By
•
Sep 2, 2024
Yelp could be the secret sauce your local business needs to thrive. Ranking as the 44th most visited website in the US, Yelp attracts over 178 million unique visitors monthly across all platforms, including 92 million unique mobile users each month. Businesses can see up to a 9% increase in revenue for each new star earned on Yelp.
But how do you ensure your Yelp listing stands out in the crowded digital marketplace? Here’s your ultimate guide to optimizing your Yelp listing for maximum visibility.
Yelp isn’t just a review platform; it's a powerful business discovery tool. According to Yelp, 83% of users purchase from a business they found on the platform, and 57% contact a company within 24 hours. These stats highlight the potential impact of an optimized Yelp listing on your foot traffic, reservations, and bookings. Best of all, claiming your Yelp listing is free, and you won’t be charged for any interactions.
Effective Yelp optimization requires a mix of strategic category selection, compelling business descriptions, high-quality images, and consistent customer engagement. By focusing on these elements, you can enhance your visibility on the platform, attract more customers, and ultimately boost your business revenue.
Ready to boost your Yelp visibility? Follow these essential tips:
Let’s start with the basics: business categories. Yelp allows you to select up to three categories, but choose wisely. The more specific you are, the better. For instance, if you run a desserts shop, select "Donuts" and "Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt" rather than just "Desserts." This specificity helps Yelp’s algorithm match you with users looking for exactly what you offer.
Selecting the right category ensures that your business appears in relevant searches. Potential customers might never find you if you're too broad or choose irrelevant categories. Regularly review your categories to ensure they accurately reflect your offerings, especially if you expand your services.
RELATED: The Complete Yelp Business Category List
Beyond categories, you can list specific services. This is where you can really shine by showing all the ways your business meets customer needs. For a vegan bakery, you might list "Custom Cakes," "Gluten-Free Options," and "Online Ordering." Be thorough but honest—only include services you truly provide.
Detailing your services helps Yelp’s algorithm understand your business better and match it with relevant search queries. It also informs potential customers about the specific offerings they can expect. The more detailed and accurate your service list, the better your chances of attracting the right customers.
Your ‘From This Business’ section is prime real estate for keywords and customer engagement. This area is split into Introduction, Business History, and Specialties. Use these sections to tell your story and highlight what makes your business unique. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally to improve your visibility in Yelp searches.
For instance, in your Introduction, share a brief overview of your business, its mission, and what sets it apart. Describe your journey, milestones, and achievements in the Business History section. The Specialties section should focus on what you do best and why customers love you. Engaging content here can make your listing more attractive to the algorithm and potential customers.
Nothing frustrates customers more than showing up to a closed business. Keep your hours updated, including special hours for holidays. This accuracy helps customers and boosts your credibility and reliability in the eyes of both users and Yelp’s algorithm.
Regularly updating your hours ensures that customers have the most current information. This can prevent negative experiences and reviews due to misinformation. If your hours change seasonally or for special events, make sure these changes are reflected promptly in your Yelp listing.
RELATED: Should You Increase Your Ad Budget During the Holidays?
Visual content is a powerful tool. Upload high-quality photos and videos that showcase your business, products, and services. According to Yelp, listings with multiple photos tend to perform better. Aim for various shots, including interior and exterior views, team photos, and key products or services. This visual appeal can significantly enhance customer trust and interest.
High-quality images and videos can make a strong first impression. Potential customers are more likely to engage with listings that provide a clear and attractive visual representation of the business. Regularly update your photos to keep your listing fresh and engaging.
Engaging with reviews shows that you care about customer feedback. A thoughtful response can improve your reputation, whether the review is positive or negative. Reviews are a key factor in local SEO; regular interaction can help your listing stand out. Thank happy customers and professionally address issues raised in negative reviews.
Responding to reviews also demonstrates to potential customers that you value their opinions and are committed to providing excellent service. This can encourage more customers to leave positive reviews and can help mitigate the impact of any negative ones.
RELATED: Why Complaints Are Actually A Thing To Be Appreciated
Fresh reviews keep your listing dynamic and relevant. While Yelp discourages directly asking for reviews, you can subtly encourage them. Add a Yelp link, email signature, and business cards to your website. Displaying a ‘Find us on Yelp’ sticker at your location can also prompt customers to leave reviews.
Remember, the more recent and frequent your reviews, the better your listing will perform.
New reviews show that your business is active and consistently delivering excellent service. They can also help boost your ranking in Yelp’s search results. Make it easy for satisfied customers to share their experiences by providing convenient links and reminders.
RELATED: Why Does Yelp Recommend Reviews?
Optimizing your Yelp listing can significantly impact your business’s visibility and success. Need help managing your Yelp listing? At Digital Resource, we specialize in directory listing management to ensure your business stands out online.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you improve your online visibility and attract more customers.
Think you've got what it takes to hang with the pros at Digital Resource? Check out our Careers page to browse current job openings!
