Wondering if Yelp reviews still matter when people search with AI?

The answer is "probably yes". It depends on a partnership most small business owners haven't heard about yet.

OpenAI just struck a deal with Yelp, meaning ChatGPT will start pulling local business recommendations directly from Yelp reviews instead of relying only on Google.

1. Why OpenAI needs outside sources like Yelp and Reddit
2. How Yelp hides five-star reviews to pressure businesses into advertising
3. What changes for urban vs. rural business owners
4. Why this partnership might not last

Dust off your Yelp profile now, because the next time someone asks AI for a recommendation near them, Yelp may be the piece of advice it hands back.

Timestamps
[0:00] Introduction
[0:33] What Yelp is and why it matters locally
[1:36] Yelp's shady review practices
[2:04] How Yelp hides five-star reviews
[2:49] Aggressive sales tactics from Yelp
[4:00] The OpenAI and Yelp partnership announced
[4:36] How ChatGPT will source local reviews
[5:31] Urban vs. rural impact for business owners
[6:29] Requesting quotes directly through ChatGPT
[7:10] Will this partnership even last?

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https://www.meredithshusband.com/podcast