A business owner can get more reviews on Yelp by ensuring their business page is fully completed and appealing, engaging with customers who leave reviews, sharing the Yelp page on social media, and creating check-in offers. It’s also important to provide excellent service and products to encourage customers to naturally want to leave a positive review.
As a local business owner, you know that having a strong online presence is essential. However, you notice that your Yelp page lacks customer reviews which makes your business less appealing to potential customers who rely heavily on reviews.
This lack of reviews may be costing you business. Research shows that 97% of consumers read online reviews, and 85% trust them as much as personal recommendations. Without sufficient reviews on Yelp, your business could be losing out to competitors who are actively managing their online reputation.
By learning and implementing strategies to garner more reviews on Yelp, you can improve your online reputation, gain the trust of potential customers, and ultimately boost your bottom line.
In this article, we explore how to get more reviews on Yelp.
Why are Yelp Reviews so Important?
Yelp reviews are crucial as they significantly influence consumer behavior. People often check Yelp reviews to gauge the quality and reliability of a business. Positive reviews can enhance a business’s reputation, increase customer trust, and ultimately drive more sales. Conversely, negative reviews can deter potential customers.
Yelp, as one of the most trusted review platforms, holds a great deal of influence over consumer purchasing decisions. A plethora of positive reviews on Yelp can help to establish a business as reputable and trustworthy. For example, a local restaurant with a high average rating and numerous positive Yelp reviews is likely to attract more patrons compared to a competitor with lower ratings. This is because potential customers often rely on the experiences of others as a guiding factor in making their choices. Positive reviews can act as a form of social proof, validating the quality and service of the business.
On the other hand, negative reviews on Yelp can have the opposite effect. For instance, if a customer reads several reviews mentioning poor customer service at a particular establishment, they might opt to take their business elsewhere. Moreover, Yelp reviews often show up in search engine results, making them highly visible to a broad audience. This further emphasizes the importance of managing and responding to Yelp reviews, whether positive or negative, as it not only shows that the business values customer feedback but also helps in addressing any issues and improving the services or products offered.
How to Get More Reviews on Yelp
Getting more reviews on Yelp can be a game-changer for your business, boosting its online reputation and drawing in more customers. So, how exactly do you go about increasing your Yelp reviews?
We gathered a list of tips that can help your business make its mark on Yelp and entice your customers to share their experiences. So, buckle up and get ready to revamp your Yelp review strategy.
Here’s how to get more reviews on Yelp …
1. Fill Out Your Business Page
Filling out your business page on Yelp is the foundation of your Yelp presence.
Having a complete and detailed business page makes it easier for potential customers to find and trust your business. Include all the essential information such as your business name, address, contact information, business hours, and a description of the products or services you offer. Additionally, high-quality photos of your business can make a significant difference. They give potential customers a visual understanding of what to expect and can make your business page more enticing.
Moreover, by keeping your business information updated, you enhance your credibility. Users are more likely to trust and rely on businesses that provide current and accurate information. Also, having a complete business page improves your search visibility on Yelp. Potential customers using Yelp to find services or products you offer will have an easier time finding your business if your page is properly filled out and updated regularly.
2. Place a Yelp Badge on Your Website
Integrating a Yelp badge on your website is an efficient way to show website visitors that you have a presence on Yelp.
It’s a sign of credibility and can encourage customers to read or leave reviews. When visitors click on the badge, they will be redirected to your Yelp business page where they can see your reviews. It is also a form of social proof that can help build trust with potential customers who visit your website.
Furthermore, by placing a Yelp badge on your website, you’re also encouraging your satisfied customers to actively participate in leaving positive feedback. Many consumers rely heavily on reviews when making purchasing decisions. Having a direct link to your Yelp reviews can reassure potential customers of the quality of your products or services. The badge can act as a catalyst in turning a website visitor into a customer.
Business owners can encourage their customers to post a Yelp review by creating a welcoming atmosphere where feedback is valued. It’s important to communicate to customers that their opinion matters and that their input helps improve the business. When a customer has a positive experience, a gentle nudge may prompt them to share their thoughts. Express gratitude for their business and suggest that if they enjoyed their experience, sharing it on Yelp would be appreciated.
