Yelp vs Urbanspoon: Which is the Ultimate Platform for Local Business Reviews?

Sep 11, 2018
Restaurants

Introduction

In today's digital age, platforms like Yelp and Urbanspoon have become go-to resources for consumers searching for local businesses. As a leading provider of high-quality SEO services in the business and consumer services industry, Lakeland SEO understands the importance of helping businesses leverage such platforms effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key differences between Yelp and Urbanspoon, assisting you in making informed decisions and ultimately improving your online presence.

1. User Base

Yelp boasts a massive user base with millions of active users across various locations. The platform's extensive reach allows businesses to tap into a broader audience. On the other hand, Urbanspoon, although not as popular as Yelp, still has a devoted following particularly focused on food-related businesses.

2. Review Quality and Quantity

When it comes to review quality, both Yelp and Urbanspoon have their pros and cons. Yelp has a more rigorous review filtering system, aiming to ensure genuine and reliable feedback. However, this could sometimes result in the unintentional removal of legitimate reviews. Urbanspoon, while not as strict, still provides valuable insights, particularly within the food industry.

In terms of review quantity, Yelp tends to have a larger volume due to its wider user base. More reviews generally indicate higher credibility and visibility for your business, so leveraging Yelp's vast user base is a strategic move.

3. Categories and Business Types

Yelp covers a wide range of business categories, making it suitable for various industries beyond just food. Whether you're searching for a plumber or a hair salon, Yelp can help. While Urbanspoon has a focus on food-related establishments, it still caters to other businesses to a lesser extent.

4. Features and Functionality

Yelp provides features like check-ins, photo uploads, and business owner responses. These features allow businesses to engage more actively with customers, enhancing their online presence and reputation. Urbanspoon focuses primarily on restaurant reviews, offering dining suggestions and allowing users to search by cuisine or location.

5. Local SEO Impact

Both Yelp and Urbanspoon have significant impacts on local SEO. Positive reviews and high ratings on these platforms can boost your visibility and increase organic traffic to your website. Integrating relevant keywords and location-based information in your business profiles within Yelp and Urbanspoon is crucial to improving your local SEO rankings.

6. Mobile App Experience

Yelp and Urbanspoon excel in delivering an outstanding mobile app experience. With the majority of users accessing these platforms through mobile devices, having a well-optimized profile on both platforms can significantly enhance your chances of being discovered by potential customers.

Conclusion

Choosing between Yelp and Urbanspoon ultimately depends on your business type and goals. While Yelp's extensive user base and wide range of category coverage make it a valuable platform for many businesses, Urbanspoon's specialization in the food industry shouldn't be overlooked. As you aim to outrank competitors in search engine rankings, partnering with a top-notch SEO service provider like Lakeland SEO can ensure your business excels in leveraging these platforms effectively.

