Yelp is a free app that connects businesses and those they serve. Whether you’re looking for cheap eats in the area or a lavish setting for an upcoming event, Yelp helps with the otherwise extensive search. The app provides ratings, tips, images, and even more. Kaelan To ‘18 said, “Before I choose somewhere to eat, I look at the reviews. Reviews are everything! I don’t want to eat crappy pizza for $25. I want to know that I’m going to get some value!” Additionally, there’s even an elite club that hosts free events for other members but also a select few not particularly affiliated with the group. Yelp states one of its benefits as, “Being Elite means getting exclusive, regular invites to incredible events, curated by your local Community Manager.” But the services Yelp provide are endless and assist in allowing businesses to connect with those they serve.

The most popular facet of Yelp is the rating system. Critiques left by other Yelpers allow businesses to acknowledge fan favorites and not-so fan favorites. It also allows Yelpers to see what businesses are worth their time and which have some work to do. And when Yelpers let businesses know that their service was less than subpar, it’s not in the most pleasant way. One review by Katherine Riedstra ‘17 read, “Other than that, next time I step foot in the Pump Room, I’m bringing my boxing gloves to kick the owners ass for serving me that Popeye’s mild chicken for $25.” But the app’s usefulness doesn’t just lie with its critiquing but with many other services it provides. Tips that tell other Yelpers any upcoming deals or what to try, Bookmarks that remind Yelpers of restaurants others have been raving about, and Price Points that give an estimate of what one might spend are just some of those said services. And it’s all easy to use despite the vast amount of benefits the app provides. Yelp gives feasible instructions on its bookmarking service “Simply bookmark all the coffee shops you want to check out on your Yelp mobile app and add them to your ‘Seattle Coffee Shops’ collection.” So connect with businesses today and see what everyone’s raving about!

Katherine Riedstra ’17 looking up Ella’s Corner Reviews.

Yelp Logo Image Courtesy of Huffington Post.