Changelog
Follow up on the latest improvements and updates.
RSS
new
Automations
Business App
Inbox
Partner Center
AI
APIs & Integrations
Coming Soon
Now Available
Product Updates: 2025-02-14
Direct integrations with JobNimbus and Clio top the list of Vendasta's latest updates.
Business App
- [Business App: APIs & Integrations] Connect JobNimbus accounts directly with Business App to sync customer data, request reviews automatically, and centralize communication. Business App integrates with a growing list of industry-leading apps. To connect accounts, go to Business App > Administration > Connections > Browse Integrations.Learn more
If you have clients using
JobNimbus
, you'll want to check out the replay of our recent webinar on AI and Automations for the Home Services industry.
Watch now
- [Business App: APIs & Integrations] Connect Clio accounts directly with Business App to sync customer data, request reviews automatically, and centralize communication. Learn more
If the new
Clio
integration is more relevant to your clientele, our webinar on AI and Automations for the Professional Services industry is a must-see!
Watch now
- [Business App: Automations] Ensure follow-ups, tasks, and messages happen at the right moment by adding "delay until" steps in automated workflows. Delay actions until jobs are completed, a contact is added to a list, a meeting is created, and much more. Learn more
- [Business App: Inbox] Promote your agency and boost SEO by enabling a backlink on the footer of your client's AI web chat widgets that say, “Chat provided by [your agency's name]" with a link to your website. Enable this from Partner Center > Customize Business App > Branding > Inbox Web Chat.Learn more
- [Business App: Inbox] Easily set and update phone number settings for each of your clients to specify how received calls and SMS messages should be handled, such as responding via AI or forwarding to another number. The phone configuration page can be reached through:
- Business App > AI workforce > AI Voice Receptionist > Configure > Channels > Voice > Settings
- Business App > AI workforce > AI Chat Receptionist > Configure > Channels > SMS > Settings
- Business App > Inbox > More > Inbox Settings > Phone and SMS > Configure
- Business App > Administration > Inbox Settings > Phone and SMS > Configure
Partner Center
[Partner Center: Automations] Ensure follow-ups, tasks, and messages happen at the right moment by adding "delay until" steps in automated workflows. Delay actions until leads are captured, a contact is added to a list, a meeting is created, and much more. Learn more
Products
- [Products: Local SEO] Get detailed insights from Bing in Local SEO to assess the search engine's value as a source of traffic. Learn more
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Events
Use AI Receptionist to get more customers — and keep them:
This week, we hosted a three-part webinar series highlighting how to get the most out of offering Vendasta's AI Receptionist to SMBs in any industry. Focusing on a different industry each day, attendees learned how to automate key workflows across the customer journey with Vendasta's AI Receptionist and Automations in Business App. They also came away with some templates to help them get started!Vendasta Connect:
The next wave in the AI gold rush is here, and AI employees will change the small business world forever. Join us at Vendasta Connect 2025 for an exclusive look at how AI is transforming customer acquisition, lead conversion, and SMB success. --------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming soon: Yesware to Vendasta's Marketplace
Yesware, the renowned sales productivity and email tracking tool, is coming soon to the Vendasta Marketplace on February 26th, 2025. This new addition will enable partners to offer Yesware to their SMB clients, empowering them with real-time prospect tracking, seamless integration with Outlook and Gmail, and personalized sales campaigns that drive engagement. Learn more
Exciting news for Vendasta Channel Partners!
Yesware, the renowned sales productivity and email tracking tool, is coming soon to the Vendasta Marketplace
on February 26th, 2025
. This new addition will enable partners to offer Yesware to their SMB clients, empowering them with real-time prospect tracking, seamless integration with Outlook and Gmail, and personalized sales campaigns that drive engagement.In addition, Yesware contact and activity data will automatically sync with Vendasta CRM, making it easier than ever for Channel Partners and SMBs to manage sales interactions and track engagement within Partner Center and Business App.
--------------------------------------------
Key Updates with Yesware’s Marketplace Launch:
- Yesware Premium Edition Available for Resale:At launch, Yesware Premium will be the first edition available for resale through the Vendasta Marketplace. Yesware Premium provides sales teams with unlimited campaigns, advanced team collaboration, and powerful performance insights—all directly within their email interface. Learn more about the feautres included with Yesware Premium by visiting our Yesware Pricing Page.