C Hughes
Urbanspoon's 'Cheap Eats' category is a valuable resource for budget-conscious users looking for affordable dining options.
Nov 1, 2023
Brittan Devall
Urbanspoon's user-friendly 'Search Map' allows for visual exploration and easy navigation when discovering new dining spots.
Oct 21, 2023
Kevin Anson
I appreciate how Yelp includes detailed user profiles and reviews, giving a better sense of credibility.
Oct 15, 2023
Ciitiprint Provided
Urbanspoon's 'Shareable Lists' feature allows users to collaborate and share curated dining recommendations with friends and followers.
Sep 25, 2023
Lauren Rolfe
Urbanspoon's 'Wish List' feature allows users to save and bookmark potential dining spots for future visits, adding a personalized touch.
Sep 25, 2023
Darrell Goode
Yelp's detailed business descriptions and amenities listed make it easier for users to understand a business's offerings at a glance.
Sep 10, 2023
Dana Cole
One thing that sets Yelp apart is its ability to incorporate user photos, giving a better visual representation of businesses.
Aug 30, 2023
Michael Claritywebworks
Yelp's 'Open Now' filter allows users to easily discover businesses that are currently open, aiding in immediate dining decisions.
Jul 4, 2023
Kristine Nielsen
Yelp's responsive community of users and reviewers ensures businesses receive timely and relevant feedback.
Jun 2, 2023
Lorin Ludwig
Yelp's integration with Grubhub for ordering and delivery services enhances the convenience factor for users.
May 19, 2023
James Brown
Yelp's business recommendations based on user activity and preferences offer a more personalized experience for users.
May 13, 2023
Monserat Gallegos
Yelp's 'Waitlist' feature allows for convenient virtual waitlist management when visiting popular dining spots.
May 4, 2023
Courtney Walter
Yelp's 'Health & Safety Measures' information gives users insight into businesses' adherence to health standards and guidelines.
Mar 23, 2023
Francis Sidnam
Yelp's user-friendly interface and intuitive search functionality make it a reliable tool for discovering local businesses.
Mar 4, 2023
Gary Letzring
Urbanspoon's user-generated 'Top Picks' offer valuable recommendations based on local dining trends and community favorites.
Mar 2, 2023
Olivier Dersch
Yelp's 'Review Trends' feature provides users with insights into popular and trending dining experiences and preferences.
Feb 28, 2023
Doug Morgan
Urbanspoon's 'Spoonback' feature, which allows users to link back to the restaurant's page, is a useful aspect for businesses.
Feb 18, 2023
Shari Cox
Urbanspoon's 'Popular' and 'New' tabs help users discover trending and recently opened restaurants easily.
Jan 17, 2023
Philip Sandstrom
Having the ability to book reservations directly through Urbanspoon simplifies the dining experience.
Jan 16, 2023
Andrew Brofft
Yelp's 'Events' feature offers a convenient way for users to discover local activities and happenings in addition to businesses.
Dec 10, 2022
Exenia Rocco
I find Yelp's community-driven content to be more beneficial in understanding local businesses and their offerings.
Nov 29, 2022
Aimee Adams
I've always found Yelp to be more reliable for restaurant reviews, but Urbanspoon has a better interface.
Nov 13, 2022
Sushil Bhise
Urbanspoon's 'Fresh and Hot' section highlights newly opened and trending dining spots, welcoming users to explore the latest additions.
Nov 12, 2022
Terry Carson
Urbanspoon's 'Local Buzz' section keeps users updated on the latest news and happenings in their local dining scenes.
Oct 26, 2022
Robert Claussen
Yelp's review filtering system is quite helpful in sorting out biased or fake reviews.
Oct 7, 2022
Ben Wilkins
Yelp's 'Hot New Businesses' section keeps users informed about the latest and most trending establishments in their area.
Oct 2, 2022
Brian Rachal
Yelp's partnerships with delivery and pickup services make it a more convenient platform for modern consumers.
Aug 15, 2022
Jeremy Tautges
Yelp's 'Verified License' badge gives users extra assurance of a business's legitimacy and professional standards.
Aug 1, 2022
Kim Lewis
Urbanspoon's playful and interactive 'Taste-o-Meter' adds a creative element to exploring new dining experiences.
Jul 1, 2022
Cynthia Haddix
I've had better luck finding non-restaurant businesses on Yelp compared to Urbanspoon.
Jun 26, 2022
Sam Warman
Urbanspoon's integration with local food blogs and critics adds an authoritative layer to its content and recommendations.
Jun 16, 2022
Lydienne Morgane
I've noticed that Urbanspoon has a more organized layout, making it easier to navigate and explore various businesses.
