When you need financial filings, information on a business, or referrals to professionals in your area, megasearch sites can bog you down or leave you empty-handed. Particularly with localized information, specialty sites prove their mettle.

Melissa Data offers one-stop access to phone directories, zip codes, post office locations, and demographics such as income tax statistics and home sales—valuable goodies for doing your own marketing. Aside from the great freebies, Melissa Data sells an array of products and services for small businesses and professionals.