- Wholesale Pricing:Yesware Premium has a retail price of $45 per seat per month (USD) on a month-to-month basis. However, Vendasta Channel Partners will have access to exclusive wholesale pricing at $35 per seat per month (USD), with volume discounts available.
- Yesware CRM Sync with Real-Time Contact & Activity Tracking:With this integration, Yesware users on Vendasta will see their contacts and sales activities automatically synced to the Vendasta CRM. This ensures that sales teams have immediate insights into prospect engagement, such as email opens, link clicks, and other key interactions. Channel Partners using Yesware will find their synced data in Partner Center CRM, while SMBs purchasing Yesware will access their contacts and activities in Business App CRM.
NOTE:
Yesware’s Data Enrichment credits will not be available for SMB purchase at launch.--------------------------------------------
How to Purchase & Access Yesware:
For SMBs (Marketplace Purchase):
Yesware will be available for purchase via the Vendasta Marketplace, with Channel Partners reselling it to SMBs on a seat-based model similar to Google Workspace. The primary product, Yesware Premium, costs $35 per month per seat (USD) and includes one seat assignable by the Channel Partner to an SMB admin. Additional seats can be purchased at the same price and will be assigned dynamically within Business App.Purchasing Workflow:
- Channel Partner orders Yesware Premium in Partner Center.
- The assigned Yesware Administrator manages seat assignments via the Yesware Dashboard.
- Additional seats function on a first-come, first-serve basis in Business App, with reassignment options available.
For Channel Partners (Partner Center Access):
Vendasta Channel Partners will have access to Yesware through Partner Center, with included seats depending on their Vendasta subscription tier. Partners on legacy Vendasta subscriptions can upgrade to a current plan to access Yesware. Visit Vendasta Pricing for details.--------------------------------------------
What is Yesware?
Yesware is a powerful email tracking and sales engagement tool designed for sales professionals. It integrates directly with Gmail and Outlook to provide sales insights, automation, and engagement tracking.
Key Features:
- Email Tracking – Get real-time alerts when emails are opened or links are clicked.
- Attachment Tracking – See if and when attachments are downloaded.
- Templates & Personalization – Create and reuse email templates for efficiency.
- Automated Follow-Ups – Schedule multi-step email cadences.
- Sales Campaigns – Run structured, one-on-one sales outreach at scale.
- Reporting & Analytics – Gain insights on email performance and engagement.
Who Benefits from Yesware?
Yesware is a perfect fit for sales-focused SMBs, including industries such as construction, real estate, law firms, financial services, SaaS providers, digital marketing agencies, coworking spaces, and non-profits.
--------------------------------------------
Yesware vs. Vendasta Email + SMS Campaigns
It’s important to understand how Yesware differs from Vendasta’s marketing automation tools.
Yesware Campaigns
are designed for one-on-one sales outreach, helping sales teams follow up with leads in a structured cadence within Outlook and Gmail. Meanwhile, Vendasta Email + SMS Campaigns
are built for broad, automated marketing, allowing businesses to reach larger audiences with mass communication.For example, a sales rep might bulk-upload ten contacts for structured email follow-ups using Yesware Campaigns. If those leads remain unresponsive, they can be transitioned into Vendasta Campaigns for long-term automated nurturing.
--------------------------------------------
The arrival of Yesware in the Vendasta Marketplace on February 26th is a game-changer for sales teams looking to optimize their outreach and increase productivity. With real-time email tracking, personalized campaigns, and seamless CRM integration, Yesware helps SMBs close more deals, faster.
If you’re a Vendasta Channel Partner, get ready to start offering Yesware to your clients and take advantage of the exclusive wholesale pricing!
📅
Mark your calendars – Yesware goes live on February 26th, 2025!
new
Local SEO
Now Available
Now Available: Listing Distribution rebrands to Citation Builder
The Vendasta team is thrilled to announce the evolution of our "Listing Distribution" product into "Citation Builder," effective February 3rd, 2025. This transition represents more than just a name change — it’s a significant step forward in our commitment to helping you and your SMB clients achieve greater success in building their online presence. With exciting new features, enhanced reporting, and a valuable partnership with TransUnion (owners of Neustar Localeze), Citation Builder is designed to deliver even more value and transparency.
What’s New with
Citation Builder
?- Streamlined Reporting:All citation and data aggregator insights will now be accessible in a consolidated "Citations" tab, simplifying usability and saving you time.
