If you’re a service-based B2C business and you’re not on Yelp, you’re missing out on a goldmine of potential customers. Yelp is the ultimate user-generated content machine—the holy grail of content marketing. When customers review your business on Yelp, those reviews are publicly visible to anyone searching for services like yours. And that, my friend, is just one of the many reasons to leverage Yelp.
Why Yelp?
Americans spend big in the service industry—$300+ a month on eating out alone. Yelp is essential for restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and even contractors like plumbers and electricians. If you’re starting a new service business, claiming your Yelp listing should be one of the first things on your to-do list.
But let’s be real—simply throwing your business on Yelp isn’t going to cut it. Success on Yelp requires strategy. Here’s a breakdown of how you can turn Yelp into your business’s secret weapon.
Step 1: Claiming Your Business
First things first, make sure your business isn’t already on Yelp. Yes, it happens—sometimes Yelp will list your business without you knowing. Check this by going to Yelp’s ‘Manage my free listing’ page and searching for your business.
If it’s not listed, here’s the process in a nutshell:
Create a Yelp business account.
Fill in your business details (name, address, phone number, website, etc.).
Verify your business via phone or email.
Add photos and a killer description.
Rinse and repeat for additional locations if needed.
Boom, now you’ve got your business on Yelp. But that’s just the beginning.
Step 2: Optimizing Your Yelp Page
Think of your Yelp page like your website—it needs to be optimized. Fill out every single detail on your page, from your hours of operation to your service categories. Missing info = missed opportunities.
Here’s a pro tip: Yelp is essentially a search engine, so treat it like one. You need to give the Yelp algorithm the goods by optimizing your listing with relevant keywords.
Use Relevant Keywords
You’re probably familiar with the importance of keywords from Google SEO. Yelp works similarly. Want to rank for “24-hour plumber” in your area? Make sure that phrase is woven into your business description.
Build Backlinks
Every check-in on Yelp creates a backlink to your page. Encourage your customers to check in whenever they visit your business. It’s free SEO juice.
Add Photos
People love visuals. Upload high-quality images of your business and services to help sell your brand. Photos are proven to attract more clicks and views on Yelp.
Step 3: Get Reviews Without Asking for Them
Yelp has strict guidelines about soliciting reviews—so don’t. Instead, try these tricks to nudge customers in the right direction:
Mention Yelp on your website: A simple “Check us out on Yelp” with a clickable link works wonders.
Social media posts: Promote your Yelp presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use calls to action like “Check out our reviews on Yelp.”
Email campaigns: Include a subtle Yelp link in your newsletters or email promotions.
Responding to both positive and negative reviews also helps build trust. A well-thought-out response to a negative review shows potential customers that you care about their experience.
Step 4: Advertise on Yelp
Looking for extra visibility? Yelp’s pay-per-click (PPC) advertising lets you target specific audiences. Set your budget, and Yelp does the rest—pushing your business out to more potential customers.
Many businesses spend between $300 and $1,000 per month on Yelp ads, but you can start for as little as $5 per day.
New Features to Leverage in 2022
Yelp is constantly evolving, and staying on top of new features will give you an edge over the competition. Some of the latest tools include:
Request a Quote: This feature lets customers directly ask for service estimates. Businesses that use it have seen a 250% increase in response rates.
Custom Search Filters: Now, consumers can filter searches based on criteria like response times and virtual consultations.
Covid-19 Updates: Keep your customers in the loop with customizable banners detailing your Covid-19 policies.
Final Thoughts: Yelp as a Marketing Tool
Yelp can be a game-changer for your business, but like any tool, it’s only as effective as the effort you put into it. Optimize your profile, engage with your customers, and keep an eye on new features to stay ahead of the curve.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
コメント