As the owner of a local business your time is extremely valuable. “Time is money,” is not just a catch-phrase. It’s the truth.
That being said, where should you invest time, money, and energy with regard to your online presence? I.e., your online reviews. Is Yelp still in the running. Or are they washed up?
Early on in Yelp’s history, they made the decision to be a long-form review site. This meant that each review included more details rather than the shorter ones found on Google and Facebook. Additionally, they made decisions to limit the number of reviews from new users; they favored folks who wrote longer reviews, and supported users who were heavily engaged with the site. Google, meanwhile had the friendly approach of welcoming all reviewers.
Unlike Google and TripAdvisor, Yelp actively discourages individual businesses from asking for reviews on their site. Not only have they made it against their terms of service to ask for reviews but have in fact sued several review companies that helped businesses solicit reviews.
Initially, Yelp focused on the restaurant industry as their review clients, then expanded later to other industries.
In January 2015, Yelp generated 10x the number of monthly reviews vs. Google for the same restaurant locations. They held that lead until mid-2016. At that time Google reviews began to accelerate and overtake that lead.
By the spring of 2019, restaurant chains were generating about the same number of Yelp reviews as in 2015. Google, on the other hand, was increasing reviews at a monthly rate of 10x Yelp’s static volume.
These stats center on restaurants, but the same is holding true for nearly all other local businesses. Yelp still has a substantial appearance on social media; however, their impact and effect has lessened significantly. In the current market, statistics show them as a niche player with only a minor ability to impact your business.
Bottom line — for your bottom line — your time, money, and energy are best invested in enhancing your online presence via Google. Specifically, Google-My-Business.
For the ultimate in enhancing your online presence via Google (and Facebook), check our Cash Flowing 2 You Online Reputation Management System.
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