If you somehow haven’t heard of Yelp, it’s a website and app where anyone can review just about anything. People mostly seem to head to Yelp when they’re busting to share their glowing praise or their boiling rage.
Now, as announced by DigitalGov, Yelp has a terms of service for official government use. Agencies can claim or create their Yelp pages, and even respond to feedback. Agencies can also use Yelp’s reviews to improve citizen engagement.
Given that Yelp is often an outlet for strong emotions, it’s no surprise that people have already reviewed many government agencies, offices, and projects on Yelp. Check out the funniest reviews of government on Yelp—but be warned, interacting with government can push people into cursing like sailors.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Hot tip: The trick to not raising the suspicions of the CIA is not looking shifty.
California Food & Agriculture Department Inspection Station
Not everyone can cram their adoration of beards, tattoos, aviator sunglasses, and Food & Agriculture Department Inspection Stations into one review.
U.S. Social Security Administration Office, New York, NY
I am dying to know what the ringtone was, Rob. Need. More. Details!
Yellowstone National Park
If you believe “If you’ve seen one geyser you’ve seen them all,” you have truly lost your lust for life.
405 Freeway, Los Angeles, California
If you want to have any chance of getting to The Happiest Place on Earth™, it’s best not to take the 405.
Library of Congress
On your next visit to the Library of Congress, Shawn, check out section 347.053 (class action lawsuits).
Hamilton County Board Of Elections, Cincinnati, Ohio
Way to focus on the positive, Scot!
New York Passport Agency
The important thing is that, with his new passport in hand, Chad can explore queues in countries all over the world.
City of Houston, Texas
I have to admit. I’ve never been to Houston so I have no idea if this is funny. I’m just a sucker for anything that plays on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Pflugerville, Texas Department of Public Safety
Things sure are pflast in Pflugerville. The time just pfluew by.
Lauren Girardin is a marketing and communications consultant, writer, and trainer. Find her on Twitter at @girardinl.
Great article, and I have to say, I didn’t realize that your agency can be reviewed on Yelp…….good to know! I really appreciated the comment about the 405 freeway, having been there myself it’s definitely not the happiest place on earth at times!
Very glad I brought a new route for citizen engagement and feedback to your attention, Brenda. And the dislike of the 405 unites us all!
I am a Yelper but I probably will not review any government agencies. I will stick to food, hotels and other places.
Since I wrote about this news, the story’s been getting a lot of coverage in the major media. I think we’ll see more Yelpers reviewing government agencies, but it’ll be up to each individual to decide what they think is worth reviewing.