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The influence of Yelp, a well-known review site, is absolutely undeniable. Even though Yelp isn’t a social networking platform, the ability to review any business that has an active Yelp account makes Yelp feel like a social networking platform without a newsfeed. Last year alone, Yelp had some 36 million reviews written for businesses, making Yelp the leading local guide for word-of-mouth referrals. In fact, studies have shown a distinct positive correlation between Yelp score and profit.
But using Yelp doesn’t end at listing your business. It’s important to use this site wisely and make sure people know they can find you there.
Don’t Be Shy About It
If you’ve ever been to a restaurant or other establishment that understands and uses social media, you may have seen a “people love us on Yelp” sticker in the window. In fact, some companies go as far as to show off the Yelp logo in menus, on invoices, and in email communications. This shows the world that they welcome good reviews, but aren’t afraid of the bad ones, either. The best part is that it’s all free – you don’t have to conduct a survey or pay any company to get those reviews. You simply say that you’re active and open on Yelp, and those reviews will come to you.
An added bonus is that reviews, good or bad, are something search engines like Google appreciate. The more your name appears on the Internet (or on Yelp), the better.
Talk to Your Reviewers
Even though Yelp isn’t exactly a social media website, you can still talk to others that review your business. You remain completely anonymous, so you can even have someone else do it for you if they have more interpersonal skills. If you have a bad review, or even a good one, replying and addressing the concerns or praise in the comment will help others that come to your Yelp understand what you’re all about. Even if you have a bad review or two, commenting to show people you’re actually listening will change the opinions of many people who come to read comments about your business.
Even if your business is completely Internet-based, you can still have Yelp – and you should. Don’t be shy about a bad review or two. Yelp gives you a way to handle them.
Photo Credit: Yelp.com
