Yelp has introduced a new AI-powered chatbot designed to connect consumers with relevant businesses for their needs. This move aligns with the growing trend of organizations utilizing AI chatbots as an assistive tool.
The AI assistant is now available on Yelp’s iOS app within the “Projects” tab, with plans for an Android release later this year. The chatbot utilizes OpenAI’s large language models (LLMs) in conjunction with Yelp’s own data to engage users in conversations about their requirements and connect them with suitable professionals.
Instead of traditional searches, users can describe their needs directly to the chat interface. The bot then follows up with additional questions to gather more information and collects users’ zip codes to create a project. Users can view messages from professionals offering their services and respond with custom messages or use the app’s quick reply feature.
Image Credits: Yelp
Yelp has also introduced a “Project Ideas” section to inspire users to start new projects that may involve searching for services on Yelp. Current suggestions include home maintenance, new lighting installations, and outdoor space upgrades. This feature will be personalized with recommendations and checklists later in the summer.
“AI allows us to revolutionize how individuals discover and connect with local businesses,” stated Craig Saldanha, Yelp’s chief product officer. “Yelp Assistant changes the game for hiring service providers, making it easier for consumers to find the right professional for their needs and providing professionals with the necessary information to secure jobs,” he added.
While the company is not currently focusing on using its AI chatbot for restaurant discovery, they are exploring how natural language search can better meet consumer needs in the future, including restaurant and service searches,” mentioned Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh, SVP of product at Yelp.
In addition to the consumer-facing chatbot, Yelp is launching an API for businesses to integrate an AI-powered bot for business discovery on their websites. Visitors can ask the chatbot for recommendations, which will include Yelp ratings, price details, review highlights, photos, and AI-generated business summaries.
Image Credits: Yelp
Businesses can explore the new Fusion API with a 30-day trial. The API currently supports single-turn queries and responses, with multi-turn chat support planned for a later release.
Besides consumer and business chatbots, Yelp is enhancing its guest management tools for the 11,000+ restaurants on its platform. The redesigned Guest Manager interface provides cover flow visuals for better staff management, real-time table status updates, and the ability to add notes for shift managers.
Yelp is also improving its waitlist functionality to provide more accurate wait times and text message updates on place-in-line status for customers. In the near future, users can expect text recommendations for dishes before being seated at a restaurant.
Image Credits: Yelp
The Yelp Kiosk design is being revamped for easier restaurant check-ins and waitlist management for users.
In the fiscal year 2023, Yelp reported a net revenue of $1.34 billion, marking a 12% year-on-year growth. Despite a $3 million decline in 2022, the company saw a 173% surge in net income, reaching $99 million in profits. The company’s stock has experienced a 35% year-on-year increase but has dipped around 12% year-to-date.
