According to Globe News Wire, 95% of online customers read reviews online before they make a purchase, and 67% of customers say that positive reviews make them more likely to use a local business. With the importance of online customer reviews growing every day, it’s more important than ever for businesses to encourage their loyal customers to leave reviews on popular review sites like Yelp.
Yelp is arguably the most trusted review site on the internet. It’s used by millions of people every day to find local businesses, and it’s one of the first places yelp users or potential customers will go to learn more about your business. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your business is listed on Yelp and that you have a steady stream of positive reviews.
Now, if you are having trouble getting reviews on Yelp, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many businesses struggle with getting their customers to leave Yelp reviews. With that being said, there are a few things you can do to increase the number of reviews you get on Yelp. Keep on reading to learn more how to get yelp reviews.
Important Things to Know About Yelp Review
Before we go on some ways that you can increase the number of Yelp reviews, there are some things that you should know about.
- Don’t ask for reviews from anyone: Yelp’s policies on reviews prohibit business owners from soliciting reviews, and they can penalize you if they catch you doing it. So, don’t do it! Don’t ask for or buy Yelp reviews in exchange for anything. Paid Yelp reviews can only do your business harm. Also, the more you push someone to leave a review can feel pressured and influence the type of review they leave. If they leave a negative review because they felt pressured, it will only make things worse for your business.
- Don’t offer anything in exchange for a review: Never offer something in exchange for a review on Yelp. You can compensate your customers when they have a bad experience but don’t offer anything in exchange for a positive review.
Yelp is home to unsolicited reviews and represents genuine feedback from real customers. That’s why their reviews are so trusted by potential customers. Don’t try anything that goes beyond what’s allowed on Yelp as it will only backfire.
Best Ways to Get More Favorable Yelp Reviews
Now you know some don’ts when it comes to Yelp reviews, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to get more Yelp reviews.
Fill Out Your Business Profile
The first step is to make sure your business profile is complete. Include as much information as possible, such as your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. You should also add some photos and categories to help potential customers find your business on Yelp. The more information you include, the easier it will be for customers to find you and leave a review.
If you offer some features that make your business unique, be sure to add them to your profile as well. For example, if you have a drive-thru, delivery, or take-out, make sure to add these features to your business profile.
Put a Yelp Badge on Your Website
Make it easy for your customers to leave a review by putting a Yelp badge on your website. A Yelp badge is a small image that links to your business’s Yelp page profile. You can find the code for a Yelp badge on your Yelp business page. You can place it together with social media icons on your website or put it in a separate section where you feature reviews. You can also emphasize that you have a Yelp profile by putting the Yelp badge next to your contact information.
Share Your Yelp Reviews on Your Social Media Pages
Make it a habit to share your Yelp reviews on your social media pages. When you get a positive review, share it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also share positive reviews on your website. This is a great way to show potential customers that you have happy customers.
ALWAYS Respond to Your Yelp Whether Negative Reviews or Positive Yelp Reviews
This is one of the most important things you can do to increase the number of Yelp reviews. When someone takes the time to leave a review, whether it’s positive or negative, you should always respond. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. But, if you get a negative review, take the time to address the issue and try to resolve it. This shows potential customers that you care about your customers and their experience.
Structure a plan on how you should respond to both positive and negative Yelp reviews. This will help you save time and ensure that all your responses are professional. To get more idea about how you can respond to negative online reviews, please take time to read our article “How To Use Yelp Business Reviews to Your Advantage”
Use a Review Software Management Tool
For bigger businesses that are having a hard time managing all their reviews, you can use a review software management tool. This type of software will help you track all your reviews in one place. It will also help you respond to reviews quickly.
Some of the best review software management tools are:
- Sprout Social
- Trustpilot
- JustReview
- Birdeye
- Thryv
- Weave
- Swell
This is important as reviews act as a part of your digital marketing in some ways. Not having a system to track and manage your reviews can lead to a lot of missed opportunities.
The Bottom Line
Reviews can make or break a business. It’s important to take the time to get more Yelp reviews. These tips will help you increase the number of Yelp reviews and improve your business’s online presence.
If you need help managing your reviews, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Diamond Arrow is a digital marketing agency that specializes in virtually every aspect and important factor of digital marketing. From brand awareness and review management to SEO and web development, we’ve got you covered. Call us and get a free consultation today!
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