Making Event Magic With Yelp

Yelp 101

Our goal is to connect people with great local businesses

“[Yelp] helped me find my hairstylist, esthetician, veterinarian, therapist…”

Who Are These Yelpers?

Since Day 1, our focus has always been on creating a community of reviewers

What Sort Of Events?

We can go big…

Or make it an intimate experience!

Where? When?

• At least 2-3 weeks in advance

• Requires somewhat private setting

• Plan for 2 hour event, plus setup and breakdown

• Venue determines # of guests

• Yelp helps develop a concept, theme, hire outside entertainment, photographer, etc.

It’s a team effort!

How Does It All Come Together?

• Post event to private Elite Calendar• Send dedicated e-invite to entire Elite Squad • Collect RSVP’s, sends confirmation emails• Run check-in at the party• Makes announcements halfway thorough event• Sends post-event thank you email• Post-event blog write up with links and photos

Yelp’s Responsibilities…

How Does It All Come Together? Cont.

Host Venue Expectations

• Ensure your space is clean/presentable• Have all the necessary permits!• Prepare food/drinks• Prep your staff in advance• Have business reps on-hand, mingling with guests• “You do you” and let the Yelpers provide feedback

Why?

Reasons Why You Should Host• Getting face-time with potential

customers• Exposing your brand to the

community at-large• Creating relationships – the

relationship economy is the only real currency!

• Customer retention• Residual buzz• Having fun

Yelp Events Are Not For…• Closing the deal• Making immediate profit• Sending unqualified

interns/personnel “just to be there” or “testing the waters”

Don’t Take My Word For It…

Hey Cookie!- San Francisco Ale Industries - Concord

Abby SchwarzPeninsula & South Bay

abby@yelp.com @YelpSV

Dominique FarrarEast Bay

nique@yelp.com @YelpEastBay

Jon AkermanSan Francisco

jakerman@yelp.com