Yelp launches Co-branded Ads to help national brands go local

Yelp is launching a new ad format that lets national brands co-market with local businesses – even those without a physical location.

What’s new. Yelp’s new Local Co-branded Showcase Ads allow national brands to spotlight local business partners directly in Yelp search results.

The format builds on Yelp’s Sponsored Collections, combining national branding with high-intent, localized discovery. Brands can use photo or video ads to feature local partners in relevant searches (e.g., Pepsi promoting its drinks at a neighborhood burger joint).

Why we care. Brands without physical locations struggle to build authentic local connections. This new format gives them a way to appear in community-driven searches while offering local businesses free exposure on Yelp.

How it works. Brands team up with local businesses to appear in co-branded ads that show up in Yelp search results. Local businesses don’t pay, but benefit from increased visibility. Brands gain reach and relevance by aligning with trusted local names.

Early results. Bilt Rewards (a $3.1 billion company) saw over 300,000 measured location visits and a 5.5% average increase in Yelp page views for participating restaurants during the pilot. Pepsi reported a 25% drop in cost per lead midway through its campaign.

Bottom line. Yelp’s Local Co-branded Showcase Ads offer national advertisers a scalable way to drive local relevance and give local businesses when consumers are ready to decide.