Yelp Introduces AI Assistant for Enhanced Business Connections

Yelp Introduces AI-Powered Chatbot and API for Enhanced Business Discovery

Yelp Assistant: Connecting Consumers with Relevant Professionals

Yelp, the popular online platform for discovering local businesses, has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-powered chatbot designed to streamline the process of connecting consumers with relevant professionals for their specific needs. This innovative feature, available on the iOS app under the “Projects” tab, utilizes OpenAI’s advanced language models in conjunction with Yelp’s extensive database to provide a seamless user experience. Android users can expect to access the chatbot later this year.

Unlike traditional search methods, Yelp Assistant allows users to directly describe their problems within the chat interface. The intelligent bot engages in a conversation, asking pertinent follow-up questions and gathering essential information, including the user’s zip code, to create a tailored project. Once the bot relays the information to relevant professionals, users can view and respond to messages using custom replies or the app’s quick reply feature.

Project Ideas: Personalized Recommendations and Checklists

In addition to the AI chatbot, Yelp is introducing a “Project Ideas” section to inspire users to initiate new projects that may require services found on the platform. Current suggestions include home maintenance, installing new lighting, and upgrading outdoor spaces. As the feature evolves, Yelp plans to offer more personalized recommendations and checklists, enhancing the user experience further.

“AI enables us to transform the way people discover and connect with local businesses. Yelp Assistant is a game-changer for hiring service providers, alleviating friction for consumers in finding the right pro for their needs while providing pros with the information they need to evaluate and win jobs.”

– Craig Saldanha, Yelp’s Chief Product Officer

Yelp Fusion AI: Empowering Third-Party Websites with AI-Powered Business Discovery

Yelp is also launching an API, allowing other websites to integrate an AI-powered bot for business discovery. Visitors to these third-party sites can ask the chatbot for suggestions, such as “A vegan brunch place that is open this Saturday at 9 a.m.” or “Suggest a good workout studio in Miami with a swimming pool.” The bot will provide relevant suggestions, complete with Yelp ratings, price details, review highlights, photos, and AI-powered business summaries.

Businesses can explore the new Fusion API with a 30-day trial access. While the API currently supports single-turn queries and responses, multi-turn chat functionality is expected later this year.

Enhanced Guest Management and Waitlist Experience for Restaurants

Yelp is also revamping its guest manager experience for over 11,000 restaurants in its network. The updated Guest Manager design provides restaurant operators with improved cover flow visibility for better staff utilization, real-time table status, and the ability to add notes for shift managers.

For customers, Yelp is introducing waitlist updates with more accurate waiting times and text message updates for place-in-line status. In the near future, the company will send users text messages with dish recommendations before they are seated.

Additionally, the Yelp Kiosk design is being revamped to simplify the process of joining the waitlist and checking into the restaurant.

With a strong financial performance in 2023, including a 12% year-on-year growth in net revenue and a 173% jump in net income, Yelp continues to innovate and enhance its platform to better serve both businesses and consumers alike.