aleksl - 11:08 pm on Dec 19, 2009 (gmt 0)

I don't think Yelp needed for reviews.

G$$g wants to put this up into "free" SERP. Searching now for "restaurant widgetwille", I counted 5 actual free SERP results above the fold, out of total 14 text results and 7 G$$gle maps results, giving google 16 out of 21 links that are theirs. Yelp listing can be 17th.

Imagine, all that traffic, and only 20% is now "leaking" for free to other sites (4 out of 21).

They are taking over "free" SERPS which are no longer "free". And they will throw traffic Yelp's way now, which will be their cash cow. Do you know how much money local businesses spend on local ads if you can guarantee traffic? Thousands per year, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM.

Ca-ching!...$$$$