Database & Directory Publishing in Canada - Industry Market Research Report

One for the books: The growing use of digital advertisements is expected to hinder industry revenue growth

The transition from printed databases and directories to online formats has left the Canadian Database and Directory Publishing industry reeling, with revenue decreasing over the five years to 2023 because of this transition and COVID-19. From the advertisers' perspective, marketing costs are allocated to the media channels that most accurately reflect consumer behaviour. As more consumers shift to digital directory and database substitutes, demand for print advertisements, previously the industry's largest revenue source and profit indicator, has declined. Over the five years to 2023, the number of consumers with smartphones, which come with online directory capabilities via their ability to connect to the internet, has risen alongside internet connectivity. This has coincided with declining demand for industry products. Consequently, industry revenue has been declining an annualized 10.2% over the past five years, and is expected to reach $1.4 billion in 2023. This includes a decrease of 3.6% in 2023 alone.

Operators in this industry publish organized compilations of information or facts in either print or electronic form. Electronic versions can be provided directly to customers by the publisher, offered through online services or by third-party vendors. This industry does not, however, include businesses that publish solely on the internet.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.