Yelp is taking business discovery to the next level with new AI-powered features. Whether you’re searching for a hidden gem around the corner or exploring trending spots, new Yelp’s new AI features will make it easier to discover, learn about, and connect with local businesses.
Here’s how Yelp is changing the way we find and experience local favorites:
AI-Enhanced Business Discovery with More Contextual Information
With updates to the home feed and business pages, you’ll now see more personalized content and trending searches that actually matter to you. It’s like Yelp just gets you—helping you discover new spots that are tailored to your taste.
One of the standout features is AI-stitched videos. These videos are made using real photos, videos, and information from Yelp. They provide a unique and engaging way to learn about local businesses, including restaurants and their popular dishes. It’s like getting a sneak peek before you visit.
Yelp is also improving business pages by showing reviewers’ Recognitions next to their reviews. This helps users see which reviewers have more experience with similar businesses.
Personalized Home Feed and Trending Searches
Your Yelp home feed is now more dynamic and personalized than ever before, especially on iOS. With the latest updates, the feed includes:
- Autoplay User Videos: Videos now play automatically, unmuting and expanding to full-screen as you scroll. This feature provides a more immersive experience, helping users get a better feel for a business.
- User Reviews and Photos: Recent experiences are highlighted through user reviews paired with photos. This gives you a real look at what to expect.
- Trending Searches: These inspire exploration by showcasing what’s popular in your area.
- Hot & New and Trending Businesses: Yelp now highlights popular nearby spots, helping you stay in the loop about the latest happenings.
- Top Lists and Collections: Videos and collections feature businesses from Yelp’s top lists, making it easy to discover new favorites.
In the coming weeks, Yelp will introduce an AI-powered update that customizes your home feed even more. This means you’ll see businesses that better match your preferences, making it easier to find places you’ll love.
Another exciting addition is the trending searches drop-down menu navigation. When a person uses a search bar on Yelp’s iOS app, popular user searches in your area will pop up. This feature helps you discover great local businesses you might not have thought to look for. It’s set to launch on Android early next year.
Recognitions: Spotlighting Trusted Reviewers
Yelp is making it easier to find trusted voices in the community with its expanded Recognitions feature. Recognitions highlight reviewers who are familiar with specific types of businesses. For example, if someone frequently reviews local cafes, their Recognition will show they’re an experienced voice in that category.
This feature helps you navigate different perspectives in reviews and find reviewers whose tastes align with yours. You can even click on a Recognition to see other businesses the reviewer has recommended in the same category.
Initially launched for restaurants, food, and nightlife, Recognitions now covers more than 220 categories, including home services, beauty, and active life. There are currently over 170 different Recognitions, which reviewers earn by contributing at least three reviews within a year for businesses in a select category.
Recognitions are available on iOS and desktop, with Android support coming early next year. This makes finding trusted opinions easier, no matter how you use Yelp.
Transparent Tipping and Payment Policies
Planning ahead is easier with Yelp’s new business attributes for tipping and payment policies. These updates provide transparency about what to expect before you visit a business. Here’s what’s new:
- Tipping Policies: Business pages now indicate if a business has a “no tipping” policy, if tipping is optional, or if gratuity is automatically applied to the bill. This is especially useful for restaurants, nightlife, and beauty services.
- Large Party Tipping: You can see if tipping is mandatory or optional for large groups, helping you avoid surprises on the bill.
- Credit Card Fees and Minimums: Yelp shows if a business has credit card processing fees or minimum card payment amounts.
- Alternative Payment Methods: Look for businesses that accept Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App.
You can find this information under the “Payments” section within the business’s amenities on their Yelp page. Business owners can add these details by updating their “Business Information” section on Yelp for Business.
Yelp also gathers feedback from users about these attributes through the “Update the community” questions on business pages. This helps ensure that the information stays accurate and up-to-date.
Redesigned Business Pages for Better Connections
Yelp has redesigned its business pages to make it easier to find what you need and connect with local businesses. Here’s what’s new:
- “People Also Search For” Section: This section uses AI to suggest relevant businesses based on your search intent. It’s currently available on desktop and will launch on iOS next month.
- Personalized Action Panel: On mobile, restaurant, food, and nightlife business pages now have a personalized action panel. This panel stays visible as you scroll, letting you easily place food orders, call the business, visit their website, and more.
- Improved Navigation Bar: The navigation bar now works across all categories, allowing you to jump directly to a business’s amenities, reviews, and more.
- Enhanced Page Design: Business pages on iOS have a cleaner layout for better readability.
Why These Updates Matter
Yelp just made finding local businesses easier and more fun! Thanks to some smart AI, you’ll now see more personalized content that helps you find the right spots faster. They’ve also added something called Recognitions, which highlights trusted reviewers—making it easier to know whose opinion to trust.
Plus, the redesigned business pages make it super simple to get the info you need, especially when you’re on the go.
Final Thoughts
With these AI-powered updates, Yelp continues to innovate the way we discover and connect with local businesses.
If you’re looking to enhance your digital marketing strategy or need help optimizing your business page on Yelp, consider partnering with a digital marketing agency in Pasadena like Cybertegic. They can help you leverage platforms like Yelp to reach more customers and grow your business.
Yelp’s latest updates show how AI can enhance our everyday experiences. With personalized feeds, trusted reviewer insights, and clear payment policies, discovering local businesses has never been easier.
Source:
Yelp Blog