- Deeper Integration with Neustar Localeze:Our enhanced partnership with TransUnion provides richer, more transparent data for citation insights.
- Retirement of Data Axle Integration:Citation Builder will no longer sync with Data Axle for new activations after February 1, 2025. Existing customers will continue to benefit from Data Axle submissions until their renewal period ends (January 31, 2026).
Why the Name Change?
The new name, "Citation Builder," better reflects the product’s purpose: building citations to enhance local search visibility. This change also eliminates confusion between "Listing Sync Pro" and "Listing Distribution," making it easier for partners and clients to understand the unique benefits of each tool.
How Will This Transition Benefit You?
- Enhanced Usability:Vendasta has unified the "Listing Distribution" tab in Local SEO with the "Citations" tab, simplifying reporting to more easily show the positive impact the product has on citations growth over time.
- Improved Transparency:Detailed insights from TransUnion's Neustar Localeze empower you to demonstrate value to clients effectively.
What You Need to Know:
- The transition will be seamless for existing users. No action is required from you or your clients.
- All historical data and reporting will remain accessible.
- Comprehensive updated documentation in our Help Center will be available to help you make the most of the new features.
Looking Ahead:
The evolution to Citation Builder aligns with our commitment to delivering tools that help you grow your business while supporting SMBs in achieving a strong, credible online presence. Together, we’re setting the stage for renewed growth and success in 2025 and beyond.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, our team is here to help.
Thank you for partnering with Vendasta to empower local businesses!
new
Social Marketing
Business App
Inbox
Partner Center
AI
Platform
Now Available
What's New
Product Updates: 2025-01-31
Catch up on the latest updates to Partner Center, Business App, and more.
Send Follow-Up SMS after AI Voice Conversation: New Automation Template
Last week, AI Voice Receptionist was released to open beta in Business App to help your SMB clients capture more new leads and keep customers happy.
New this week, an automation template for your SMB clients that:
- triggers when a call is made to the AI voice receptionist
- writes a follow-up SMS based on the transcript
- sends the follow-up SMS using Inbox and Automations
This is a great way to stop-the-shop after someone calls! Turn it on in for each of your SMBs in Business App by going to
Business App > Automations > AI Receptionist sends follow-up SMS to leads who called > [toggle on].
Learn moreBusiness App
- [Business App: APIs & Integrations] Connect Protractor, Service Monster, and ShopBoss accounts directly with Business App to sync customer data, request reviews automatically, and centralize communication. Business App integrates with a growing list of industry-leading apps. To connect accounts, go to Business App > Administration > Connections > Browse Integrations. Learn more
- [Business App: Inbox Pro] Customize AI web chat's initial message to greet website visitors upon their arrival, and get a conversation started. Learn more
- [Business App: Inbox Pro] Greet web visitors in their preferred language by notcustomizing AI web chat's initial message. AI web chat will detect the language set in the lead's browser, and automatically begin the conversation in that language. Learn more
Platform
- [Partner Center: Inbox] Customize AI web chat's initial message to greet website visitors upon their arrival, and get a conversation started. Learn more
- [Partner Center: Inbox] Greet web visitors in their preferred language by not customizing AI web chat's initial message. AI web chat will detect the language set in the lead's browser, and automatically begin the conversation in that language. Learn more
Products
- [Products: Social Marketing] Create long-form blog posts with Social Marketing Pro. Generate content optimized for search using AI, and schedule/publish directly to a Wordpress website. Learn more
- [Products: Social Marketing] Connect Wordpress sites to Social Marketing Pro to schedule and publish blog content generated by Social Marketing Pro directly to Wordpress blogs. Learn more
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 11-13, 2025: Use AI Receptionist to get more customers — and keep them.
Join us for a special webinar series designed to help agencies get the most out of offering Vendasta's AI Receptionist to SMBs in any industry.
You'll learn:
- how to leverage AI and automations to deliver big results in lead capture, conversion, and retention
- key workflows tailored to specific industries
You'll also come away with some templates to help you get started!
February 11, 2025: AI Workflows for Home Services
Designed for agency owners serving home renovation professionals, plumbers, electricians, and similar service-based industries.
February 12, 2025: AI Workflows for Personal Care Businesses
This session is tailored for agencies that work with spas, salons, pet groomers, and similar personal care providers.
