411 usage???

The last time I dialed 411 was before I had a smartphone. Since then, I rely on the free YellowPages app on my smartphone, an online search, or simply plugging in what I'm looking for in the Maps section on my phone. I rarely, if ever, use an actual paper book to look things up - and that is only while at work where I can't whip my phone out. Though having said that, I still look things up at work online using the desktop computer more often than using the phone book.
The difference being that my phone is always with me, not so a phone book. I might be driving into town and remember several things I need to do or buy, and don't know where they sell or offer a particular something I'm looking for. So the next time I am pulled over, out comes the phone to look it up.
When I am at work, it can be faster to type it into the computer instead of looking it up in the book. Especially since some things are listed under a different heading than I would expect (face painter could be under entertainment, or art, or??) and if the business moved, it's more likely the digital version is updated first.
I don't know if I am complicating this for you by saying this, but I use Yellow Pages most often. It is handiest, most accurate, and tells me the relative distance to where they are in relation to me at that moment. I love the feature of being able to add them as a contact in my phone, right from the Yellow Pages app. I have used that feature often.
Hope that helps.

411? Is that like directory assistance?

Yes Shannon, I wasn't giving thought to out of US...sorry. Would like your input. If I do not renew yellow pages I won't be in the directory if someone calls for directory assistance. I'm not a store front so I don't need location so wouldn't they just google me??? SMALL town business, been here 34 years, perform at local restaurant and doing 2nd generation birthday parties...that's my market. Perform at ocean front hotel in summers 6 days a week and this year will be painting at minor league baseball stadium...I have visibility.
I'm thinking people looking for a face painter, clown, entertainer or me personally will search and when that happens in this area I come up all over the place. Need other opinions...

I know of no one who has ever called information looking for me. They get on google or look my name up in the white pages - which is easy since I do business under my own name.

I actually don't know too many people who use the Yellow pages to advertise in our industry.

Your instincts are right on. Don't need the yellow pages anymore. That is not where people looking for a face painter will go to find you. That's not even where folks go to find a plumber anymore. They go to the internet. Smartphone. Word of mouth. Google. "Face Painter this city" They'll even Google the restaurant they saw you at last month and call them, "Who's your face painter?" before it would ever cross their minds to look you up in the yellow pages.

None of my grown kids even own a phone book. They recycle them as soon as they show up!

I have cancelled delivery of phone books to our house (you can do that you know) because it is a total waste of paper and energy. I haven't used a phone book in over a decade! Your money is better spent on Google AdWords.

i use my phonebook as practice paper for my toddler using scissors. I havent used one in years, I use my phone internet or internet in general. I dont even have a house phone to tell the truth. sometimes i use yellow pages online, but usually i just google the company and city im looking for.

oh, i have used 411 once or twice. when i was out of town and couldnt get a free wiifii connection. but i havent used it in a long time.

I didn't even know what 411 was, so that tells you how much I use it! I'd say skip it; young people are not going to call 411 to find you.