Business directory services allow definitions of custom category hierarchies and different search methods, such as, for example, search by location, distance from an addressable location, partial or complete business name, and category. A stepwise refinement search interface provides capability for searching within search results using different search methods or categories. Thus, a user does not have to refine and re-enter search criteria in order to get a progressively selective search. This is particularly useful for mobile phone or hand-held device users who would prefer not to have to re-enter the criteria on each search but rather incrementally refine the search criteria.