February 13, 2025: AI Workflows for Professional Services
Perfect for agencies supporting financial advisors, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals.
Join us for one of these sessions, or all three! They're completely free, and you can sign up
here
.new
Business App
AI
Now Available
Your Feedback Wanted on Vendasta's AI Voice Receptionist
Last week, Vendasta's AI Voice Receptionist was released to open beta to increase lead capture and conversion for SMBs by ensuring no customer call goes unanswered. Learn more
To share your feedback, complete this form.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have clients using AI Voice Receptionist: We want to hear from you!
Share the good, the bad, and the ugly. How are your clients using it? What early results are you seeing as the receptionist captures new leads and engages returning customers? What improvements would facilitate set up?
If you don't have clients using AI Voice Receptionist: We want to hear from you!
Tell us about the challenges you're experiencing, or your reasons for not introducing the AI Voice Receptionist to your clients? Are they not a good fit* for the Beta period? Or perhaps they are not convinced of the benefits?
Benefits to Your SMB Clients
Vendasta's AI Voice Receptionist, SMBs can increase lead capture and conversion by:
- Responding instantly - answer every call to eliminate the risk of losing leads to competitors.
- Nurturing automatically - build post-call journeys that ensure leads get the information and attention they need to convert.
- Serving more customers - expand your team's capacity without expanding your team.
Benefits to Your Agency
While Vendasta's AI Voice Receptionist helps SMBs make the most of every lead, it provides your agency with an opportunity to get more customers, and keep them, by:
- Proving ROI - increase lead capture and conversion for SMBs without increasing overhead costs.
- Becoming mission-critical - provide your clients' with sticky solutions that become an essential part of their daily operations.
- Gaining a competitive edge - show prospects an impressive, irrefutable record of delivering big results.
*
Who should use AI Voice Receptionist in Beta?
SMBs who:
- Have Inbox Pro active
- Are located in the U.S. or Canada
- Are using AI web chat to capture leads on their website and/or
- Are using AI SMS to respond to customer texts.
- Are comfortable with occasional bugs and some uncertainty around development timelines
Partners who:
- Are comfortable not knowing packaging and pricing details for general release right now
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 11-13, 2025: Use AI Receptionist to get more customers — and keep them.
Join us for a special webinar series designed to help agencies get the most out of offering Vendasta's AI Receptionist to SMBs in any industry.
You'll learn:
- how to leverage AI and automations to deliver big results in lead capture, conversion, and retention
- key workflows tailored to specific industries
You'll also come away with some templates to help you get started!
February 11, 2025: AI Workflows for Home Services
Designed for agency owners serving home renovation professionals, plumbers, electricians, and similar service-based industries.
February 12, 2025: AI Workflows for Personal Care Businesses
This session is tailored for agencies that work with spas, salons, pet groomers, and similar personal care providers.
February 13, 2025: AI Workflows for Professional Services
Perfect for agencies supporting financial advisors, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals.
Join us for one of these sessions, or all three! They're completely free, and you can sign up
here
.new
Business App
Inbox
AI
Now Available
What's New
NOW AVAILABLE: AI Voice Receptionist in Open Beta
Vendasta's AI Voice Receptionist
has been released on open beta, and is now available to customers of Inbox Pro. 
Help your SMB clients answer every phone call
immediately
to capture more new leads and keep customers happy. Whether they're getting in touch via chat or
phone, their AI Receptionist is always ready to respond! In this article
- AI Voice Receptionist: What is it? Who should try it?
- Webinar: Join us today to learn all about Vendasta's AI Receptionist
- FAQ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE NOW: AI Voice Receptionist on
Open Beta
Provide your SMB clients with the opportunity to answer every lead immediately with AI Voice Receptionist.
What is it?
AI Voice Receptionist is an AI-powered employee that increases lead capture and conversion for SMBs by ensuring no customer call goes unanswered. Available to customers of Inbox Pro for the duration of the open beta period*, AI Voice Receptionist is now ready to answer phone calls for SMBs located in US & Canada. To encourage testing during open beta, each account has access to 300 voice minutes per month at no additional cost beyond their Inbox Pro subscription, with a 5 minute limit per call.
