When it comes to discovering local businesses, services, or professionals, Yelp Australia is a powerful tool that extends far beyond restaurant recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a specific individual in business by name or seeking services tied to a professional reputation, Yelp can help you connect the dots.

What is Yelp and How Does It Work?

Yelp is an online directory that connects users with local businesses and services. It features everything from customer reviews and photos to key business information like operating hours, contact details, and even service types. The platform operates as a bridge between businesses and potential customers, empowering users to make informed choices based on the shared experiences of others.

When you’re not just looking for a business but for a specific person—perhaps a manager, lawyer, real estate agent, or even a doctor—Yelp’s search functionality can make the task simple and efficient.

Using Yelp to Search for People in Business

1. Start with the Search Bar

The first step to finding someone in business on Yelp is the search bar conveniently located at the top of the homepage. You can enter a person’s name alongside keywords such as their profession, business type, or location. For example, if you’re searching for “Jane Smith hairdresser Sydney,” Yelp will filter results to match salons where Jane Smith is mentioned.

2. Explore Business Profiles

When you search for a business, Yelp often includes details about the people behind the scenes. Many businesses list their key team members—such as owners, managers, or lead professionals—on their profiles. If someone is well-regarded or commonly associated with a business, chances are their name will appear in customer reviews or descriptions.

For example, if you’re searching for a chef at a specific restaurant or the owner of a boutique fitness gym, the customer reviews will often mention them by name. You can also look at any “About the Business” tabs to quickly see if individual names are provided.

3. Read Reviews for Name Mentions

Yelp’s reviews are more than just a rating system; they provide a treasure trove of information about experiences people have had with businesses and staff. Search through reviews using keywords tied to the person you’re looking for. For instance, if you’re looking for an electrician named “Dan,” typing “Dan” in the search bar will highlight all the reviews mentioning electricians by that name within your locality.

This technique works exceptionally well for individuals like real estate agents, contractors, or stylists, as customers often include names when praising quality service.

4. Use Filters for Specific Locations or Categories

Yelp’s advanced filtering features are another handy tool. After running your name or business search, refine your results by location, open status, or business category to pinpoint the exact person you’re seeking. For example, if you know the person operates in Melbourne and specialises in “landscaping,” you can use filters to narrow down your options.

Tips for Better Results

Be Specific with Keywords: Include relevant details such as the person’s role, business type, or location to improve the accuracy of your results.

Check Multiple Businesses: If the individual is associated with more than one business (e.g., a consultant or freelance professional), reviews under several businesses may provide additional insights.

Yelp Australia isn’t just a review platform—it’s a community hub where customers share their experiences and connections with businesses. This wealth of information makes it an excellent resource for discovering not only businesses but also the people.

Note: Yelp is technically a directory and not a search engine.