Yellow Pages (YP) are a print directory which provides an alphabetical listing of businesses within a specific regional area (e.g., Greater Chicago), which are segregated under headings for coinciding types of businesses (e.g., Plumbers). Traditionally these directories have been published by the local phone company, but due to the highly profitable nature of the business there are numerous independent directory publishers. Some YP publishers focus on a particular demographic (e.g., Christian Yellow Pages or Employment Pages).

Advertising in YP directories requires discharge in full prior to printing or may be billed monthly over the life of the contract, which is usually 12 months. Typically, a sales model will assist the customer in creating their ad comp and provides a Proof Ditto for review and approval. Advertisers should be acquainted that many contracts have labor-intensive renewal clauses and require activity on the chunk of the advertiser Business Directory to end coming billing.