Community-led search website Yelp has announced the launch of Yelp Australia, which will allow users to create accounts through which they can swap opinions of and experiences with local businesses.
“It’s easy to forget how much of an impact local businesses have on our day-to-day lives. Be it a dentist, hair stylist or dry cleaner, we rely on them to help make life easier and more colourful,” said Jeremy Stoppelman, co-founder and CEO of Yelp, which began in the USA.
Yelp saw an average of 61 million monthly visitors in the September 2011 quarter and its mobile app was used on more than 5 million monthly mobile devices. Yelp’s free iPhone and Android mobile applications are now available to Australian consumers, as is Yelp for Business Owners.
Stoppelman said people’s altruistic desire to share great local business experiences has allowed Yelp to flourish. The community aspect, the review filter and its easy on-the-go format sets Yelp apart from its competitors, he added.
The Yelp site will eventually span Australia, however it will focus its initial community growth efforts in Melbourne and Sydney. This city-by-city expansion strategy has proven highly effective, increasing the company’s global footprint to 12 countries.
“We look forward to seeing what Aussies will think,” said Stoppelman.
