Dive into the future of local discovery with Anastasia Braitsik, a global leader in SEO, content marketing, and data analytics. With her finger on the pulse of digital innovation, Anastasia offers unparalleled insights into how platforms like Yelp are transforming the way businesses connect with customers. In this interview, we explore the groundbreaking features of Yelp’s 2025 Fall Product Release, diving into the impact of AI-driven tools on user experience and business engagement. From conversational search capabilities to real-time visual menu insights, we uncover how these updates are reshaping the landscape of customer discovery and interaction.
How do you see Yelp’s 2025 Fall Product Release changing the game for local businesses and customers compared to earlier updates?
Yelp’s 2025 Fall Product Release is a major leap forward, primarily because of its heavy integration of AI across more than 35 new features. Unlike previous updates that focused on incremental improvements, this release transforms Yelp into a dynamic, conversational platform. For businesses, it means instant engagement with high-intent customers through tools like AI-powered call handling and chatbots. For customers, it’s about a smoother, more intuitive experience—think real-time menu insights or searching with natural phrases. This update shifts Yelp from a static review site to an active engagement hub, which is a game-changer for both sides.
Can you walk us through how the upgraded Yelp Assistant enhances the way customers find information about businesses?
The Yelp Assistant is now a powerhouse chatbot that instantly answers customer queries about businesses like restaurants or shops. It pulls directly from user-generated content—reviews, ratings, photos—to provide detailed, relevant responses. If you ask about a specific diner, it might highlight popular dishes or ambiance based on what others have shared. This makes the search process feel more personal and cuts down on the time spent scrolling through pages of reviews, offering a snapshot tailored to what you’re looking for.
What’s your take on Menu Vision and how it helps users make decisions when browsing restaurant menus?
Menu Vision is a fantastic tool that brings restaurant menus to life. Users can scan a menu and instantly see photos, reviews, and details about specific dishes in real time. It connects the dots between what’s on the page and what past customers have experienced, so you’re not just guessing if that pasta dish is worth it—you’ve got visual proof and feedback. I think it heavily influences decision-making by adding a layer of confidence; you’re more likely to order something you can visualize and trust based on others’ input.
How do Yelp Host and Yelp Receptionist support businesses in managing customer interactions?
Yelp Host and Yelp Receptionist are AI-driven call solutions that take a huge load off businesses. They handle tasks like booking reservations, answering common questions, and collecting leads with voices that sound remarkably natural. Businesses can even customize these voices to match their brand tone. For owners and staff, this is a massive time-saver—repetitive phone tasks are automated, freeing them up to focus on in-person customer service or operations. It’s like having a 24/7 front desk without the overhead.
What impact do you think natural language and voice search will have on how users interact with Yelp?
Natural language and voice search is a big deal because it makes Yelp feel like you’re talking to a friend rather than querying a database. Users can say or type things like “best vegan sushi near me” and get results that are smarter and more relevant. It’s powered by advanced AI that understands context and intent, so the results aren’t just keyword matches—they’re genuinely useful. I believe this will make Yelp a daily go-to for more people, as the ease of conversational search lowers the barrier to finding exactly what you need.
Can you explain how the Popular Offerings feature helps businesses showcase their strengths to potential customers?
Popular Offerings is a clever feature that spotlights a business’s most talked-about products, services, or experiences based on user feedback. It pulls data straight from reviews and other content to highlight what customers rave about—whether it’s a signature dish at a restaurant or a standout service at a salon. This gives businesses an edge by automatically promoting their best assets to potential customers browsing Yelp, making it easier to stand out in a crowded market without extra marketing effort.
Why do you believe AI tools like these are critical for businesses aiming to connect with customers at the exact moment they’re ready to engage?
AI tools are critical because timing is everything in customer engagement. When someone is searching for a service or product, they’re often ready to act—those are high-intent moments. Features like instant chatbot responses or AI call handling ensure businesses don’t miss out on these opportunities, even if staff are busy or it’s after hours. It’s about being there exactly when the customer needs you, creating a seamless connection that can turn a casual search into a loyal customer. In today’s fast-paced world, that immediacy is invaluable.
What is your forecast for the role of AI in platforms like Yelp over the next few years?
I think AI will become the backbone of platforms like Yelp, evolving them into fully integrated hubs for discovery, interaction, and transactions. We’re already seeing Yelp plan to make their AI assistant the primary interface by 2026, blending instant answers with booking and messaging. My forecast is that within a few years, AI will not only personalize every interaction based on user habits but also predict needs before a search even happens. For businesses, this means even more precise targeting and engagement tools, while customers will enjoy an almost effortless experience. It’s an exciting direction that could redefine local search entirely.
