Yelp gives affected local businesses free services worth $25m

Yelp has recently announced a special ‘Relief Program’ to support local businesses that have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent restaurants and nightlife industry-related businesses, which have been hit the hardest by the outbreak, are the primary targets of the program. Yelp has pledged to offer these affected businesses free services worth $25 million.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Local Businesses

The coronavirus pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on local businesses across the globe. The sudden and widespread outbreak has forced businesses to shut down their operations or drastically limit their services, leading to massive losses in revenue. The independent restaurant and nightlife industry is one of the hardest-hit sectors, with many businesses on the brink of collapse.

Yelp’s Relief Program for Local Businesses

To help local businesses survive during these difficult times, Yelp has come up with a special Relief Program. The program is aimed at providing support to the independent restaurant and nightlife industry, by waiving advertising fees and offering free advertising, products and services.

Free Access to Yelp Page Upgrades

Restaurants and nightlife businesses that remain open during this time will receive free access to Yelp page upgrades. This will allow these businesses to quickly and effectively communicate important information to their customers through Business Highlights, Call to Action and Connect.

Free Access to Yelp Reservations and Waitlist

Yelp has also decided to offer restaurants free access to Yelp Reservations and Waitlist for 3 months. This will help restaurants manage their operations more efficiently during this time.

$100 in Free Search Advertising

For restaurant clients that offer delivery and/or take-out services, Yelp will provide $100 in free search advertising. This will help these businesses reach out to their customers and promote their services more effectively.

Support for Local Independent Advertisers

Yelp will also be extending support to local independent advertisers in other categories, who are currently finding it difficult to pay their bills.

How to Avail the Relief Program

The best part about this program is that it’s not limited to businesses with an active Yelp advertising account. If your business falls in any of the above categories, then you should check out the specifications of this program and see whether you are eligible.

Even if your business is not a part of the above-mentioned industries but you still think that Yelp can help you out in some way, then we recommend that you reach out to them with your ideas. Since Yelp wants to help the businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19, they may be receptive to your ideas.

Conclusion

Yelp’s Relief Program is a much-needed initiative to support local businesses that have been severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The program offers free services worth $25 million to independent restaurants and nightlife industry-related businesses, to help them survive during these difficult times. If your business is eligible, we highly recommend that you take advantage of this program and give your business the support it needs to stay afloat.

FAQs

What is Yelp’s Relief Program?
Yelp’s Relief Program is a special initiative to support local businesses that have been severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, specifically the independent restaurants and nightlife industry-related businesses.

What services are being offered under the Relief Program?
Yelp is offering free services worth $25 million, including waiving advertising fees, free advertising, products, and services. Restaurants and nightlife businesses that remain open during this time will receive free access to Yelp page upgrades, Yelp Reservations, and Waitlist. Restaurant clients that offer delivery and/or take-out services will be provided with $100 in free search advertising.

Is the Relief Program limited to businesses with an active Yelp advertising account?
No, the Relief Program is not limited to businesses with an active Yelp advertising account. Even if your business is not currently advertising with Yelp, you may still be eligible for the Relief Program. We recommend that you check out the specifications of the program and see whether your business is eligible.

How long is the Relief Program available for?
The Relief Program is available until further notice, or until the $25 million fund has been exhausted.

What should I do if I think Yelp can help my business in some way?
If your business is not a part of the above-mentioned industries but you still think that Yelp can help you out in some way, then we recommend that you reach out to them with your ideas. Yelp wants to help businesses impacted by COVID-19, so they may be receptive to your ideas.