An indirect approach is usually best, as directly asking for reviews is discouraged by Yelp. Instead, informing customers that the business is on Yelp and that you value customer feedback can be effective. Building relationships with customers and showing genuine interest in their experience makes them more likely to want to support the business through reviews.
Here are a few ways to subtly encourage your customers or clients to review your business on Yelp:
- Face-to-face: Mention that customer feedback is valuable and that the business is on Yelp.
- Via Email: Include a Yelp badge in email signatures or newsletters, which can act as a reminder without directly asking.
- Over the Phone: During a follow-up call, express interest in the customer’s experience and mention that sharing it on Yelp helps the business.
- Print: Include a note on receipts, invoices, and business cards saying something along the lines of “Find us on Yelp”.
- Social Media: Share positive Yelp reviews you’ve already received, which might prompt others to leave one too.
For example, a restaurant owner could include a message on the bottom of the receipt saying, “Loved your meal? We’re on Yelp!” Similarly, a salon owner could, during friendly conversations with clients, mention how much they appreciate when happy customers share their experiences on Yelp. These strategies are subtle yet effective in encouraging customers to leave reviews.
4. Use Yelp Branding In-Store
Using Yelp branding in-store can be an effective way to remind customers that they can share their experiences on Yelp. You can use signage, business cards, or other promotional materials with the Yelp logo to encourage reviews. Having physical reminders in strategic places around your store helps create awareness among your customers that they can engage with your brand online, and that their opinions matter.
This strategy not only facilitates review generation but also emphasizes customer experience. When customers know that a business is active on Yelp, they may perceive that the business values customer feedback and is likely to uphold high standards in customer service. It can also lead to more honest communication with customers and provides an opportunity for businesses to improve based on customer input. Encouraging this form of engagement can lead to a stronger community around your brand and improved customer relations.
Sharing your Yelp reviews on social media is a powerful way to gain exposure and build trust among your audience. When potential customers see positive feedback from others, it can influence their decision to choose your business over competitors. Additionally, it shows that you are an active business that values customer feedback. Ensure that your social media posts are visually appealing and highlight the key points of the reviews.
Additionally, engage with the audience on social media regarding the shared reviews. Encourage them to check out your Yelp page and experience the services or products for themselves. You can even create a unique hashtag for your business reviews and ask your customers to use it. This can create a sense of community and make it easier for others to find more reviews.
6. Respond to Yelp Reviews
This is one of the most important things you can do for your business!
Responding to Yelp reviews, whether positive or negative, shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving your services or products. Thank your customers for positive reviews and let them know you appreciate their support. This helps in building a loyal customer base.
In case of negative reviews, handle them professionally. Apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure the customer that their concerns are being addressed. This shows potential customers that you are responsible and dedicated to providing excellent customer service. It may even prompt the reviewer to update their review based on how you handled the situation.
7. Create Check-In Offers
Check-in offers are a fantastic way to encourage customers to leave reviews. When customers check-in using the Yelp app, you can provide them with a special offer or discount. This not only incentivizes them to visit your business but also to leave a review based on their experience.
The more customers check-in, the more likely others will see your business as a popular spot. This can lead to more reviews and, eventually, more customers. It’s a win-win situation, as your customers feel appreciated through the check-in offers, and you get the much-needed online exposure.
8. Post Updates from Your Business
Regularly posting updates from your business on Yelp shows that you are active and engaged with your customer base.
Share photos of your team providing the services you offer, events, or any changes in operating hours. This not only keeps your existing customers informed but also entices potential customers to check out your business.
Moreover, frequent updates give customers a reason to visit your Yelp page more often. The more interaction and traffic on your page, the higher the chances of someone leaving a review. Updates are an easy and efficient way to remain connected with your audience and keep them engaged.
9. Run an Ad
Running Yelp ads can help in increasing your visibility on the platform. When you run an ad, your business is shown to more users, often at the top of search results or on competitors’ pages. This can significantly increase traffic to your Yelp page.
