Yelp announced its new features that support users through every stage of their project with enhanced search functionality and its Project Cost Guides, providing local pricing information and easier ways to leave high-quality reviews for businesses.

In a Yelp-commissioned survey conducted by Kelton Global of over 1,000 U.S. adults, nearly a third of respondents say there’s been at least one home project they’ve completed (28%) or want to complete (28%) since March 2020. To better connect consumers, Yelp optimized its search experience with custom filters to help them better refine their search, weeding out businesses that may not have the expertise they require.

"We’ve enhanced the search experience to make it even faster and easier for people to find the right professional to hire," said Akhil Ramesh, vice president of Consumer Product, in a blog post. "The new filters can be found on Yelp for services such as movers, plumbers, HVAC, auto repair, roofing, real estate agents, home cleaners, painters, electricians, landscaping, pest control and flooring."

The new Cost Guides will share information on the cost of services in people's areas while serving as a one-stop local guide that provides tips and cost-saving strategies. Cost Guides are available across nearly 20 categories, 90-plus service offerings and 150-plus cities. Yelp determines the average prices using its unique data from millions of its Request-A-Quote projects, which allows users to directly connect with and request quotes from service providers.

"These guides also recommend local businesses near you to make requesting a quote even easier," said Ramesh.

Yelp's new features also include themed ads. Service businesses that have signed up for search ads will have their ads surface to more consumers in Yelp search results. The ads highlight businesses based on what differentiates them from their competitors, such as being a "fast responding" business or special offers.

Yelp is known for its restaurant reviews, but what works for restaurant reviews doesn't always translate to service businesses. The review site created a more tailored approach that will help service businesses receive more high-quality and reliable reviews. For instance, if a user hired a roofing business, Yelp may ask if the service was of good value, if the contractor responded quickly or if they were accommodating.

"To help new and existing service businesses generate more reviews, Yelp will prompt users with a series of questions to kick off the review writing flow," said Ramesh. "These questions assist users in providing more valuable information for other potential customers."