Business directories are a common way for businesses to both advertise themselves, as well as find potential business partners or sales leads. For many businesses, having access to a variety of business directories is a critical step in their success.

Typical business directories allow the reader to find businesses of all types, by location. Some also give the user a chance to glean important information about the size, credit history, credit standing, and other financial indicators of the business. Business directories are also available for specific industries. Some business directories may specialize in certain niches, or they may be all encompassing.

Typical business directories include Hoovers, Harris Info, Dun & Bradstreet and others.