Extract data from YELL UK Directory to spreadsheet ?

[jeffinbournemouth]

Hello, I would like to extract data from various business searches on Yell UK online directory(and possibly other businesses directories).
My goal is to export the data to a spreadsheet (business name, tel, email, address), sort it, remove duplicates and then use it for marketing purposes.
Is anyone aware of a decent piece of software that will accomplish the task ?

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Scalloway]

What I would do is copy and paste it as a text document then paste the text into a spreadsheet, do Text to Columns and take it from there.

 

[Annoying Donkey]

So you're going to break the terms and conditions of Yell.com and you're telling the world about it...?

11. You cannot use the website:

as a source of material or contact data for any kind of marketing activity;

 

[fisicx]

That's exactly what I thought. In any case, Yell is so far behind the marketing drag curve it's likely the data is of no value anyway.

 

[jeffinbournemouth]

Thanks for the advice, i really want an automated approach to scrape names and phone numbers primarily rather than doing it manually, looking for software that will grab the data from all results from a business type search. Tried a couple of free software offerings without much success, considering "listgrabber" but wary about paying for software without recommendations. Any suggestions for a more comprehensive national business directory to focus my efforts on are welcomed. Also considered purchasing relevant data (business names, numbers, email, address ) but unsure which company to buy it from ?


Thanks

Jeff

 

[OldWelshGuy]

Jeff do you realise that what youa re doing is illegal and that you can be sued if caught? and the way yell catch people like yourself is by using honey raps. they have their own listings there in the data, and if you contact them they know where you got the data from and they nail you.

Just a consideration, but be careful.

 

[Market Evaluator]

Thanks for the advice, i really want an automated approach to scrape names and phone numbers primarily rather than doing it manually, looking for software that will grab the data from all results from a business type search. Tried a couple of free software offerings without much success, considering "listgrabber" but wary about paying for software without recommendations. Any suggestions for a more comprehensive national business directory to focus my efforts on are welcomed. Also considered purchasing relevant data (business names, numbers, email, address ) but unsure which company to buy it from ?


Thanks

Jeff

There are a number of services on-line. The Yell data can be accessed through Experian's prospects online service. You can also get data online via Market Locator. Then there are some other services that sell cheap lists.

Things to be aware:

• All of the above force bulk use, so yo buy 1,000 records, and if you make the wrong selection it's tough love!
• Only Market Locator maintain their own service, Experian's service is maintained by Yell
• The other, cheaper service providers tend to be selling out of date lists.
• Scrapping is against T&Cs but also the time and effort you'll put is probably not worth the saving

In the very near future, you'll also be able to get it from us but we're a month away from opening for business. We sell flexible lists - so you pay for 500, but you can add them in blocks of 25 so you can A/B test your marketing campaign. You can also build list based on our Market Analysis tools, which help you understand what kinds of businesses are in your target market and build segments accordingly. If you already have customers, you can upload them to our server and we'll help you make customer archetypes that you can use to build prospecting lists.{hope this wasn't too pitchy!}

I've got masses of experience in this market place, If I can help with your questions, please ask.

 

[Market Evaluator]

Jeff do you realise that what youa re doing is illegal and that you can be sued if caught? and the way yell catch people like yourself is by using honey raps. they have their own listings there in the data, and if you contact them they know where you got the data from and they nail you.

Just a consideration, but be careful.

This correct. In the industry they're known as 'spikes'.

 

[InternetMarketingPlatinum]

Jeff do you realise that what youa re doing is illegal and that you can be sued if caught? and the way yell catch people like yourself is by using honey raps. they have their own listings there in the data, and if you contact them they know where you got the data from and they nail you.

Just a consideration, but be careful.

Yes this is called seeded data.

 

[simpson7647]

Taking all the information through an automated system is something they could catch you doing due to these 'traps'. If you however submitted the information manually there would be no way to trace you right? Would just take a lot of time.

 

[fisicx]

But how would you know which were the traps? They may be legitimate businesses but with yell specific data. Yell does a search of the internet, finds your listing and sends you a large fine.

 

[simpson7647]

I guess you would have to verify the details through other means like their website?

 

[fisicx]

If they have the same details on their website - if they even have a website.

It's really not worth the trouble. You would be far better off paying for the data. There are plenty of online sources where you can get upto date lists. Just Google it.

 

[beasty]

I guess you would have to verify the details through other means like their website?

Thereby making the initial pull of data pointless as you will have to verify every single record, so might as well, look at name, go to site get data

 

[munaworks]

I would suggest engaging a web scraper from freelancer or elance and get them to do it for a small price. It shouldn't be too much trouble or expense for someone who is familiar with web scraping.