Nowadays, websites like Yelp have changed how we share our thoughts about businesses. Yelp started back in 2004 and quickly became a favorite spot for people to talk about the places they like and don’t like.
The internet has made it easy for customers to speak up about their experiences, good or bad. Platforms like Yelp give them a big platform to share their thoughts with the world. But for businesses, this can be both good and bad. Positive reviews can bring in lots of new customers, while negative ones can turn people away.
Nowadays, online reviews are everywhere, and they really matter. In fact, surveys show that 95% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase.
This means it’s absolutely necessary to be on top of your reviews, whether positive or negative while also making a conscious effort to get new ones. And that’s what we’ll dive into up next!
Why Yelp Reviews Matter
Yelp reviews transcend mere opinions; they serve as a testament to a business’s credibility, reliability, and service quality. Consider the following:
- Almost 90% of consumers said they read reviews for local businesses.
- In 2023, Yelp received over 170 million monthly unique visitors.
- 92% of consumers who use consumer online review sites say they made a purchase after visiting Yelp.
The impact of Yelp reviews extends far beyond star ratings, fostering trust among consumers, establishing a positive brand image, and enhancing online visibility. Neglecting the potential of Yelp reviews means missing out on a vast pool of prospective customers and hindering business growth.
How Yelp Reviews Benefit Businesses
- Enhanced Visibility: Businesses with a robust presence on Yelp enjoy heightened visibility, appearing prominently in search results and attracting a steady stream of potential customers.
- Increased Credibility: Positive Yelp reviews serve as social proof, instilling confidence in prospective customers and affirming the reliability and quality of a business’s products or services.
- Customer Engagement: Yelp provides a platform for businesses to actively engage with their customers, address concerns, and foster meaningful relationships, thus enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Competitive Advantage: A stellar reputation on Yelp sets businesses apart from competitors, positioning them as preferred choices among discerning consumers.
Now that you understand why Yelp reviews are so important, let’s take a look into actionable strategies to amplify your business’s presence on this influential platform.
1. Train Your Staff to Ask for Yelp Reviews
While it is against Yelp’s review guidelines to openly ask for reviews, there are indirect ways to encourage customers to leave Yelp reviews.
This starts by encouraging your team to subtly mention Yelp to customers, emphasizing how much their feedback means to the business. Teach them the importance of reviews and how they can positively impact the business.
For example, your employee can say:
Thank you so much for shopping with us today! We strive to provide the best experience for our customers. If you enjoyed your time here, we’d love to hear about it. You can find us on Yelp, where you can share your feedback with others.
2. Ask for Reviews in Follow-Up Email and Text Campaigns
After a great experience, customers often forget to leave Yelp reviews. However, reminding them can significantly benefit your client’s business and assist others in discovering reliable services.
HighLevel simplifies the process with automated email or SMS campaigns, making it easy to request reviews. Ensure to include direct links to your Yelp page in messages for added convenience.
Additionally, follow-up messages are essential as they increase the likelihood of receiving reviews. By implementing these steps, you can effectively boost Yelp reviews and enhance your client’s online reputation.
3. Respond to Yelp Reviews – Both Good & Bad!
Keep track of all your Yelp reviews and promptly respond to both positive and negative feedback.
Timely responses show your commitment to customer satisfaction and improve your brand reputation and, with HighLevel’s built-in reputation management features you can monitor and keep track of all your Yelp reviews.
We suggest you get back to your customers within 24-48 hours. Also, when addressing negative feedback, respond empathetically, apologize if necessary, and offer a solution. Monitor the situation to ensure that the customer’s concern is resolved.
4. Include Yelp Review CTAs in Email Signatures
Add a gentle call-to-action in your email signature inviting recipients to visit your Yelp page and share their experiences.
A simple line like “We value your feedback! Share your experience on Yelp” can prompt customers to leave Yelp reviews without feeling pressured.
5. Embed Yelp Reviews on Your Website and Social Media
Highlight your best Yelp reviews on your website and social media using Yelp’s Review Badges. Positive reviews serve as social proof, building trust among potential customers and showcasing your commitment to excellence.
By incorporating these reviews into your online presence, you not only enhance credibility but also provide visitors with valuable insights from satisfied customers.
6. Create Compelling Yelp Deals & Check-In Offers
Encourage customers to leave reviews by offering exclusive deals or discounts for those who check in or redeem offers on Yelp.
Not only does this incentivize reviews, but it also drives foot traffic and encourages repeat business.
By providing value to customers who engage with your Yelp page, you create a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters loyalty and positive feedback.
7. Promote Your Yelp Page on Social Media
Leverage your social media channels to promote your Yelp page and encourage followers to leave reviews.
Share positive customer experiences, respond to feedback, and make your Yelp presence known across all your social platforms. By integrating Yelp into your social media strategy, you amplify your reach and engagement, further solidifying your online reputation.
8. Amplify Reach with Strategic Yelp Ads
Stand out from the competition by running targeted Yelp ads that appear at the top of search results.
Strategic advertising can significantly boost your visibility and attract more potential customers to your business.
By investing in targeted ads, you ensure that your business remains top-of-mind for users actively searching for products or services in your area.
9. Use Yelp’s “Find Friends” Feature for Enhanced Visibility
Expand your network on Yelp by adding friends and inviting them to explore your business page. A larger network can lead to increased profile views and more opportunities for positive reviews.
By actively engaging with users within the Yelp community, you enhance your visibility and credibility, positioning your business as a trusted choice among potential customers.
10. Keep Customers Engaged with Regular Business Updates on Yelp
Stay active on Yelp by posting updates, special deals, and timely information to keep your customers engaged.
Regular interactions demonstrate your commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to more Yelp reviews!
By providing valuable and relevant content to your audience, you foster a sense of community and loyalty around your business.
The Takeaway
As critical as Yelp reviews are, staying on top of them and actively seeking more can eat up a lot of your time.
Thankfully, with HighLevel’s suite of reputation management features, you get that time back to focus on the things that truly make your business grow!w
From automated review requests to effortlessly monitoring and responding to feedback, HighLevel streamlines the entire process, giving you peace of mind while ensuring a positive online reputation.
Ready to reclaim your time and boost your business’s online reputation? Try HighLevel with our 14-day free trial NOW!
