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Sep 2, 2024
When was the last time you took a hard look at your Yelp listing? If it’s been a while, you might miss some serious opportunities to drive local traffic. Yelp isn’t just a review platform — it’s a powerful tool to attract and convert local customers. But to truly leverage it, you need to go beyond the basics.
Ready to turn your Yelp listing into a customer magnet? Let’s dive in!
Let’s start with the foundation: your business information. This is your first impression on Yelp — make it count. It’s not just about filling in fields; it’s about strategically optimizing each detail to increase your visibility and attract more customers.
Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) need to be consistent across Yelp and every other online platform. Why? Because inconsistencies can confuse customers and search engines, damaging your credibility and ranking.
To do this, you may use a tool like Yext or BrightLocal to audit your NAP across the web. This will help you quickly find and fix discrepancies, ensuring you always present a unified, professional image.
Think of it this way: If customers see different addresses or phone numbers for your business, they might hesitate to reach out. Consistency builds trust, and trust leads to conversions.
Yelp allows you to choose up to three categories for your business, and picking the right ones can significantly expand your reach. Don’t just settle for the obvious; think strategically.
For example, a cake shop might be listed under “Desserts,” but why not also add “Ice Cream & Frozen Yoghurt” or “Donuts”? This way, you’re not only reaching cake lovers but also those looking for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Businesses that select more specific and relevant categories often rank higher in Yelp’s search results. The more niche you go, the more likely you are to attract highly targeted traffic.
Your business description should do more than just tell people what you do; it should make them want to choose you. Think about what sets you apart and weave those points into your description. And don’t forget about local SEO keywords!
Here’s a great example: "Welcome to Nashville's favorite pizza place, where we serve up delicious, handcrafted pies using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you're craving a classic Margherita or something more adventurous, we've got you covered."
RELATED: Keywords To Improve Local Restaurant SEO
Once your basics are covered, it’s time to enrich your profile with engaging content that pulls customers in. Here’s how to make your Yelp profile a standout.
Did you know that Yelp listings with high-quality images and videos receive up to 12 times more engagement? That’s right. Photos and videos aren’t just eye candy; they’re a critical component of your Yelp strategy.
Invest in a professional photographer or videographer to showcase the best of your business. Think beyond product shots. Consider a behind-the-scenes video or a quick tour of your space. If you’re a restaurant, showcase your chef in action, plating up a delicious dish.
Visuals create a connection. They allow potential customers to experience your business before they ever walk through the door.
RELATED: 6 Most Effective Types of Visual Content
Customer reviews are the lifeblood of your Yelp listing. But it’s not just about collecting reviews; it’s about how you use them. Positive reviews can be featured prominently on your profile, while negative reviews, when handled correctly, show that you care about customer satisfaction.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave detailed reviews by following up after a visit. A simple email or even a mention at checkout can increase your review count significantly.
Respond to reviews — every single one. Thank customers for positive feedback and address any concerns raised in negative reviews. This shows prospective customers you’re engaged and committed to delivering the best experience possible.
If you really want to dominate Yelp, you need to think beyond the basics and implement advanced SEO strategies. These are the tactics that will push your listing to the top and keep it there.
While having basic keywords is a good start, consider the specific queries your potential customers are typing into Yelp. Are they searching for “affordable spa treatments in Nashville” or “gluten-free bakery near me”? Use these phrases naturally throughout your profile to match their search intent.
Use a tool like Ahrefs to spy on your competitors' keywords and see what’s working for them. Then, integrate these high-performing keywords into your Yelp listing.
These sections are often overlooked but are a goldmine for SEO. Fill them with detailed descriptions of what you offer, using keywords naturally. This helps with SEO and gives potential customers a clearer idea of what you can do for them.
For instance, if you’re a pet grooming service, don’t just list “Pet Grooming.” Detail every service: “Nail Trimming,” “Breed-Specific Haircuts,” “Flea Baths,” etc. The more specific you are, the better Yelp understands — and promotes — your business.
Yelp Ads can be a game-changer for businesses looking to attract more local customers. Here’s how to make them work for you.
Yelp Ads lets you target specific customer demographics, which can help you maximize your ad spend. Start by identifying your most profitable customer segment and tailoring your ads to their needs.
Start with a modest budget and test different ad formats. Monitor which ones generate the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Use Yelp’s analytics to track your ad performance. Look at metrics like customer leads, ad clicks, and return on investment. Use this data to refine your ads and maximize your return. Here’s how you can see this in action:
Intriguing Hair, a custom hair integration business, experienced remarkable success by closely monitoring and adjusting its Yelp Ads strategy. After launching Yelp Ads in 2023, owner Nikia Londy noticed a significant spike in visits to her Yelp Page — an impressive 327% increase in just one month.
By tracking this data, she could pinpoint exactly what was working and optimize her strategy accordingly.
RELATED: How Intriguing Hair Used Yelp Ads to Double Monthly Revenue and Secure High LTV Customers
Mastering Yelp isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing strategy that evolves with your business. From optimizing your listing with relevant information to leveraging advanced SEO tactics and harnessing Yelp Ads, there’s a lot you can do to drive local traffic and grow your business.
Ready to elevate your Yelp presence and attract more customers? Let Digital Resource help you craft a winning Yelp strategy that gets results. Reach out to us today and start maximizing your Yelp impact!
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