Yelp Stats and Trends Every Business Owner Should Know

Social proof and user-generated content steal the show when it comes to winning your target customer’s trust. Such content pieces establish that your business offers what it claims to while allowing other potential customers to decide based on existing customers’ experiences. Yelp is such a review-based network that enables users to post their experiences and feedback on a business.

There’s no limitation to industries that can register on Yelp and start getting customer reviews. The most popular categories where people usually leave a review include local businesses, business ratings, and even local searches. These reviews play a vital role in how someone planning to shop or subscribe to your business views how others have benefited.

If you are a local business owner, registering on Yelp will give you an advantage over others. It will make your business shine whenever a relevant local search query is made. With mobile phones becoming a common way to look up information, registering your business on Yelp will enable you to generate more leads and nurture them into loyal customers.

These statistics just prove how effective Yelp can be for your local business:

Yelp Stats and Trends: Key Insights

1. In the upcoming years, there will be a massive demand for mushroom-based delicacies, including a rise in the popularity (and demand) of mushroom drinks (expected to hit 501%), mushroom coffee (expected to grow 87%), and mushroom tea (an expected increase of up to 10%). Mushrooms are being searched more often, and with more businesses offering mushroom-based beverages, the trend will peak.
2. With the aspiration of achieving healthy and glowing skin, many people will opt for skin treatments like salmon sperm facials (2,247%) and polynucleotide-related treatments (1,687%) in the upcoming years.
3. Besides, given the stressful lifestyle in today’s times, many people are opting for activities that make them feel happy and content. These activities are also known as ‘dopamine-boosting hobbies’ and are going to be the next trend to look out for. Popular business categories in this niche include songwriting classes (up by 540%), pasta-making classes (515%), latte art classes (439%), and even dance classes (197%). Other hobbies that are being explored in this niche also include sewing classes (76%) and jewelry making (69%).
4. In the lifestyle realm, things will change massively as the shift focuses on using framed scrapbooks as wall art. Aside from this, Japandi design also catches the wind of the trend due to its subtle yet impactful design elements and aesthetics. The searches for Japandi design are up 105%, whereas the elements used in the design, such as woven window shades (up 124%), Biophilic design (up 124%), and natural stone (up 51%), are up 124%.
5. In addition, searches for functional smart home devices have increased, with people looking for gadgets that can make their living space more convenient and intelligent. Top searches for smart homes include smart windows rising 49%, smart lighting (up 32%), and multi-functional smart appliances (up 40%).

Yelp’s Impact on Local Businesses: A Statistical Overview

Yelp makes it easier for your local target audience to find your business by simply searching for relevant keywords on the platform. Since more local searches are being made on Yelp by people who already intend to make a purchase, it is crucial for local businesses to leverage the platform.

Here are some compelling stats showing how Yelp impacts local businesses’ growth and discoverability:

6. Up to 97% of people spend money on businesses they have found through Yelp, while another 93% of people compare businesses on Yelp before they decide to make a purchase. Due to this, it’s important for businesses to not only create an account on Yelp but also manage it effectively to offer valuable answers like details about the business and reviews.
7. A business with 1-5 reviews and at least 10 photos sees as much as 200% more user views than a business with the same number of reviews but no photos.
8. 94% of customers have claimed that positive reviews on Yelp have made them devoted to the business, giving them first preference whenever they have to make a purchase.
9. 92% of people are likely not to interact with or engage with a business that has negative reviews on its business listing.
10. Around 244 million reviews were submitted on Yelp in 2021, and the number exponentially rose by 9% in 2023 and is expected to rise further. To make the most of this growing number, local businesses should ask more of their customers to leave a review (preferably with photos). Giving rewards like discounts and coupon codes that customers can use for their next purchase will encourage them to share reviews willingly.
11. It is estimated that 48% of Yelp users come from households with a high income, 34% from middle-income households, and only 18% from lower-income households.

The Relationship Between Yelp Reviews and Revenue Growth

People who are out shopping or enjoying an experience want nothing but the best deals for them. So, instead of taking the risk of randomly opting to eat at a restaurant or to shop from a store they have never been to, they prefer reading about it on Yelp. It helps them decide if the place they are planning to go to is actually worth it or not. When your business is optimized for Yelp, it is more likely to attract footfalls and sales. Here are some compelling statistics showing just how Yelp reviews have an impact on the revenue your business generates:

12. In the case of restaurant businesses, a one-star increase in reviews can result in a 5% to 9% increase in revenue. With upcoming trends of different types of cuisine taking over the interest, it’s becoming important for businesses to actively seek reviews from their happy customers.
13. A recent study found that by merely listing a business of Yelp, the business chances of generating revenue increases by 5%.
14. Yelp is the second most used platform to find ‘near me; solutions by people after Google, with 45.18% of people opting for the platform whenever they need to find something in close proximity.
15. Only 17% of reviews on Yelp are 1 star, while 4- and 5-star reviews are at 68%. Besides, 1 in 5 reviews is a 5-star review, indicating that businesses can take a strategic approach towards increasing their ranking on the platform by merely improving their quality of services and the experience they offer to their customers.