Furthermore, the more people visit your Yelp page, the higher the likelihood of receiving reviews. Running ads can be particularly effective when you’re trying to establish a presence in a competitive market. Ensure your Yelp page is complete with all relevant information, so when users brought in through ads check your page, they have all the information they need.
10. Utilize Review Management Software
Review management software can prove to be a game-changer for businesses looking to bolster their online reputation on platforms like Yelp.
This type of software provides tools that help in streamlining the review management process, enabling you to respond to reviews quickly, monitor your brand’s online presence, and even identify key trends from customer feedback. It essentially takes the guesswork out of the equation, helping you manage and leverage your Yelp reviews efficiently.
Moreover, most review management software features automation capabilities. This means you can set up auto-responders for certain types of reviews or reminders to check and respond to new reviews. Some software also offers sentiment analysis, which can help you better understand your customers’ perspectives and adjust your strategies accordingly. Investing in review management software can free up your time, allowing you to focus more on enhancing the customer experience and less on manual management tasks.
11. Partner with a Reputation Management Agency
If you’re finding it hard to manage your Yelp reviews on your own or you’re not seeing the results you’d like, partnering with a reputation management agency might be the right move for your business.
These agencies specialize in managing and improving the online reputations of businesses. They employ a team of experts who are well-versed in strategies to encourage positive reviews and mitigate the impact of negative ones.
A reputation management agency can provide personalized strategies tailored to your business and its unique needs. They can handle all aspects of your Yelp review management, from responding to reviews to tracking changes in your review scores and providing analytics to understand the performance.
By working with an agency, you can benefit from their expertise and tools to boost your Yelp reviews and enhance your business’s online reputation. Partnering with a reputation management agency allows you to concentrate on other areas of your business while they manage your online presence.
FAQs About Yelp Reviews
If you’re a busy business owner, you probably have a lot of questions about Yelp and getting more reviews.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we hear from business owners interested in taking their reputation management to the next level.
How do you get reviews on Yelp?
You can get reviews on Yelp by completing your business profile, engaging with customers, sharing your Yelp page on social media, and utilizing check-in offers to subtly encourage reviews.
Can I ask for Yelp reviews?
Yelp discourages businesses from asking for reviews directly, as it believes that this can lead to biased reviews. It’s best to let customers leave reviews naturally.
Can I pay for good Yelp reviews?
Paying for Yelp reviews is against Yelp’s policies and is considered unethical. Moreover, consumers are becoming more adept at identifying fake reviews, which could damage your reputation.
Why can’t I see Yelp reviews?
Sometimes Yelp filters reviews that it suspects might be fake or inauthentic. Reviews may also be hidden if the reviewer doesn’t have enough activity on their Yelp account.
Can Yelp detect fake reviews?
Yes, Yelp uses an automated recommendation software to filter out reviews that it suspects to be fake, biased, or unreliable.
Why do Yelp reviews get denied?
Yelp reviews may get denied if they violate Yelp’s content guidelines. This includes conflicts of interest, promotional content, inappropriate content, or personal experience not relevant to the business.
Need Help with Your Reputation Management?
If you’re finding it challenging to manage your Yelp reviews and online reputation, you’re not alone. Many business owners struggle with this.
Sachs Marketing Group is a full-service digital marketing agency that not only has a 5-star online reputation but can help you improve the online reputation of your business as well. We specialize in online reputation management, including monitoring and responding to Yelp reviews.
When you have a team of professionals handling your online reviews, ensuring each review gets a response, and implementing strategies to attract more positive reviews, you can rest assured the work is getting done in the best possible way. This can lead to increased trust from potential customers, improved online reputation, and a boost in your bottom line.
Contact Sachs Marketing Group today to learn more about our reputation management services. Let us help you turn your Yelp page into a powerful tool for attracting new customers.
Conclusion
Getting more Yelp reviews doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
By following the strategies outlined in this guide, such as filling out your business page, sharing your Yelp reviews on social media, responding to all reviews, and using a reputation management agency, you can successfully increase the number of Yelp reviews, improve your online reputation, and attract more customers.
Remember, consistency and authenticity are key in this endeavor. Start today and see the difference more Yelp reviews can make for your business.