Inbox Pro
, ideal for SMBs in US & Canada, centralizes communication for SMBs, ensuring a great customer experience across multiple channels. Capabilities include:- [NEW] WhatsApp messaging** (AI chat responses to come at a later date). Learn more
- [NEW] Call forwarding
- [NEW] Missed call text back, via SMS. Learn more
- AI web chat lead capture
- SMS messaging, including AI responses
- Unified inbox for Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and email
- Contact creation and activity sync with the Business App CRM
*
AI Voice Receptionist is available to customers of Inbox Pro during the open beta period, subject to change upon full release. The open beta period begins on January 22, 2025, and is expected to end in late March or early April 2025. The general release date, along with pricing and packaging details for the AI Voice Receptionist, will be announced at Vendasta Connect on March 12, 2025.
**
Also available in
AI-assisted Web Chat Lead Capture for Inbox
, ideal for for SMBs outside of US & Canada.
Who should try it?
Voice AI is an early and evolving technology, and AI Voice Receptionist is in beta. It performs incredibly well in many scenarios, but you might experience some errors during conversations, along with some big improvements that you'll see come available over time.
AI Voice Receptionist has been released on open beta to:
- Provide partners with the opportunity to provide a game-changing solution to suitable SMB clients as early as possible.
- Collect partner feedback and apply improvements prior to full release.
Got feedback?
Share it here!
For your SMB clients who are eager to take advantage of the value AI has to offer their business, and can accept the uncertainties of using a product under development, this is an incredible opportunity for them to experience the impact without additional investment.
SMBs that meet the following requirements will find the most success with AI Voice Receptionist during Open Beta.
- Have Inbox Pro active
- Are located in the U.S. or Canada
- Are using AI web chat to capture leads on their website, or AI SMS to respond to customer texts.
- Have a phone number assigned to their account
Vendasta's AI Workforce
AI Receptionist is the first AI employee available through Vendasta as part of its broader AI workforce initiative that aims to democratize technology by making AI accessible, affordable, and practical for local businesses. To be presented as a unified AI Receptionist in the future, AI Voice Receptionist and AI Chat Receptionist can currently be configured separately in Business App > AI Workforce.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watch the webinar to learn more
Are your clients missing valuable opportunities due to unanswered calls and chats? Stop the shop and start capturing every lead.
Join us for a webinar designed to help you unlock the full potential of Vendasta’s AI Receptionist. This AI-powered employee ensures your clients’ businesses are always available— capturing leads 24/7 across voice, SMS, web chat, and (soon) WhatsApp.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why your clients need an AI Receptionist: Understand the impact of missed calls and chats on lead capture, customer satisfaction, and revenue.
- The Vendasta advantage: See how Vendasta’s AI is uniquely designed to work out-of-the-box, with responses tailored to each customer interaction.
- Live demo: Watch a step-by-step setup of the AI Receptionist to handle both phone calls and chats, ensuring seamless customer interaction.
Why Attend?
- Gain a competitive advantage: Increase lead capture and conversion for SMBs by ensuring they never miss a customer inquiry.
- Deliver game-changing timesavers to SMBs: Set up workflows that handle client communication effortlessly.
- Become mission-critical to SMBs: Drive more results from your existing marketing efforts without extra work for you or your customers to deliver exceptional ROI.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAQs
What is AI Receptionist?
AI Receptionist AI-powered voice and chat assistant for SMBs that can handle calls, provide information, route inquiries, and capture leads professionally across multiple communication channels.
Key features of the AI Receptionist available during the open-beta include:
- Ability to be deployed on a phone-number
- Answering questions accurately about a business using a business' knowledge base.
- Capturing lead information and notifying business owners about key conversation details.
At this time, AI chat receptionist and AI voice receptionist are configured separately, either through:
- Business App > AI workforce
- Business App > Inbox > Inbox Settings
On which communication channels can AI Receptionist respond?
During the beta launch, the AI receptionist will be able to respond connected channels such as:
- Phone
- SMS
- Web chat
- WhatsApp (coming soon)
The AI receptionist will respond on additional connected channels upon its full release, such as on Facebook Messenger and through email.
Why should SMBs use an AI Receptionist?
SMB owners and their teams who are busy serving customers can use it to save time, reduce missed opportunities, and provide a consistent, professional customer experience.
Why should SMBs use Vendasta's AI Receptionist?
