Applying to be Elite
What does it take to be Elite?
Elite-worthiness is based on well-written reviews, high quality photos, an active voting and complimenting record, and a history of playing well with others.
Keepin’ it real
You must also use your real name on your account, have a real (and clear!) profile photo, include a detailed personal profile, and be of legal drinking age in your country to join the Elite Squad.
Meet your Community Manager
Heeey O! I'm Ben. A Bay Area native and fernet enthusiast who will be your go-to guy for all things Yelp-related in SF. From Elite questions to what's good in your hood, I got your back. Let's rip.
View ProfileGet nominating!
Let’s face it — no one knows your city like you do, and that knowledge is worth sharing. Want to amplify your opinions? If you think you (or someone you know) have the stuff to become Elite, we want to read your nomination, stat. Creativity welcome!
Here’s how it works:
- Brush up your profile — real names and pics are a must!
- Eat tacos. Not required, but it’s never a bad idea
- Submit your nomination on this page
- Wait anxiously to hear back from the Elite Council
Why is it so neat to be Elite?
We’re glad you asked! We’re always on the lookout for more vibrant folks to join the community — read on for a taster of the Elite life.
Tell your city’s story
Your city isn’t the only thing that’s unique — so is your perspective on it! No one knows the local scene like you do, and being an Elite means sharing your city’s story with millions of people who visit Yelp every day.
You heard it here first…
Whether getting a heads up on the newest openings, a round-up of the latest events, or an exclusive invite to preview new businesses, you’ll never be left out in the cold on hot happenings around town.
Exclusive events
Being Elite means getting exclusive, regular invites to incredible events, curated by your local Community Manager. Fancy drinking cocktails and eating burgers on a boat? How about an antique store scavenger hunt? Maybe a playdate with penguins is more your thing. Whatever your style, you won’t want to miss these parties.
Everything’s better with friends
Want a buddy to volunteer with? Need a readymade quiz team? Whether meeting up IRL to play board games, checking out the next hot food trend, or going to see a show, Elites are always discovering new places and making new friends.
Elite FAQs to uncomplicate all complications
How do I become Elite?
It takes a special Yelper to become an Elite. Frequent, quality reviews are important, but generally being awesome on Yelp doesn’t hurt! Think: sending compliments, voting on reviews, and being helpful on Talk.
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 an active 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.
Are there age requirements?
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 with 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 Community Manager, Benjamin F.
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