When customers are looking for a business like yours, they may turn to various online tools to discover local businesses. Whether searching on Google or using a directory listing platform like Yelp, customers increasingly rely on digital services to discover new businesses, read reviews, and buy from the businesses with the most favorable feedback.
Listing your business on a directory like Yelp is a smart move if you want to enhance your online visibility and attract more local customers. This article explores the many benefits of claiming a Yelp business page, with detailed instructions on how to list your business on Yelp and leverage various digital marketing services to build your online presence.
Why Yelp for Business Owners?
With roots in San Francisco, Yelp was launched in 2004 by former PayPal employees Russel Simmons and Jeremy Stoppelman. Since then, the platform has grown to become a go-to destination for consumers to find local businesses.
While many people associate Yelp with local eateries, the platform caters to all kinds of businesses. From finding a spot to eat or shop to requesting quotes from service providers, Yelp makes it easy for consumers to connect with top-rated businesses in their area. Here are some key benefits of listing your local business on Yelp and other business directories.
Lead Generation
Yelp has a huge audience, with over 80 million people accessing the platform monthly. Yelp for business owners helps you reach more of the people searching for products or services like yours at the right time and place. And now, Yelp offers artificial intelligence (AI) tools to guide consumers through the process of finding and connecting with local pros.
Businesses that use Yelp’s advertising services may experience even more significant results. In particular, service-based businesses stand to benefit, as Yelp has shifted its focus to this area to help generate high-quality leads for advertisers.
Improved SEO
A Yelp listing can boost your search engine optimization (SEO). As people search and browse local search results, they may come across your Yelp business page listing. The more you build out your page and earn customer reviews, the more likely you are to drive organic traffic to your website and encourage people to walk through your doors.
With a Yelp business page, you can also keep your customers in the loop by routinely updating your page with new products, services, or promotions. Regular updates keep your profile fresh and relevant, attracting new and repeat customers.
More Credibility
According to Yelp, 83% of Yelp users hire or buy from businesses they find on the platform, making it a powerful place to reach your target audience. That audience trusts that the reviews they read are real and authentic — especially with Yelp now publicly calling out businesses that offer incentives in exchange for online reviews (a big no-no, according to Yelp’s policies and “compensated activities” alerts page).
As customers leave reviews on Yelp, you have an opportunity to interact directly with your customer base. Whether thanking a customer for a positive review or responding to negative feedback, your words can demonstrate your commitment to providing exceptional service. As potential customers read what others have to say, they can feel more confident about doing business with you.
Competitive Advantage
In a competitive marketplace, having a robust Yelp profile can set you apart from competitors who are not fully leveraging the platform. Tapping into the tools available from Yelp for business owners can position your business as an industry leader. Meanwhile, customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, helping you identify ways to differentiate your business.
Information To Include in Your Business Listing
Claiming your Yelp business page is a simple process you can complete in minutes. Yelp will walk you through verifying your business information, setting up your profile, and optimizing your page.
Include the following information to ensure your listing is accurate and matches other online listings. Having consistent information across the web makes you more discoverable as people search for your type of business.
- Business name: Check that your business name is accurate.
- Address: Provide a complete and correct address to help customers find you easily.
- Phone number: Include a phone number where customers can reach you during business hours.
- Business hours: Clearly state your operating hours so customers know when you are open.
- Website: Link to your website to provide additional information and drive traffic. If your business doesn’t already have a website, consider setting one up or hiring a professional web developer like Townsquare Interactive to do it for you.
- Photos: Upload high-quality photos of your business, team, and products or services.
- Business description: Write a detailed and engaging description of your business’s history, offerings, mission, and values.
Additional Directory Listings To Consider
While Yelp is a powerful tool, it’s not the only directory listing and reviews platform that can help your business. Consider creating additional business listings on the following platforms:
- Google Business: Vital for local SEO, a Google Business Profile helps your business appear in local search results and on Google Maps.
- Bing Places for Business: Similar to Google Business, Bing Places enhances your visibility on Bing search engine results and maps.
- TripAdvisor: This platform is ideal for businesses in the travel, hospitality, and restaurant industries, helping them connect with travelers looking for recommendations.
- Yellow Pages: This well-established directory still holds value, especially for local businesses.
- Facebook: With 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook is another avenue for customers to find and engage with your business via a business page.
- Angi: Home services professionals should consider adding their information to this popular platform that connects service-based businesses with homeowners seeking roofing, pest control, remodeling, housecleaning, and more.
Tap Into the Power of Yelp for Business Owners
Listing your local business on Yelp and other directories offers numerous advantages, from generating leads to enhancing credibility and customer engagement. By ensuring your listing is detailed, consistent, and accurate, you can attract more of your local customers and stand out from the competition.
Additionally, using business listing management and other integrated marketing and business management provided by Townsquare Interactive can help you manage and grow your online presence, allowing your business to not only get noticed but also thrive. To learn more and get started, contact us today!