Business Strategies: Should You Use Yelp for Business?

2015 • Content

Launched over 10 years ago, Yelp was designed to help consumers find quality local businesses via user-generated reviews. In the first quarter of 2015, Yelp.com had an average of approximately 142 million monthly unique visitors. The site also boasts over 77 million local reviews.

Tip: Get started with these quick steps for signing up for a business page—and start receiving online reviews and ratings that have been shown to boost business.

80% 4 out of 5 Yelp users say they visit the site when preparing to spend money.

Clearly, Yelp has staying power—and the power to drive customers into your doors. In fact, a recent Nielsen survey revealed that 4 out of 5 Yelp users say they visit the site when preparing to spend money. In addition, more than half of Yelp users (55%) take action with a local business (i.e. calling, visiting, or making a purchase) frequently or every time they visit Yelp.

Is this powerhouse review site a part of your business plan? While some businesses have shied away from Yelp because of claims that the review site posted negative reviews after businesses turned down an offer to advertise with the site, others have found it to be a solid boon to their business.

Here, we provide basic help with Yelp. Get started with these quick steps for signing up for a business page—and start receiving online reviews and ratings that have been shown to boost business.

Step One: Find and claim your Yelp business page at biz.yelp.com.

Step Two: If you cannot find your business you can then add it to Yelp here. Follow the prompts to set up your business’ page.

Step Three: If you can find your business, click the “Claim This Business” button and follow the prompts to create a business owner account for your business. Learn more about this process here.

Step Four: Once you’re set up with a business page, features include the ability to respond to online reviews and help manage your online reputation.

Have you had a positive (or negative) experience with Yelp?

Please share your thoughts on Yelp on our Facebook page here.