Online business directory Yell, previously the Yellow Pages, has launched a new collaboration with Amazon which will enhance the opportunity for millions of UK SMEs to be found by end consumers, using Alexa-enabled devices.
Users can now ask “Alexa, I need a local plumber’’ or ‘’Alexa, can you recommend a local hairdresser in Manchester?”
Over 2.5m of Yell’s customers in the UK are discoverable via the voice assistant, which can now provide consumer reviews, opening hours, and other business information.
This agreement adds to similar arrangements that Yell has in place with Apple and Bing as Yell looks to build out the value it provides to all businesses listed on Yell.com.
Claire Miles, CEO of Yell said: “We’re always looking at how we can broaden the channels from which our customers can be found. With many of us spending more time in our homes, it’s key to enable end consumers to search for and find the local businesses or services they need, through their preferred choices of digital channel.
“This arrangement with Amazon, and their fantastic cloud-based voice service Alexa, now makes it even easier for end consumers to ask for local business information straightaway.”