Yelp is a social networking website that accepts user reviews about local merchants (e.g. restaurants, nightclubs, bars, retail stores), professional services, and cultural venues in their community. As of May 2010, the website was receiving over 9.8 million unique visitors per month. Quantcast: Yelp Traffic
On April 9, 2009, Yelp sent an email to some of their more active users to announce a new feature that would allow businesses to comment on the reviews about them. Previously, businesses were unable to comment on reviews, but were free to contact the reviewer directly through Yelp. According to Salon, the business commenting feature will launch in about two weeks.Salon: Yelp to let businesses comment publicly (April 9, 2009)
History
Yelp was founded in 2004 by Jeremy Stoppelman and Russel Simmons. Both were early employees of the online transaction service PayPal. Yelp received $6 million initially, and $10 million more during their second round of funding. In 2008, they received another $15 million in funding which was used to open an office in Manhattan.
Yelp Information and Tips
- Yelp: FAQ | Business Owner's Guide
Featured Video
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
A Web 2.0 company
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One of the top United States websites based on traffic
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Users of Yelp are also known as Yelpers
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Launch Date
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Founders
Jeremy Stoppelman and Russel Simmons
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COO
Geoff Donaker
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Location
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Employees
Approximately 70
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Founders were early PayPal employees
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Most Active Yelp Cities
San Francisco, Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., San Diego, Los Angeles
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Beginning in April 2009, businesses will be able to leave comments on reviews of their businessSalon: Yelp to let businesses comment publicly (April 9, 2009)
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Previously businesses could only contact the reviewer through YelpSalon: Yelp to let businesses comment publicly (April 9, 2009)
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Yelp service for the UK launched in January 2009
