How to Increase Yelp Reviews

The internet has changed the way we share our experiences, particularly in the realm of customer service. Nowadays, platforms like Yelp enable customers to share their experiences with businesses, offering insights to both the companies and potential customers. They express whether they would recommend the business to others or not.

Online review sites often prominently appear on the first page of search results when people look up a business. Managing these reviews is a crucial aspect of digital marketing. For any company, maintaining positive brand sentiment is key. Satisfied customers tend to refer others and become strong advocates for your brand. Yelp, given its extensive reach and visibility, requires a good understanding of the platform and adept management of reviews.

Improving the rating in Yelp reviews is crucial. Let's find out how to increase Yelp reviews to enhance your online reputation.

Ethical strategies to increase Yelp reviews within Yelp's guidelines

Yelp is known for having one of the most stringent sets of rules and regulations among numerous review platforms. The platform explicitly outlines its policies on its support website, advising business owners to refrain from activities that involve soliciting Yelp reviews.

The specific guidelines provided by Yelp regarding the acquisition of reviews include:

• Avoid asking for Yelp reviews from customers, family, friends, or any individual.

• Do not organize competitions among staff to collect reviews.

• Refrain from using surveys to request reviews, even from customers who have had positive experiences.

• Do not conduct any promotions, such as discounts, payments, or giveaways in exchange for Yelp reviews.

How to increase Yelp reviews?

Upgrade your business profile

Begin your success on Yelp by crafting a comprehensive and attractive profile for your business. Providing ample information increases the likelihood of prospective customers delving deeper into your offerings.

Consider utilizing Yelp for Business Owners, offering entrepreneurs a suite of tools to optimize their Yelp profiles. The service comprises three packages:

•  Free tools

•  Page upgrades

• Yelp advertising.

The Free Tools package, which is entirely cost-free, grants essential functionalities such as responding to comments, uploading images, and creating exclusive Yelp deals for customers. It's an essential resource for any small business owner looking to bolster their Yelp presence.

Also read: why is Yelp business not working

Incorporate Yelp branding within your store

Bridge the gap between physical and digital by acquiring a free window cling from Yelp, a familiar sight typically placed by the front door or window menu. Strategically position it to be easily noticeable upon entering or exiting your business.

Yelp provides several paid branded materials, including hour signage available through their print shop. These supplementary stickers act as visual reminders for your customers about your presence on the platform.

Encourage customers to leave Yelp feedback

Part of being a small business owner involves creating a welcoming environment where customers feel their Yelp feedback matters. Establish this rapport online, even before they visit, and Yelp is a great starting point.

An issue often faced is having limited Yelp reviews, whether positive or negative. If a business boasts a five-star rating but only has one or two reviews, the credibility of that rating diminishes. This signals the need to rethink your approach to acquiring reviews.

Begin by encouraging customers to share their experiences on Yelp. Utilize tactics such as placing a note on your menu or instructing staff to prompt reviews during checkout. For a smaller team, personally engaging with guests and incorporating a review request into conversations can be effective.

Remember, it's illegal to solicit only positive reviews or offer incentives for five-star ratings. However, by neutrally seeking Yelp feedback, you can ethically increase your review count.

Also read:  why my Yelp reviews only visible to me 

Respond to all your Yelp reviews

It's essential to respond to Yelp reviews, even the negative ones. While it might be challenging to address critical Yelp feedback, it's part of the reality that not every business will have a flawless five-star rating. Statistics show that 39% of consumers pay attention to how local businesses respond to reviews, with up to a 98% potential increase in spending at businesses that engage with reviews.

Crafting responses to reviews, including critical ones, can benefit from a structured approach similar to a crisis plan. Having a plan in place helps avoid emotionally charged responses. Remember, the customer isn't always right, but how you handle and respond to reviews can leave a positive impression on the interaction.

Also read: How To Remove Yelp Spam Reviews

Turning Yelp feedback into action

While responding to Yelp feedback is crucial, its impact remains limited without implementing the necessary changes. Within critical reviews lie the authentic desires and concerns of your customers. Analyzing the grievances expressed by dissatisfied clients allows small business owners to rectify issues that might have gone unnoticed.

Identify patterns in reviews, especially recurring experiences concerning staff interactions, product quality, or the overall environment. Recognizing these trends provides opportunities to resolve issues. Similarly, leveraging positive Yelp feedback helps enhance and amplify the strengths highlighted by customers.

Monitoring analytics and insights: 

Consider discussing the importance of analyzing Yelp insights and statistics to understand customer behavior, preferences, and the impact of your engagement strategies.

Utilizing multimedia in your profile: 

Incorporating multimedia content, such as photos and videos, within your Yelp business profile offers an immersive and engaging experience for potential customers. Visual elements provide a vivid portrayal of your products, services, ambiance, and overall brand identity. 

High-quality images showcasing your offerings, friendly staff, or the ambiance of your establishment can significantly influence a customer's decision-making process. Videos, such as virtual tours or demonstrations, further enhance a visitor's understanding of what your business offers, fostering a deeper connection and trust. By presenting a visually appealing profile, you create a more compelling and informative space for customers to explore, helping them make informed decisions and potentially encouraging them to visit your business.

Optimize your reviews with the best review management tools

If you're inundated with reviews across multiple platforms, managing them all individually can be overwhelming and time-consuming. A practical approach is to leverage review management software, such as the one available through platforms like Cloodot. This software consolidates reviews from various sites like Instagram, Google My Business, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

Although the software directly aids in gathering reviews, it significantly streamlines the management process. Quick responses facilitated by such tools lead to increased customer satisfaction.

Your Yelp score ought to mirror the excellence of your service or product. If you're encountering a downturn, consider exploring Yelp's business tools, fostering communication with reviewers to bridge the gap, and incorporating suggestions gleaned from negative reviews to enhance your offerings. 

Now equipped with these ideas, it's time to apply them to your Yelp page and delve into further strategies for managing your online reputation.