vincent said 615,000 directories will be fully distributed by the end of the month.
Canpages also launched a comprehensive local search engine (www.canpages.ca) to help consumers connect to Vancouver-area products and services. The search engine features interactive maps, multiple searching and even videos of local businesses.
Also new is a texting-based wireless directory assistance for the Lower Mainland, so users can find listings on their mobile phone.
The service cost 50 cents per listing.
Vincent said his company believes that the print medium is just as important as the growing online product.
“Our usage surveys tell us that print is not disappearing,” he said.
“We are linking buyers and sellers and we’re doing it whether you are at home or on the go.”
© The Vancouver Province 2007
