Yelp is expanding its business tools with a major AI upgrade.
The new Yelp AI Receptionist can answer calls, schedule appointments, and manage customer interactions using natural human-like speech.
Alongside it, Yelp also launched AI Host, a similar system designed for restaurants and hospitality venues.
These tools aim to help small businesses manage high call volumes and reduce missed opportunities.
They combine large language models with Yelp’s vast business data to deliver accurate and friendly responses.
According to the company, the AI voice sounds realistic enough to feel like speaking to a person.
How the AI Receptionist Works
The Yelp AI Receptionist handles calls 24/7 and can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
It answers common questions, filters spam, verifies customer details, and books appointments directly into a business calendar.
Meanwhile, the AI Host focuses on restaurants by taking reservations, adjusting waitlists, and sending automated follow-up texts.
Both tools allow full customization, including voice, name, and greeting style.
Businesses can train the system to use specific vocabulary related to their services.
This flexibility helps companies maintain brand personality even with automated interactions.
Pricing and Availability
Yelp offers the AI Receptionist for $99 per month.
The AI Host costs $149 per month, or $99 for businesses already using Yelp Guest Manager.
The rollout will expand across various business sectors in the coming months.
The Benefits and the Debate
The Yelp AI Receptionist addresses staffing shortages and helps small teams deliver faster customer responses.
It reduces time spent on repetitive calls and allows employees to focus on in-person service.
However, critics warn that AI could replace entry-level customer support roles, raising ethical and employment concerns.
There are also questions about transparency—customers might not always know they are speaking with a machine.
A New Phase for Yelp
Yelp’s move represents a shift from being just a review platform to a provider of AI-driven business solutions.
The company positions these products as part of a larger strategy to modernize local commerce with automation and real-time communication.
Businesses using the AI Receptionist will likely gain faster customer engagement but must ensure strong data protection practices.
Conclusion
The Yelp AI Receptionist blends automation with realism to change how small businesses interact with customers.
It offers convenience, speed, and scalability but demands ethical responsibility.
As AI voices enter mainstream communication, the balance between technology and authenticity will define the next era of customer service.
0 responses to “Yelp AI Receptionist – Voice Assistant Redefines Customer Service for Businesses”