Vendasta's AI Receptionist captures and converts more leads for SMBs by handling inquiries 24/7 across voice, SMS, WhatsApp (coming soon), and web chat. It's fully integrated with the Business App CRM and Automations, enabling them to build the ideal customer experience for their target audience, and automated workflows tailored their business model.
How long is the Beta period?
The open beta period begins on January 21, 2025, and is expected to end in late March or early April 2025. The general release date, along with pricing and packaging details for the AI Voice Receptionist, will be announced at Vendasta Connect on March 12, 2025.
Through this advance notice, Vendasta Partners are given time to set expectations with their customers and prepare them for upcoming changes to pricing and packaging.
Will my agency or my clients be billed for phone calls managed by the AI Voice Receptionist?
During the open beta period, every SMB with an active Inbox Pro account 300 minutes of voice available every month, included at no extra cost. There is a 5-minute maximum per call.
The general release date, along with pricing and packaging details for the AI Voice Receptionist, will be announced at Vendasta Connect on March 12, 2025. Through this advance notice, Vendasta Partners are given time to set expectations with their customers and prepare them for upcoming changes to pricing and packaging.
Why the 5-minute limit per phone call?
A 5-minute limit has been implemented on individual phone-calls to avoid wasted minutes on spam or unrelated conversations, and maintain purposeful interactions that align with the needs of the business.
What inquiries can the AI handle?
In open beta, the AI Voice Receptionist can handle most common inquiries and FAQs that a receptionist would be expected to handle. This includes capturing lead information and details of the conversation if a human needs to take further action.
The knowledge available to the AI Receptionist comes from the AI Knowledge base in Vendasta. Instructions for how the AI Voice Receptionist behaves during calls can be modified by adding instructions in
Business App > AI workforce > AI Voice Receptionist > Configure > Additional Instructions
.Can I update my AI receptionist’s script and knowledge base after setup?
Absolutely! You can update the AI’s script and business knowledge at any time by revisiting the configuration settings in the AI Workforce section.
What happens if the AI cannot answer a caller’s question?
If the AI cannot answer a caller’s question, it will capture the caller’s details and pass the inquiry to the business for follow-up. This ensures no leads or customer concerns are missed.
How accurate is the AI at answering FAQs?
The AI is trained with the business’s knowledge base and FAQs. The open beta preview is highly capable, but you may see unexpected behavior. Accuracy will also depend on how well the business provides up-to-date and comprehensive information during configuration.
TIP: Don't give the AI too much knowledge to draw from; it currently performs best when it's been given only highly relevant, specific information that it will need for common phone interactions.
TIP: For best performance answering common questions, add instructions to the 'Additional Instructions' area of the Voice AI configuration, since this information is available for the AI to use in its answers without needing to "look up" anything. Common questions like pricing, services, FAQs can be added there.
Can I choose which languages the AI receptionist speaks?
Yes, businesses can enable specific languages for the AI receptionist based on their audience. Many common languages are supported, and the voice AI can switch into a different language at a caller's request. Multi-language support is currently in beta, so results may vary.
TIP: To instruct your AI to answer calls by default in another language, add this to the 'additional instructions': "IMPORTANT: Begin all calls by speaking [language], and say: "Bonjour..."
How do I listen to call recordings and review transcripts?
Call recordings and transcripts are accessible through the Inbox and the CRM in Business App. New calls will appear in Inbox, and be logged on the contact activity in the CRM.
Users will also be notified about new calls via Email and App notifications.
Can the AI receptionist handle multiple calls at the same time?
Yes, the AI receptionist can manage multiple calls simultaneously, ensuring no caller is left waiting.
Can I remove the "This call is being recorded" message at the beginning of the AI Voice Receptionist calls?
This notification is a legal requirement in Canada and many US states. In the future, we might look at allowing individuals to opt-out by letting them assume all legal risk, but at this time the notification will remain in place for all use.
Will Vendasta release other AI Employees?
Yes, throughout the year Vendasta will be releasing new AI Employees to provide businesses with an AI Workforce handling job functions across the entire customer journey.
Will Partner Center Inbox get AI Receptionist?
Yes – ETA in late February 2025, the AI Receptionist (along with Phone & SMS features) will be added to the Partner Center Inbox experience partners located in the US and Canada.
Further pricing and availability for Partner Center inbox will be coming at a later date.
Find answers to more FAQs here.
