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Yelp may seem like it's pretty dominant, but it's still somewhat sparse even in its most popular metros like SF, NYC, LA. it's very sparse in other less-well known major metros, and smaller towns.

takes time to build a comprehensive, online local search presence... particular one with good social coverage and activity.

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is anyone doing better than yelp, when it comes to engaging small, offline businesses?

It's possible that the best way to engage with small offline businesses is to hire a small (okay,maybe medium or large) army of salespeople, and pitch to each business individually. If that it the case, you are absolutely correct. It will take a long time and an incredible amount of money.

However, I think it's possible that someone may come up with a better, cheaper way to do it. I don't know what that better cheaper way is, but I'm not convinced that an army of salespeople is the only solution to that problem.

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