May 10, 2022
Anna Eydman
I think Yelp's user base is larger, so it might be a better platform for businesses to focus on.
May 5, 2022
Dmitriy Donskoy
Yelp's 'Suggested Businesses' feature provides tailored recommendations based on user preferences and activity, enhancing personalized discovery.
Feb 27, 2022
balakumar balakumar
Yelp's 'Trending Businesses' section helps users stay informed about popular and up-and-coming spots in their area.
Jan 25, 2022
Catherine Delvecchio
I appreciate Urbanspoon's community-driven approach, allowing users to contribute and shape the platform's content and recommendations.
Jan 18, 2022
Mark Pierce
I think Urbanspoon's recommendation algorithm is more personalized and accurate than Yelp's.
Jan 18, 2022
Bill Houck
Urbanspoon's integration with Instagram for user-generated content allows for a more visually engaging and dynamic exploration of dining spots.
Jan 14, 2022
Jonathan Jonathan
Urbanspoon's 'Collections' feature offers curated lists of dining spots, catering to various tastes and occasions.
Dec 27, 2021
Jeff Francis
Urbanspoon's 'Critic Reviews' section provides professional insights and recommendations, complementing user-generated content.
Dec 18, 2021
Ron Williams
I trust the accuracy of Yelp's business hours and contact information, which is crucial for planning visits.
Dec 13, 2021
Scott Williams
The community-driven aspect of Urbanspoon gives it a more communal and inclusive feel for users and businesses alike.
Dec 1, 2021
Kelly Kopczynski
The accuracy of business information seems more reliable on Yelp, which is important for local businesses.
Nov 19, 2021
Glacsy
Having the ability to customize searches on Urbanspoon based on dietary preferences is a helpful feature for health-conscious users.
Nov 2, 2021
Itamar Steinberg
Yelp's 'Verified Photos' feature offers users a glimpse into actual dining experiences, adding credibility and authenticity to business listings.
Aug 6, 2021
Nathaniel Metz
Urbanspoon's 'Shake for a Surprise' feature adds a fun element to discovering new places to eat.
Jul 26, 2021
Unknown
Yelp's 'Business Update' tool allows businesses to communicate important information and updates directly to users.
Jul 20, 2021
Whitney Chiu
Yelp's 'Business Highlights' section helps users easily identify key features and specialties of each business listing.
Jun 17, 2021
Casey Mulligan
Yelp's 'Popular Dishes' section offers users insights into must-try dishes and specialties at various dining establishments.
May 18, 2021
Not Provided
Urbanspoon's 'User Rewards' program incentivizes frequent users with perks and benefits, fostering user loyalty and engagement.
Apr 1, 2021
Unknown
Urbanspoon's playful design and interactive elements make it a more engaging platform for users.
Mar 12, 2021
Derek Goshay
Yelp's 'Nearby Events' feature connects users with local events and experiences in addition to dining spots, enhancing the overall discovery process.
Mar 4, 2021
Wee Chee
Yelp's 'Business Safety' section helps users gauge the safety measures and protocols in place at various establishments.
Feb 9, 2021
Jonathan Orr
Yelp's 'Elite Squad' program engages dedicated users and offers exclusive perks, creating a sense of community and loyalty.
Feb 5, 2021
Daniel Engstrom
Urbanspoon's quirky 'Slot Machine' feature makes exploring new dining options more entertaining and unpredictable.
Feb 3, 2021
Dennis Rowinski
Urbanspoon creates a more social experience with its 'Feed' feature, allowing users to share their dining experiences with others.
Jan 7, 2021
Patrick Gosiger
Urbanspoon's personalized 'For You' recommendations cater to users' individual dining preferences and history, enhancing the tailored experience.
Dec 27, 2020
Thomas Hansen
Urbanspoon's 'Local Favorites' section highlights beloved and frequented dining spots in specific neighborhoods, offering insider recommendations.
Dec 17, 2020
Liam Dale
Yelp's 'Order Delivery' functionality offers users convenient access to delivery and takeaway services from local businesses.
Dec 15, 2020
Dennis Power
Urbanspoon's app design is more user-friendly in my opinion – it's just more visually appealing.
Dec 15, 2020
Lori Thompson
Urbanspoon's integration with Google Maps for directions and location information makes it easier for users to plan visits to dining spots.
Nov 22, 2020
Anju Kelkar
Yelp's integration with local events and activities makes it a more well-rounded platform for discovering businesses.
Nov 5, 2020
Rob Rebel
Urbanspoon's localized 'Street Food' category highlights unique and casual dining experiences in specific areas.
