SEO glossary · Y

Yelp

What is Yelp? Definition and Meaning

Yelp is a website and app where people find local businesses, such as restaurants, shops and service providers, and read and write reviews about them. It is especially important in the United States and some other English-speaking markets. Yelp meaning: the name of an American review platform for local businesses, and also an English word for a short, sharp cry. In marketing, Yelp always means the platform, and a Yelp review is a customer review posted on a business’s Yelp page.

Yelp for businesses

  • Claim your free listing through Yelp for Business, and complete your details, photos, hours and services.
  • Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, professionally and promptly.
  • Yelp Ads: paid placements in Yelp’s search results and on competitors’ pages.

Yelp’s review rules

Yelp doesn’t allow businesses to ask customers for reviews, and its recommendation software filters out reviews it considers unreliable. Offering rewards for reviews breaks its rules, so focus on great service and let reviews come naturally.

Yelp and local SEO

Yelp pages often rank in Google for local searches, and Yelp data feeds other services, such as Apple Maps in some markets. Keeping your name, address and phone number consistent on Yelp, your Google Business Profile and your website supports your local visibility. In Sweden and most of Europe, Google reviews and local directories usually matter more than Yelp.

Yelp example

A restaurant in Chicago claims its Yelp listing, adds hours, a menu and photos, and answers every review within two days, thanking positive reviewers and offering to fix problems for negative ones. It tells customers they can leave a review but does not offer a reward for one, since Yelp’s rules ban asking for reviews in a way that tries to influence them. Its Yelp rating becomes a reason for new customers to visit.

Yelp checklist for local businesses

  1. Claim your free business page and complete all the details.
  2. Keep name, address, phone and hours the same as on your website and Business Profile.
  3. Add recent photos and your services or menu.
  4. Respond to reviews politely and quickly.
  5. Do not offer incentives for reviews or review-gate customers.
  6. Check ads only if your audience uses Yelp, and track calls and requests.

Yelp mistakes

  • Arguing publicly with reviewers.
  • Asking friends and staff for reviews. Yelp may filter them.
  • Letting information go out of date.
  • Assuming Yelp is important in every market. Its reach varies by country.

Yelp FAQs

Does Yelp matter for local SEO?

Yelp pages often rank for local searches in some markets, and a consistent listing supports your local SEO. See Google Business Profile and map packs.

Why do some reviews disappear?

Yelp’s software filters reviews it considers less reliable. See word-of-mouth marketing.

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