Last week, we shared the upcoming arrival of AI Voice Receptionist on Open Beta for customers of Inbox Pro. Originally scheduled for release today, January 21, 2025, AI Voice Receptionist will now be available for SMBs with Inbox Pro tomorrow, January 22, 2025.
Stay tuned here for an update as soon as it's live!
If you have SMB clients using Inbox Pro, you won't want to miss tomorrow's webinar, designed to help you unlock the full potential of Vendasta’s AI Receptionist.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why your clients need an AI Receptionist: Understand the impact of missed calls and chats on lead capture, customer satisfaction, and revenue.
- The Vendasta advantage: See how Vendasta’s AI is uniquely designed to work out-of-the-box, with responses tailored to each customer interaction.
- Live demo: Watch a step-by-step setup of the AI Receptionist to handle both phone calls and chats, ensuring seamless customer interaction.
Why Attend?
- Gain a competitive advantage: Increase lead capture and conversion for SMBs by ensuring they never miss a customer inquiry.
- Deliver game-changing timesavers to SMBs: Set up workflows that handle client communication effortlessly.
- Become mission-critical to SMBs: Drive more results from your existing marketing efforts without extra work for you or your customers to deliver exceptional ROI.
new
Business App
Inbox
AI
Opportunities & Pipeline
Platform
Coming Soon
Now Available
Product Updates: 2025-01-17
Catch up on the latest updates to Partner Center, Business App, and more.
Business App
- [Business App: Inbox] Receive and respond to WhatsApp messages with Inbox Pro by connecting a WhatsApp business account. Learn more
- [Business App: Opportunities & Pipeline] Set new Opportunities to the appropriate pipeline stage through Automations to accurately - and automatically - reflect the contact’s current position in their customer journey.
- [Business App: Opportunities & Pipeline] View total and weighted revenue for a pipeline, calculated based on the probability assigned to each pipeline stage. Learn more
Platform
- [Platform: Orders] Attach external files to Sales Orders for your clients to review, such as contracts or proposals in PDF format.
Products
- [Local SEO] Sync all photos in "More photos" in an account's Business Profile (accessible from Local SEO > Business ProfileorBusiness App > Administration > Business Profile) to Google Business Profiles. Learn more
REMINDERS
AI Voice Receptionist is coming to Inbox Pro
On January 21, 2025, Vendasta's AI Receptionist will be released to Inbox Pro on open beta.
Help your SMB clients answer every phone call
immediately
to capture more new leads and keep customers happy. Whether they're getting in touch via chat or
phone, their AI Receptionist with Inbox Pro is always ready to respond! - January 21, 2025: Try out the beta of AI voice receptionist in Inbox Pro (feature available to US & Canada accounts)
- January 22, 2025: Join our webinar to learn more
- Try it yourself now! Call our demo AI voice receptionist at +1-440-485-4130.
Listing Builder to become "Citation Builder"
The Vendasta team is thrilled to announce the evolution of our "Listing Distribution" product into "
Citation Builder
," effective February 3rd, 2025. More than just a name change, it’s a significant step forward in our commitment to helping you and your SMB clients achieve greater success in building their online presence. With exciting new features, enhanced reporting, and a valuable partnership with TransUnion (owners of Neustar Localeze), Citation Builder is designed to deliver even more value and transparency.Sales & Success Center Retired on January 15, 2025: Partners Must Transition to Partner Center CRM
Vendasta retired the Sales & Success Center on
January 15, 2025
, as part of its commitment to continuous innovation and platform evolution. All partners were required to transition to Vendasta’s unified Partner Center CRM
by this date to continue utilizing the company’s powerful sales and client management tools.new
Business App
Inbox
AI
Coming Soon
AI Voice Receptionist Coming to Inbox Pro
On January 21, 2025,
Vendasta's AI Receptionist
will be released to Inbox Pro on open beta. 
