Yelp advertising can be a powerful tool for local businesses looking to increase their visibility and attract more customers. However, like any advertising platform, Yelp has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons can help business owners make informed decisions about whether or not to invest in Yelp advertising.
This blog post will explore the key benefits and drawbacks of using Yelp for advertising. From the ability to build trust through reviews to the potential challenges of filtered reviews, we’ll cover all the essential aspects local businesses need to consider.
Yelp Pros
1. Basic Yelp Profiles Are Free To Set Up
Creating a basic profile on Yelp is free, allowing businesses to establish an online presence without any initial investment. This free profile includes essential information such as business hours, location, and contact details.
2. Yelp Reviews Build Trust
Yelp reviews are highly regarded by consumers and can significantly enhance a business’s reputation. Positive reviews build trust and credibility, making potential customers more likely to choose your business over competitors. You should always respond to Yelp Reviews even if they are negative.
3. Yelp Ranks For Almost Every Service Keyword In Google
Yelp has a strong presence in search engine results and often ranks on Google’s first page for various service-related keywords. This means that having a profile on Yelp can improve the likelihood of potential customers finding you through search engines.
However, relying solely on Yelp for search engine exposure is not advisable. Hiring a Website Development Company and working with a reputable SEO Agency, like Emet Digital®, can help you rank your website on Google’s first page and generate even more leads.
4. Yelp Is Very User-Friendly
Yelp’s platform is designed to be user-friendly, both for business owners and consumers. It is easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly find the information they need and leave reviews.
5. Yelp Generates Better Quality Leads
As we mentioned in our Google Ads Vs Yelp Ads Comparison, Yelp tends to attract users who are actively searching for local businesses, resulting in higher quality leads. These users often have a higher intent to purchase or use services compared to those on broader platforms.
6. Yelp Lets You Adjust Your Ad Goals & Budget
Yelp offers flexibility in setting advertising goals and budgets, allowing businesses to tailor their campaigns according to their specific needs and financial constraints. This customization can help maximize the return on investment.
7. Yelp Is Cheaper Than Other Platforms (In Most Cases)
Advertising on Yelp can be more cost-effective compared to other platforms, particularly for local businesses. Yelp’s pricing models are generally competitive, providing a good balance between cost and reach.
8. More Than Just Sponsored Listings
Yelp isn’t just an ordinary business directory with roundup pages like “Top 10 [service] Companies in [City, State],” where top spots can be secured through advertising. There are many ways to generate leads on Yelp beyond traditional advertising, including:
- Nearby Jobs Feed: Yelp’s Nearby Jobs Feed helps businesses connect with potential customers looking for services in their area, increasing local engagement.
- Check-In Offers: Check-In Offers encourage customers to visit your business by providing special deals or discounts when they check in on Yelp.
- Yelp Deals: Yelp Deals allow businesses to offer discounts directly through the platform, attracting cost-conscious customers and boosting sales.
Yelp Cons
1. You’ll Have To Buy Page Upgrade Add-Ons
While basic profiles are free, businesses often need to purchase additional page upgrades to unlock more features and enhance their visibility. These add-ons can add to the overall cost of using Yelp for advertising.
2. Yelp Filters Reviews
Yelp has a review filtering system that sometimes filters out legitimate reviews, making them less visible. This can be frustrating for businesses relying on positive feedback to attract new customers.
3. Asking For Reviews Is Against Yelp’s Policies
Yelp’s policies prohibit businesses from actively soliciting reviews from customers. This can make it challenging to build a substantial number of reviews, especially for new businesses looking to establish their reputation quickly.
4. Limited Analytics and Tracking Customization
Yelp offers basic analytics, including general metrics like cost per click and page actions. Unfortunately, you can’t customize these insights to meet your specific needs, which can hinder your ability to make data-driven decisions for your advertising strategy.
5. Yelp Messages Make Businesses Compete For The Same Lead
Yelp’s messaging system can be a speed game, where multiple businesses may be competing for the same leads. This often results in lower quality leads and increased competition, making it harder for individual businesses to stand out.
Thinking about diving into Yelp advertising? We can help you navigate through Yelp’s ecosystem, fine-tune your ad strategy, and get the most out of Yelp’s features. With our experience as a Top Yelp Premier Partner, we know how to make Yelp work for you. Get in touch with us today and let’s discuss how we can boost your local business with smart Yelp ads!