Yelp as a Marketing Tool for Small Businesses

Aside from being a dependable platform for people to find businesses or services they can shop from, Yelp also offers advertising services, allowing local businesses to increase their brand awareness and be seen by their target audience whenever they are looking for a business or service using keywords that are relevant to your business.

16. Across the globe, over 1114 companies have started using Yelp to advertise their local businesses to their potential customers.
17. On Yelp, there are currently 524,000 paying advertising locations, making it an ideal choice for businesses that are looking to create a profound local presence.
18. 544,000 restaurants, as well as other businesses, have been using Yelp to advertise their business by the end of 2023, and this number is set to significantly increase in 2024-2025.
19. Of the 544,000 businesses advertising on Yelp, 245,000 are paying on Yelp in 2023 to provide services.
20. In the US, 56% of the Yelp-using businesses have earned $100,000 or more every year.
21. In 2023, Yelp made $793.112 million from the businesses that provide services.

The Growth of Yelp: Current User and Business Trends

Yelp, ever since its introduction in 2004, has evolved into becoming the go-to platform for people wanting to make a purchase without having to go through any unpleasant experience with the business. Yelp empowers people to share their experiences—both positive and negative—on the platform, giving others valuable insights into what they can expect when shopping or booking services with a business. Here are some statistics to ponder over:

22. Yelp’s net revenue has increased by 12% over the years and has hit a record $1.34 billion. This number is $30 million above the high end of the initial outlook they had presented in February 2023.
23. The total advertising revenue grew by 13% year over year to a roofshattering $1.28 billion. Strong advertiser demand has been deemed the key reason for this rise.
24. In fact, $1.32 billion of Yelp’s revenue in 2023 came from the US, making the region highly profitable for the platform.
25. 62% of US Yelp users have attended college.
26. The “girl dinner” trend has now translated into restaurant staples and has seen a 140% increase in search.
27. Particular restaurants saw a spike in their searches by 2,930% due to their constant mention on gossip sites like DeuxMoi.
28. Martinis saw a special surge in demand, with variations like pickle martinis were seen. Aside from this, there’s been a constantly rising demand for martini variations like matcha martini (up by 1,323%), tomato-tini (up by 131%), truffle martini (up by 92%), and even espresso martini (up by 56%).
29. In fact, Erewhon smoothies saw a spike of 178%, with brand and celebrity collaborations. The artful and veggie-loaded smoothies were an instant hit on social media. Many small and big-time influencers tried the available range while sharing their opinions and reactions.
30. Aside from the trends in the food and beverage industry, Yelp also reported lifestyle-related trends, including the return of waxing (searches up by 700%) and the cold plunge therapy seeing a 521% increase in searches. These trends are somewhere due to the rising concerns over healthy well-being and limiting interactions with processed foods and unhealthy lifestyles.
31. There has also been a significant increase in demand for buzz-free drinks among Gen Z and millennials, with a 137% increase in demand for mocktails. It comes as a means to avoid the hangover that comes with alcohol consumption. They are also deemed to become the next nightlife staples.

How Many People Use Yelp

Yelp has indeed become a go-to platform for many people, considering the convenience it offers. Whether looking for a restaurant to enjoy a new cuisine or wanting to shop for last-minute gifts, Yelp has an extensive directory of businesses to choose from. Due to this varsity, more people have started using the platform to find what they are looking for and also help others understand if a place is really worth their time and effort. Here are some compelling statistics on how many people use Yelp:

32. Yelp receives at least 178 million unique visitors every month on its mobile app and website.
33. The website also generates 32 million (and rising) mobile app unique users, becoming a popular search tool to find nearby businesses.
34. 45% of people are likely to check Yelp reviews for a business before they decide to visit the business.
35. There are approximately 287 million cumulative reviews on Yelp.
36. Customers are more likely to take interest in women-owned beauty (increase in searches by 9.1%) and home services (increase in searches by 14.3%) on the platform.
37. 39% of Yelp users are above the age of 55 years, making it crucial for businesses to optimize their listings with long-tail keywords.
38. 54% of Yelp users have an income of $100,000+, indicating that even high-income households are looking to find businesses they need for services or products on Yelp. As this customer base has a strong purchasing power, optimizing your listing with more details and focusing on getting positive reviews (preferably with photos) is highly encouraged.

Mobile Usage on Yelp: The Growing Trend of Mobile Search

Mobile users over the years have grown significantly due to the convenience and benefits they offer. Today, every other person owns a smartphone, allowing them to access the internet from wherever they are. As a result, many users have started using Yelp on their mobile phones. These are some statistics showing mobile phone users on Yelp.

39. Yelp reported it has 60.28 million monthly mobile web visitors. It was also reported that 32 million visitors accessed Yelp via the mobile app.
40. An estimated 55% of people will recommend a business they found on Yelp to their friends.
41. Younger Yelp users may need to see more reviews before they can trust a product or a service. They might need to go through as much as 150 to 200 reviews to finally be able to trust a product they want to purchase.
42. Mobile users often find new recommendations on Yelp from various sources, including friends and acquaintances (54%), online forums (14%), customer reviews (31%), and even websites that help compare prices (14%).