Oct 30, 2020
Ting Siu
Urbanspoon's integration with OpenTable for reservations gives it an edge for restaurant-goers.
Oct 30, 2020
Ron Covall
I've found Yelp's business owner tools to be more robust and beneficial for managing online reputations.
Oct 29, 2020
Jennings-Bey
Yelp's search filters are more comprehensive, which helps narrow down specific business types and attributes.
Oct 24, 2020
Hugh Rosen
Urbanspoon's visual restaurant map makes it easier to plan dining experiences based on location and nearby options.
Oct 24, 2020
Bill Vince
Yelp's commitment to verifying user reviews and content adds a layer of trust and credibility to the platform.
Aug 22, 2020
Jason Parmer
I appreciate Urbanspoon's efforts to promote local businesses and spotlight hidden gems in various neighborhoods.
Aug 22, 2020
Dave Taylor
I appreciate Yelp's initiative to highlight businesses owned by underrepresented groups, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Jul 23, 2020
Laurie Runyan
Yelp's 'Top Rated' section showcases the highest-rated and most acclaimed businesses in various categories, aiding users in decision-making.
Jul 9, 2020
Susan Kendrick
Urbanspoon's localized 'Featured Cuisines' section showcases the diversity of dining options available in specific regions.
Jun 28, 2020
Cory Spofford
Urbanspoon's 'Cuisine Types' filters cater to users' specific culinary preferences, making it easier to find desired dining options.
Apr 28, 2020
Laura Gross
Urbanspoon's localized 'Neighborhoods' feature makes it easier for users to explore local gems in specific areas.
Mar 11, 2020
Olivia Coffey
Yelp's comprehensive business profiles, including user-generated photos, provide a more detailed and visual representation of businesses.
Feb 27, 2020
Johathan Mosco
I appreciate Urbanspoon's 'Nearby' feature, which makes it easy to discover new dining spots when traveling.
Feb 13, 2020
Cloris
I find Urbanspoon's curated lists and collections to be more diverse and tailored to specific tastes and preferences.
Jan 29, 2020
Richard Plato
Urbanspoon's 'Followed List' feature lets users curate their own personalized list of favorite dining spots for easy reference and exploration.
Jan 21, 2020
Valeria Ibarra
Urbanspoon's 'Suggest an Edit' feature allows users to contribute to the accuracy and completeness of business information, sharing valuable insights with the community.
Jan 19, 2020
Tabrina Gates
Yelp's review response feature allows businesses to interact with customers, improving transparency and customer relations.
Nov 15, 2019
Anisa Hayati
Urbanspoon's integration with TripAdvisor for additional reviews and insights gives it a broader scope of information for users.
Oct 6, 2019
Jeff Bennett
Yelp's mobile app offers a seamless and intuitive experience for users on the go.
Sep 12, 2019
Kevin Crosby
Yelp's 'Request a Quote' feature streamlines the process for users seeking services from local businesses.
Aug 21, 2019
Kelly Barney
I appreciate Yelp's efforts to support local businesses by offering promotional tools and resources for owners.
Aug 18, 2019
Gil Oglesby
Urbanspoon's 'Dine-In' and 'Takeout' filters cater to users' preferences for dining in or ordering out, providing tailored options.
Jul 27, 2019
Jeffrey Gilbert
I believe Yelp's robust review guidelines contribute to maintaining a higher standard of authenticity and reliability.
May 31, 2019
Dan Jewett
I've found Yelp's user-generated business photos to be more diverse and representative of actual customer experiences.
May 30, 2019
Philip Georgiadis
I've found Yelp's search suggestions and predictive features to be more accurate and helpful in guiding users to relevant businesses.
May 20, 2019
Keith Lane
I find Urbanspoon's rating system to be more transparent and helpful in making decisions about where to dine.
May 11, 2019
Keesha Patterson
Urbanspoon's integration with Apple Maps for seamless navigation to chosen dining spots adds a convenient touch for users.
Apr 13, 2019
Charles Miller
I like how Urbanspoon categorizes restaurants by cuisine, making it easier to find what you're craving.
Mar 30, 2019
Michael Wilson
Yelp's evolving features and constant updates keep it relevant in the ever-changing digital landscape.
Mar 10, 2019
Douglas Bullock
Urbanspoon's integration with Yelp for additional reviews and information provides users with a comprehensive view of businesses.
Jan 4, 2019
Luz Alejo
Yelp's 'Virtual Tours' feature provides an immersive and visual experience, allowing users to explore businesses from afar.
Nov 19, 2018