Help your SMB clients answer every phone call
immediately
to capture more new leads and keep customers happy. Whether they're getting in touch via chat or
phone, their AI Receptionist with Inbox Pro is always ready to respond! Mark Your Calendars
January 21, 2025: Try out the beta of AI voice receptionist in Inbox Pro (feature available to US & Canada accounts)
January 22, 2025: Join our webinar to learn more
Try it yourself now! Call our demo AI voice receptionist at +1-440-485-4130.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 21, 2025: Try out AI Voice Receptionist on
Open Beta
in Inbox Pro
During the open beta period of AI Voice Receptionist, provide your SMB clients with the opportunity to answer every lead immediately with:
Inbox Pro
, ideal for SMBs in US & Canada Currently includes:
- AI web chat lead capture
- SMS messaging, including AI responses
- Unified inbox for Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and email
- Contact creation and activity sync with the Business App CRM
NEW on January 21st:
- AI voice receptionist to answer phone calls 24/7 (feature available to US & Canada accounts)
- WhatsApp messaging (AI chat responses to come at a later date)
- Call forwarding, from Inbox number to another number
- Missed call text back, via SMS
January 22, 2025: Join our webinar to learn more
Are your clients missing valuable opportunities due to unanswered calls and chats? Stop the shop and start capturing every lead.
Join us for a webinar designed to help you unlock the full potential of Vendasta’s AI Receptionist. This AI-powered employee ensures your clients’ businesses are always available— capturing leads 24/7 across voice, SMS, web chat, and (soon) WhatsApp.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why your clients need an AI Receptionist: Understand the impact of missed calls and chats on lead capture, customer satisfaction, and revenue.
- The Vendasta advantage: See how Vendasta’s AI is uniquely designed to work out-of-the-box, with responses tailored to each customer interaction.
- Live demo: Watch a step-by-step setup of the AI Receptionist to handle both phone calls and chats, ensuring seamless customer interaction.
Why Attend?
- Gain a competitive advantage: Increase lead capture and conversion for SMBs by ensuring they never miss a customer inquiry.
- Deliver game-changing timesavers to SMBs: Set up workflows that handle client communication effortlessly.
- Become mission-critical to SMBs: Drive more results from your existing marketing efforts without extra work for you or your customers to deliver exceptional ROI.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WhatsApp Arriving in Inbox for SMBs outside of US and Canada
On January 21, 2025, WhatsApp messaging will also be available in
AI-assisted Web Chat Lead Capture for Inbox
, ideal for for SMBs outside of US & Canada.Currently includes:
- AI web chat lead capture
- Unified inbox for Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and email
- Contact creation and activity sync with the Business App CRM
NEW on January 21st:
- WhatsApp messaging (AI chat responses to come at a later date)
The Vendasta team is thrilled to announce the evolution of our "Listing Distribution" product into "
Citation Builder
," effective February 3rd, 2025. This transition represents more than just a name change — it’s a significant step forward in our commitment to helping you and your SMB clients achieve greater success in building their online presence. With exciting new features, enhanced reporting, and a valuable partnership with TransUnion (owners of Neustar Localeze), Citation Builder is designed to deliver even more value and transparency.What’s New with
Citation Builder
?- Streamlined Reporting:All citation and data aggregator insights will now be accessible in a consolidated "Citations" tab, simplifying usability and saving you time.
- Deeper Integration with Neustar Localeze:Our enhanced partnership with TransUnion provides richer, more transparent data for citation insights.
- Retirement of Data Axle Integration:Citation Builder will no longer sync with Data Axle for new activations after February 1, 2025. Existing customers will continue to benefit from Data Axle submissions until their renewal period ends (January 31, 2026).
Why the Name Change?
The new name, "Citation Builder," better reflects the product’s purpose: building citations to enhance local search visibility. This change also eliminates confusion between "Listing Sync Pro" and "Listing Distribution," making it easier for partners and clients to understand the unique benefits of each tool.
How Will This Transition Benefit You?
- Enhanced Usability:Vendasta will be unifying the "Listing Distribution" tab in Local SEO with the "Citations" tab, simplifying reporting to more easily show the positive impact the product has on citations growth over time.
- Improved Transparency:Detailed insights from TransUnion's Neustar Localeze empower you to demonstrate value to clients effectively. Below is a mock of how this will look for customers(subject to change).
What You Need to Know:
- The transition will be seamless for existing users. No action is required from you or your clients.
- All historical data and reporting will remain accessible.
- Comprehensive updated documentation in our Help Center will be available to help you make the most of the new features.
Looking Ahead:
The evolution to Citation Builder aligns with our commitment to delivering tools that help you grow your business while supporting SMBs in achieving a strong, credible online presence. Together, we’re setting the stage for renewed growth and success in 2025 and beyond.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, our team is here to help.
Thank you for partnering with Vendasta to empower local businesses!
Load More
→