Yelp User Demographics

43. 53% of Yelp users are estimated to be women who are looking for services, products, and even experiences that help improve their quality of life or solve a problem they are currently experiencing.
44. There’s been a significant increase in people looking for women-owned and -run businesses by as much as 20%.
45. In fact, 72,454 US businesses have added a “women-owned” tag to their business.

46. 26% of Yelp users are in the age bracket of 18-34 years old and 35% are in the 35-54 age group bracket.
47. On Yelp, at least 73,000 businesses have identified themselves as Black-owned by adding their attribute to their business page.
48. Black-owned businesses have an average rating of 4.35, which surpasses the average 3.64 average rating for all the listed businesses on Yelp.
49. More businesses have started using attributes like Open to All, Asian-owned, Latinx-owned, LGBTQ-owned, Women-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses, making Yelp a platform that gives business owners the opportunity to express themselves and strike a deeper connection with their target audience.

Yelp Reviews and Business Growth: The Power of Positivity

Yelp is a platform that thrives on reviews that genuine customers post about their experience with a business. This, in return, allows other Yelp users to determine whether they are willing to try the business or explore other options. Aside from helping other users make a decision, these reviews also help businesses establish their authority and become a preference for their target audience.

50. Yelp has a really strong online presence (competing directly with Google), with a market share of 6% when it comes to online reviews.
51. 45.18% of Yelp users prefer to check reviews before they make a decision to visit a store, contrary to 63.6% of people who use Google.
52. About 98% of Yelp users research their business choices through the reviews other people have shared before making a successful purchase decision.
53. 38% of Yelp business reviews are 4-star, followed by 24% being 3-star reviews.
54. Home and local businesses are the most reviewed businesses on Yelp, standing tall at 20%, followed by restaurants. Nightlife-related businesses, on the other hand, have received only 2% ratings.
55. 66% of reviews on Yelp are about a service.

Yelp and Search Rankings: The SEO Impact of Yelp Statistics

Search engine optimization is crucial in today’s times, considering how heavily people rely on search engines to find everything they need. From a needle to booking an appointment at a luxury spa, there’s nothing that the internet cannot help do. By combining SEO tactics with Yelp, businesses can experience tremendous growth. Here are some stats:

56. Yelp attracts 120.4 million monthly organic visitors on its platform by using programmatic SEO tactics. This allows businesses to use keywords (both short and long-tail) to increase their online visibility.
57. 50.2M traffic on Yelp is direct, meaning the people searching for a specific service or product looked it up directly using relevant keywords.
58. 65.51% of traffic on Yelp is through search engines, indicating the platform’s robust SEO framework.

Top Yelp Categories: What Do Consumers Search for Most?

Yelp has over 1,500+ categories and more than a hundred tags that businesses can use to make their listing stand out. Here are some compelling statistics showing the popular categories and more:

Popular Categories on Yelp: Food, Services, and More

Here are the popular categories on Yelp:

• Food and drinks: Includes restaurants, bars, cafes, and food trucks. Junk food businesses are also categorized under these categories.
• Shopping: Includes electronics stores, grocery stores, bookstores, clothing stores, and hobby stores.
• Home services: Includes electricians, plumbers, and landscapers.
• Automotive: Car dealerships, gas stations, auto repair shops.
• Health and beauty: Includes hair salons, gyms, dermatologists, dentists, plastic surgeons, and more.

59. Yelp’s top discussions are food and drinks (at 56%) and movies/series (at 45%).
60. 43% of Yelp’s users often discuss vacation and travel.

Regional Differences in Yelp Searches

Yelp has an expansive presence in different parts of the world.

61. There are an estimated 219 locations present on Yelp, allowing people to research the locations they want to visit on vacation before they actually make a concrete plan.

Trends in Consumer Behavior Based on Yelp Data

As per the recent trend forecast on Yelp, here are the categories of businesses that are going to soar in the upcoming months:

62. Restaurants like Gekkō witnessed searches increasing on Yelp by 2,930% after rapper Bad Bunny’s concept infusion.
63. Searches for the popular delicacy caviar are up by 31%.
64. There’s also been a surge of 30% for food items like Ramen, with hot and cold variants finding their spot in their target audience’s food preferences.
65. There’s been a whopping 137% increase in searches for mocktails as more people are switching to non-alcoholic beverages to relax and enjoy with their loved ones.
66. Searches for waterless pedicures have also increased significantly by 177%, given they are new and intriguing in their own ways.

Conclusion

Yelp has become the ultimate destination for people looking for a business or wanting to know about other people’s experiences with the business. Ever since its inception in 2004, Yelp has become a tool useful for both the business and the customers looking to shop from their choice of store.

These statistics go on to show how a business can benefit from registering on the platform. Besides this, encouraging visiting customers to share reviews on the website (with photos preferably) can also ensure your listing seems genuine and is able to attract more customers. Make sure you are updating all business-related information correctly, constantly responding to reviews, and updating your listing wherever there’s a change in your business operations.