In a country as vast and diverse as India, finding the right local service, be it a plumber, doctor, restaurant, or repair technician, can be challenging. That’s where Justdial, one of India’s most trusted local search platforms, steps in. Since its humble beginnings in 1996, Justdial has evolved into a digital giant, bridging the gap between users and businesses across every corner of the country.
The Journey from Phone Calls to Digital Dominance
Founded by V.S.S. Mani, Justdial started as a phone-based local directory in Mumbai. Users could call a single number to get information about nearby businesses. As technology evolved, so did the platform. With the launch of its website and mobile app, Justdial went fully digital, becoming an indispensable tool for millions of Indians.
Today, Justdial boasts:
- Over 30 million business listings
- Presence in hundreds of cities and towns
- Services available in multiple Indian languages
- Millions of daily active users
What Makes Justdial Unique?
Justdial isn’t just a search engine, it’s an ecosystem. Its features include:
- Instant Search Results: Search for businesses by name, category, or location.
- Verified Listings: Look for the “JD Verified” badge for trustworthy vendors.
- Ratings & Reviews: Make informed decisions with real customer feedback.
- Online Bookings: Reserve restaurant tables, book doctor appointments, or schedule home services.
- Voice Search: Use voice commands on the app for quick results.
- Justdial Pay: Make payments and access exclusive deals and cashback offers.
It also caters to B2B services, allowing businesses to connect with suppliers, vendors, and distributors in a seamless way.
The Business Behind the Brand
Justdial operates on a freemium model, basic listings are free, but businesses can pay for premium visibility and lead generation tools. Its services are especially valuable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), helping them go digital without complex infrastructure.
In 2021, Justdial received a major boost when Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. acquired a 66.95% stake in the company. This strategic move integrated Justdial into Reliance’s growing digital ecosystem, alongside platforms like JioMart and Ajio.
What’s Next for Justdial?
With Reliance’s backing and India’s fast-growing digital economy, Justdial is now focusing on:
- AI-powered recommendations
- Hyperlocal delivery tie-ups
- Fintech services for SMEs
- Deeper penetration into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
Its mission remains clear: empower every Indian with the information they need: fast, easy, and reliably.
