You Don’t Need Yelp
Yelp is a parasite that has forced itself into searches for local businesses, creating pages businesses never asked for and inserting itself between businesses and the customers looking for them. The internet doesn't need Yelp. Businesses don't need Yelp. Customers don't need Yelp. Yelp exists because it has made itself difficult to avoid.
Keep Yelp Out of Your Search Results
Exclude Yelp manually: add -site:yelp.com to your search query to filter out Yelp pages. This works with Google and DuckDuckGo. Brave Search supports the same idea as NOT site:yelp.com. Bing is unreliable with exclusions — sometimes ignoring them, sometimes returning only Yelp.
Block Yelp automatically: the free uBlacklist extension (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari) hides any site you list from results across most search engines — or click “Block this site” on a Yelp result and you’re done. uBlock Origin can do the same with one custom filter rule. DuckDuckGo also lets you block sites straight from the results menu, and Kagi, a paid search engine, has one-click domain blocking built in.
For Customers: Search Somewhere Else
You don't need Yelp to find a good local business. There are better ways to find information and compare your options.
Google Maps
Google Maps is an obvious starting point for local searches. You can find businesses, check hours, see photos, read reviews, get directions, and visit the business's own website.
Don't automatically choose the first result. Compare several businesses, look at recent reviews, and visit the company's website before making a decision.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps is another useful option, particularly for iPhone users. It provides business information, hours, photos, directions, and links to businesses without sending you through Yelp.
Local Recommendations
For plumbers, landscapers, contractors, cleaners, repair services, and other local businesses, recommendations from actual people can be more useful than scrolling through a massive database of strangers.
Try Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, community forums, or simply ask people you know who have actually used the service.
Industry-Specific Sites
Generic review sites aren't always the best source of information. Many industries have specialized platforms and directories focused specifically on the services you're looking for.
When possible, use a source that specializes in the industry instead of a site that tries to be everything for everyone.
The Business's Own Website
Go directly to the source.
A business website can tell you what the company actually offers, where it operates, when it is open, how to contact it, and often much more. Restaurants can publish menus. Contractors can show their work. Service businesses can explain exactly what they do.
You don't need Yelp to tell you what a business says about itself.
For Business Owners: Build Somewhere Yelp Doesn't Control
The best alternative to Yelp isn't another giant platform. It's building an online presence that you control.
Your Own Website
Your website should be the foundation of your online presence.
Put your services, hours, contact information, photos, portfolio, FAQs, menus, pricing information, and other useful information there. Make it easy for customers to call, request a quote, schedule an appointment, place an order, or contact you.
Most importantly, make your website the destination.
Search engines, maps, social media, directories, and other platforms should help people find you. They shouldn't become the place where your entire online presence lives.
Google Business Profile
Claim and maintain your Google Business Profile. Keep your information accurate, add photos, select the appropriate categories, and respond to reviews when appropriate.
Google is where many customers are already searching. You don't need Yelp standing between you and them.
Apple Maps and Bing Places
Claim your business on Apple Maps and Bing Places as well. They provide additional ways for customers to find you and give you control over basic business information.
Social and Local Platforms
If your customers use Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram, or another social or community platform, establish a presence there.
You don't need to be everywhere. Be where your customers actually are.
Industry-Specific Platforms
If your industry has a respected specialist platform, use it.
A remodeling company may benefit from a remodeling-focused site. A restaurant may benefit from restaurant and reservation platforms. A software company may benefit from software review sites.
A specialist platform can make far more sense than a generic site trying to cover every business on the planet.
Don't Replace Yelp With Another Yelp
There is one important catch: every third-party platform has its own rules, algorithms, and business model.
Google isn't Yelp. Neither is Apple, Facebook, Tripadvisor, or an industry directory. But none of them should become the single place where your business lives.
Build several paths to your business and point those paths back to something you control.
Your website should be the destination. The other platforms should be roads leading to it.
Petition to Dissolve Yelp
The internet has better ways for customers to find businesses and for businesses to reach them directly. Yelp has become an unnecessary middleman, and it doesn't have to be part of the equation. It's time to get rid of Yelp. Help put an end to it. Sign the petition calling for Yelp Inc. to be dissolved.
Help make the world a better place: petition to dissolve Yelp Inc.