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Every business owner is well aware of the impact that reviews can have on their business. Yelp, which got its start in early 2005, is viewed by an average of 142 million users every month and these users have essentially turned Yelp into one of the largest sources of local reviews on the Internet. In fact, as of March 2018, there are 3.3 million Yelp users. There is a lot you should know about Yelp and how it can help your business.

What kind of profile do I have?

As a member of the Marketing Fund, your Yelp profile is automatically claimed and upgraded to an Enhanced Profile. Furthermore, we have ensured that your store's name, address, phone number, hours, etc. are accurately appearing on your profile. Enhanced Profiles include the following features designed to make your profile more attractive and useful to Yelp users.

  • Photo Slideshow
  • Call to Action (CTA) Button
  • Specialties Section
  • Removal of ads purchased by other businesses nearby from your Yelp profile

Update your CTA to list offers and specials

Use your CTA button to convert the visitors to your profile into paying customers. You can use the CTA button to take customers directly to a coupon, special offer, etc. You can even choose to run an offer specifically targeted for mobile customers featuring a link to your mobile website or a click-to-call button.

Add a Request for Quote button

You have the option to add a Request for Quote button to your profile. This is a great feature and many stores have found it to be helpful but it requires careful and diligent management. Once this button is enabled, your profile will show your response time and response rate to those visiting your profile so you will always want to reply to requests promptly.

Consider Yelp Deals and Gift Certificates

You can turn visitors to your Yelp profile into paying customers with Yelp Deals and Gift Certificates. Yelp Deals are prepaid vouchers that offer consumers an attractive discount at your business. For example, you can offer $40 towards purchase for the cost of $20. This is a great incentive for consumers who are already searching for a business like yours and gives them a reason to choose your business over your competitor nearby. Users can purchase the Deal or Gift Certificate on your profile page through the Yelp website or app. It takes only a moment to set up your Yelp Deal or Gift Certificate and you have the option to remove it at any time. Additionally, there are no upfront costs for you. When customers buy your Deal or Gift Certificate, Yelp collects the payment and retains a share of the purchase (30% for Deals, 10% for Gift Certificates). The remaining amount is paid to you each month.

Can I advertise on Yelp?

Yes, you absolutely can advertise on Yelp! Yelp ads feature your business when consumers are searching for businesses like yours in your local area. 82% of Yelp users visit intending to buy a product or service and 89% of those who buy do so within a week, according to Nielsen. Through Yelp ads that give your business premium placement on search and competitor business pages, you can drive Yelp users to your Yelp profile. Ads appear in several places on the site including competitor business pages and on relevant search result pages. Also, because over half of Yelp's searches come from users on mobile devices, it's important to know that Yelp's ads will promote your business across all of Yelp's platforms – desktop, mobile website, and mobile app.

If you have questions about your Enhanced Profile, updating your CTA button, advertising on Yelp, or anything else, contact your Marketing.com account representative today. We are available to discuss your Yelp profile and any other marketing questions you may have.

Posted in Social | Posted on 07/17/2018