Yelp advertising is a constant topic on Reddit, particularly in r/smallbusiness, r/localSEO, and industry-specific subreddits. Local business owners share candid experiences about Yelp's value and challenges.
This guide compiles insights from Reddit on Yelp advertising.
Yelp advertising generates notably polarized opinions on Reddit—strong advocates and vocal critics.
High-intent customers: Yelp users are actively searching for local services. Reddit business owners note that Yelp leads often convert well because customers are ready to buy.
Local targeting: Yelp's geographic focus suits local businesses perfectly. Redditors appreciate reaching customers specifically in their service areas.
Review integration: Advertising alongside positive reviews provides social proof. Reddit discussions highlight how good ratings enhance ad effectiveness.
Significant reach: According to 2026 Yelp statistics, approximately 29 million people use the Yelp app monthly to find and review local businesses, with 75 million total monthly visitors.
Aggressive sales tactics: The most consistent Reddit complaint involves persistent sales calls. Business owners describe difficulty declining upsells and high-pressure tactics.
High costs: Yelp advertising costs frustrate many Redditors. CPL can reach $30-100+ depending on industry, making ROI challenging for lower-margin businesses.
Review manipulation concerns: Some Reddit threads discuss perceptions that non-advertisers receive less favorable review filtering. Whether accurate or not, this perception damages trust.
Contract terms: Cancellation difficulties and long contracts frustrate business owners. Reddit discussions frequently warn about reading terms carefully.
Experienced local business owners share practical advice.
Reddit recommendations:
Questions to ask:
Common Reddit advice:
| Business Type | Monthly Budget | Expected CPL |
|---|---|---|
| Home services | $500-2000 | $30-75 |
| Restaurants | $300-800 | $15-40 |
| Professional services | $500-1500 | $50-100 |
| Retail | $200-500 | $10-30 |
How do these platforms compare for local business marketing?
| Factor | Yelp | |
|---|---|---|
| User intent | High (searching for service) | Research-oriented |
| Geographic targeting | Excellent | Limited |
| Cost structure | CPC/CPL | CPM-based |
| Review integration | Central feature | N/A |
| Audience type | Ready buyers | Researchers |
Use Yelp when:
Use Reddit when:
Reddit threads frequently suggest alternatives:
Yelp continues evolving its advertising offerings.
Yelp announced Local Co-branded Showcase Ads in recent updates, allowing national brands to spotlight local businesses through partnerships with companies like Pepsi and Bilt.
New business tools: According to 2026 Yelp statistics, Yelp added over 20 new tools to help businesses respond to reviews, manage ratings, and attract more customers.
Positive views:
Concerns remain:
It depends on your business. Reddit consensus suggests Yelp works for service businesses with high customer lifetime value and strong reviews. Lower-margin businesses often find costs prohibitive.
Reddit discussions describe costs varying significantly by category and location. CPL ranges from $15-100+, with monthly budgets typically $300-2000 for meaningful results.
Most Reddit business owners recommend maximizing free Yelp presence first. Claim your profile, respond to reviews, and ensure complete information before considering paid advertising.
Reddit discussions generally favor Google for intent and control. Yelp offers simpler setup and review integration. Many local businesses use both, allocating budget based on performance.
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