Need we say it?
It’s neat to be Elite
Need we say it?
It’s neat to be Elite
You've heard legends about their reviews, their shiny profile badges, and—of course—their epic parties.
But the Yelp Elite Squad is even more than that. Members of this exclusive, in-the-know crew reveal hot spots for fellow locals and are the true heart of the Yelp community, both on and offline.
I'm a uke-wielding lover of bbq and dive bars. Roaming Montreal most of my life with shiny eyes, liberally dishing out hugs and high fives.
From social networking and gatherings to exclusive opportunities and parties aplenty, Elites lead dynamic lives. Top-notch local knowledge is only fun when you can share it with witty, well-informed pals, right?
As one of the area's best and brightest urban adventurers, you'll act as a local authority and role model for the Yelp community. Elites yelp like nobody's watching, but really, millions are.
Here are some of the things we look for:
Real people. Real reviews.® That means use your real name, a real (and clear!) profile photo, and an honest, unbiased opinion. You've got a lot of sway in the community; let everyone see your face so they know that you stand by what you say.
Your reviews for everything from bars to boutiques, and even your trusted accountant, add to the local experience. Reviews of your band, dog, or mother's Pecan Surprise? Not so much. Also share happenings on the Events tab, create lists, and use the mobile app on the go to write meaningful tips, upload photos, and check in.
Vote (Useful, Funny, or Cool) on your favorite reviews and send compliments. Welcome new members and watch out for your community. Choose diplomacy and intelligent wit over crassness and mean-spiritedness; Yelp's a big bowl of cherries, but nobody likes the pits.
Finally, we look for a certain je ne sais quoi when reviewing Elite candidates. Like Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, we know it when we see it.
What's in it for me if I am selected?
Only a shimmering smorgasbord of stuff that'll change your life: Nifty new friends, über-local gatherings, invites to fun (and free!) parties at least once a month, and a shiny profile badge. Most importantly, you'll join the ranks of some of the most influential tastemakers on the site and in your city. Desperately seeking schwag? You'll have first dibs on everything from Yelp sunglasses and lip balm to sweatbands and temporary tattoos. Represent!
Frequency and quality of reviews are important – but wait, there's more! We're looking for model Yelpers that engage on the site by sending compliments, voting Useful, Funny, and Cool (UFC) on reviews, participating respectfully on Talk, and consistently posting quality content. Depth and breadth of reviews is key to submitting a successful Elite application, but ideally, you're a yelpy good citizen as well.
How long do I get to be Elite?
Until the end of the calendar year. As we get close to December, we'll ask that you renominate yourself. The Elite Council spends many a sleepless night with pizza, beer, and 5-Hour Energy shots to pore over individual profiles and figure out who deserves another coveted term in office.
There isn't a thriving Yelp community in my city. Can I still be Elite?
Absolutely. As a member of our National Elite program, you might not partake in official shindigs or have your own Community Manager, but you can act as a powerful local influencer. Even the teeniest, tiniest towns need helpful Yelpers and rousing Unofficial Yelp Events (UYEs), and have hundreds of businesses to review for many readers. If you think you represent the pinnacle of yelpiness in your area, let us know! Your fellow locals and travelers alike will be glad you did.
Sorry young yelpies, you must be of legal drinking age to be Elite. We have alcohol at most parties, so Big Brother mandates that you can lawfully imbibe to partake in the merriment. That said, you're more than welcome to plan Unofficial Yelp Events (UYEs) that don't involve booze, come to Community Manager Yelp Events (CMYEs), or pop into meetups listed on the Events portion of the site. No fake ID required.
I am a local business owner. Can I still be Elite?
Negative. We value all that you do as a Yelper and love your perspective; however, we've got to put fairness first. Being a business owner or being closely affiliated one (think spouses, general managers, social media managers, etc.) could present a conflict of interest, or at least the appearance of one. As a business owner, you can understand that it would feel desperately unfair if a competitor was coming into contact with the Elite Squad constantly while you weren't. Ya dig?
I'm ready to apply. What do I do next?
Send us a fax! Just joking. Simply log in and fill out the form on this page to nominate yourself or another Yelper. Get creative with your application or simply tell it like it is. Your completed nomination will be swiftly delivered to the almighty Elite Council via electronic carrier pigeon.
Still in the dark? Message your Montréal Community Manager, Risa D.
If you think you or someone you know has what it takes to be Elite, let us know!
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