Yelp has recently announced the launch of three new features to enhance user experience and help businesses connect better with their customers. These features include Yelp Guaranteed, an advanced search experience powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), and immersive video, interactive topics, and new reactions in reviews to make Yelp contributions more engaging.
Yelp Guaranteed is a program that offers users up to $2,500 back if something goes wrong with their home improvement project. This program provides peace of mind to users who request quotes from home service professionals. Businesses participating in the Yelp Guaranteed program display a Yelp Guaranteed badge on their listings, indicating their commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. Users can submit a claim if they encounter difficulties resolving an issue directly with the business – whether it is due to dissatisfaction with the work performed, property damage related to the project, or the business failing to show up for a pre-paid job.
Yelp’s advanced search experience powered by AI and LLMs assists users in discovering and connecting with businesses that meet their specific needs. Some of the search features include clickable category tags, review highlights, search suggestions, and a “Surprise Me” feature for making dining suggestions. These features are expected to increase exposure, lead to more inquiries and reviews, and ultimately, more business opportunities for businesses.
The new engagement features on Yelp include videos in reviews, review topics, and new review reactions. Users can now post high-resolution videos up to 12 seconds in length alongside their text reviews and photos. Review topics such as “food,” “service,” and “ambiance” assist users in overcoming writer’s block when crafting reviews. Yelp also introduced new review reactions such as “Helpful,” “Thanks,” “Love this,” and “Oh no” to appreciate users for their reviews. These features aid business growth by showcasing their offerings more effectively, increasing user engagement, enhancing storytelling, improving reputation, and boosting visibility.
In conclusion, Yelp’s new features simplify finding businesses tailored to users’ needs and promote valuable content contributions. With these features, Yelp aims to enhance targeting, visibility, and user engagement for businesses, ultimately leading to better advertising outcomes. Programs like Yelp Guaranteed instill trust among users, benefiting advertisers who participate in the program.