Yelp has unveiled a cutting-edge AI-driven chatbot designed to streamline consumer-business interactions, marking its entry into the expanding realm of AI-powered virtual assistants. Positioned within the “Projects” tab of Yelp’s iOS app, this innovative chatbot leverages OpenAI’s advanced language models and proprietary data to facilitate seamless connections between users and relevant service providers.
Unlike conventional search methods, where users input keywords into a search box, Yelp’s chatbot allows users to describe their needs directly within the conversational interface. By posing follow-up questions and requesting additional information, the bot refines its understanding of the user’s requirements, prompting the creation of a tailored project.
Users can then engage in dialogue with professionals and evaluate project proposals using either custom responses or the app’s quick reply feature.
Yelp Assistant
In tandem with the chatbot, Yelp introduces a “Project Ideas” section, offering curated suggestions to inspire users to initiate new projects, such as home maintenance or renovation tasks. Future enhancements will include personalized recommendations and checklists, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
Craig Saldanha, Yelp’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in enhancing local business discovery and connection. He hailed the Yelp Assistant as a game-changer, streamlining the process of hiring service providers while empowering consumers with the information needed to make informed decisions.
Yelp Assistant can connect you with businesses across thousands of categories within home, local, auto, beauty, pet, real estate, professional, event planning, financial services, and more. It’s currently available on iOS from the ‘Projects’ tab and will roll out to Android later this summer.
Yelp Fusion AI API
In addition to consumer-facing applications, Yelp introduces the Fusion API, enabling third-party websites to integrate AI-powered chatbots for business discovery. This API enables innovative user experiences using natural language search, even if partners have no previous AI products or experiences.
Utilizing Yelp’s reliable local data and content — including business information, reviews and photos — the Yelp Fusion AI API enhances discovery on third-party platforms by enabling conversational queries like, “Find a vegan brunch place with a patio that’s open this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.,” or, “Recommend a good gym in Miami that has a swimming pool.”
The Yelp Fusion AI API is currently available for partners to integrate into their platform, and non-partners can test out the AI API with 30-day access. Today, the Yelp Fusion AI API supports single-turn questions and responses, with multi-turn conversations coming later this year.
Yelp Guest Manager
Beyond AI integration, Yelp introduces enhancements to its Guest Manager experience for restaurant operators, aimed at optimizing staff utilization and enhancing customer satisfaction. With real-time table status updates and improved waitlist management, Yelp aims to elevate the dining experience for both operators and patrons.
Major Features include;
- Revamped Yelp Guest Manager provides hosts with smarter insights
- New analytics drive operational efficiency for restaurant owners
- New Waitlist updates improve wait time accuracy and diner communication
- Redesigned Yelp Kiosk enhances the diner check in experience
Yelp is setting the stage for a future where every interaction is smarter, more intuitive, and tailored to meet the dynamic needs of consumers and businesses.
As Yelp continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the company’s financial performance remains robust, with significant year-on-year growth in net revenue and net income. Despite recent fluctuations in stock performance, Yelp’s strategic investments in AI-driven solutions position it for continued success in the evolving digital landscape.