Help With Searching
This is the help page for people searching the Spinky directory. For the advertisers help page please click here.
Help Topics:
Default location
Spinky is a local business directory and before you can use it you must select the location (town or city) you wish to use. Once you have selected your location, Spinky will remember it and use it each time you visit (or until you select a different location.
Click here to select a new location. You can also change your default location at any time by clicking the "Change Location" button in the search box.
Site navigation
You can jump staright to the Spinky Search Page from any other page on the site, by clicking the Spinky logo at the top of the page.
For links to other key pages see the page footer and for a full list or all pages on the site, refer to the site map.
Search for businesses by type
To find a business by type (for example florists), enter the type of business you are looking for in the "Business Type" search box and then click the "Search" button. Spinky will then give you a list of all businesses in your area of that type. You can leave the "Business Name" box blank or you can enter a name if you are looking for a specific business.
When you search for a business type along with a business name, Spinky tries to find a business that matches both of those criteria.
Search for businesses by name
To find a business by name (for example the red lion), enter the name (or the first part of the name) of the business you are looking for in the "Business Name" search box, and then click the "Search" button. Spinky will then try to find a business with that name in your area. You can leave the "Business Type" box blank or you can enter a type (for example pubs) if you are looking for a business of a specific type.
When you search for a business type along with a business name, Spinky tries to find a business that matches both of those criteria.
Category searches
The businesses in the Spinky directory are broken down into categories and then into sub-categories. Category searches are a great way of browsing the Spinky directory and they can also help if you are having trouble finding a business by name and/or type.
The main categories are listed on the Spinky Search Page (and also as a drop down list on the results page). Select a category by clicking the link (or selecting the drop down item) and you will be shown a list of all sub-categories for that main category. Select a sub-category by clicking the link and Spinky will give you a list of all businesses in your area of for that sub-category.
For a full list of categories and sub-categories see here.
Search results
When a search is successful, Spinky will list the businesses found on the results page. Each business will have a 2 line entry. Line 1 shows the business name and telephone number. Line 2 shows the business's postal address.
Certain businesses have enhanced listings and these may also have 1 or more icons as described below.
When this icon is displayed, spinky has more information about the business in the form of a webvert. Click the icon to open a new browser window and view the webvert.
When this icon is displayed a link to the business's own web site is available. Click the icon to open a new browser window and visit that site.
This icon indicates that the business has a Spinky Info Video. Click the icon to view the Info Video. All Spinky Info Videos include a sound track so please switch on your speakers and turn up the volume.
When you see this icon you can use the Spinky Texting Service to send a mobile phone text message to the business concerned. Click the icon to start the process.
Like a chalk board A-frame you might see in town, the Spinky Chalkboard is used by businesses to provide up to date info on offers and events. Click the icon to see what the business has to offer you today!.