We’re excited to share that D-Kode was named Runner-Up at this year’s Yelpapalooza—Yelp’s exclusive, invite-only conference celebrating the top digital marketing partners nationwide. As a Yelp advertising partner in the top 4% of all agencies on the platform, this recognition is a powerful reflection of the results we deliver for our clients every day.
Our CEO, Daniel Kodam, was on hand to accept the award in person and connect with some of our Yelp representatives, including Jillyn and Megan.
Being recognized at Yelpapalooza among the top-tier agencies in the country is an honor and serves as motivation for us to keep raising the bar for our clients.
Why Yelp?
If you’re a small business, local visibility can make or break your growth—and Yelp is one of the most influential platforms for connecting with nearby customers who are ready to make a decision. Unlike social media, where users are often just browsing for quick dopamine hits, Yelp users are actively searching for solutions and ready to buy.
In fact, 97% of Yelp visitors make a purchase after visiting the site, and 90% of those purchases happen within a week. That means when someone searches “best [your service] near me,” they’re not just shopping around—they’re choosing.
What’s even more powerful is that most Yelp searches are unbranded. Potential customers aren’t looking for a specific company—they’re looking for the best option. This creates an open playing field for businesses with well-optimized profiles and a strong ad strategy. With the right presence, you can show up first, look more credible, and win the customer’s trust in seconds.
Yelp profiles also carry weight beyond the platform. They frequently appear near the top of Google search results, meaning your Yelp reviews, photos, and business info are often a customer’s first impression. A neglected listing could be costing you business, while a polished one can lead to steady, high-quality leads.
That’s why partnering with a Yelp expert matters. Anyone can create a profile, but not anyone can create a profile that shows up where it matters, looks trustworthy at a glance, and gives people a reason to choose you. A thoughtful, well-managed presence can be the difference between being overlooked and being the first call someone makes.
What D-Kode Does as a Yelp Advertising Partner
As a Yelp Advertising Partner in the top 4% of all agencies nationwide, D-Kode provides our clients with a competitive edge that goes far beyond standard ad management. Rather than focusing on impressions, we value helping businesses capture high-intent, ready-to-spend customers exactly when (and where) they’re searching.
Here’s how we help our clients maximize their Yelp presence:
- Automated Yelp Message Responses: Our services keep our clients’ Yelp response times low and engagement high with automated, personalized replies that ensure potential leads don’t slip through the cracks.
- Custom Graphics for Promotions: We design tailored promotional graphics to enhance our clients’ ads and listings, making their brands stand out in the most competitive online space for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Premium Video Integration: With access to Yelp’s premium video tools, we help our clients showcase their services in a visually compelling way that builds trust and drives clicks.
- Enhanced Yelp Profile Access: Our clients get discounted access to Yelp’s Enhanced Profile features—including customizable CTAs, verified license badges, and competitor ad removal—leading to an average 38% increase in conversions.
- Strategic Ad Optimization: We place our clients’ ads where they matter most: above organic search results, on competitor pages, and in high-visibility zones across Yelp.
- Direct Line to Yelp: Our clients don’t have to wait on hold. As a Yelp Advertising Partner, we have a dedicated support team at Yelp—so issues are addressed faster and opportunities are unlocked sooner.
- Flexible, Cost-Effective Campaigns: Our expert team manages your ad spend strategically, with access to exclusive deals, beta features, and month-to-month flexibility to match your goals.
All of these features work together to do more than just improve a listing—they create a stronger, smarter Yelp presence that helps businesses get seen by the right people at the right time. It’s about being visible when it counts and making sure every touchpoint—from your ad placement to your messaging—supports trust and action.
D-Kode being named Runner-Up at Yelpapalooza is a reflection of this approach in action.
Why Work With a Yelp Advertising Partner?
Anyone can set up a Yelp listing. But working with an official Yelp Advertising Partner like D-Kode gives your company access to exclusive advantages that you can’t get on your own:
- Access to enhanced profile features and custom video hosting
- Priority ad placements and strategy tailored to your goals
- Automated messaging and creative ad design support
- Direct communication with Yelp (no 1-800 number waits on hold)
- Deep platform expertise to help you get more from every dollar spent
In short, Yelp gives you the exposure, but D-Kode makes sure it turns into quantifiable growth.
What’s Next for D-Kode as a Yelp Advertising Partner?
This recognition at Yelpapalooza is a proud milestone, but it’s also just a launching point for what’s ahead. We’re continuing to push for smarter strategies, more compelling creative work, and stronger results for every client we work with.
As Yelp evolves, so do we! Whether it’s elevating brand presence through video or refining ad placement with precision targeting, our goal stays the same: to drive real growth for real businesses and real people.
Because in a digital landscape where everything moves fast, the brands that win aren’t just the ones who show up—they’re the ones who show up better.
Want to see what that looks like for your business? Schedule a free consultation and let’s talk about how we can strengthen your Yelp strategy from the inside out.
