Mistakes to Avoid When You Make a Yelp Page

The connection of businesses with customers is of prime importance to Yelp. With millions using Yelp to find recommendations or reviews, it will help any business looking for more about their online presence make a professional and engaging page in Yelp. However, a number of business owners suffer pitfalls while setting one that further diminishes visibility, credibility, and engagement. Before one decides to know how to make a Yelp page, it is important to know these pitfalls first.

This article highlights the common pitfalls to avoid when you make a Yelp business page and offers actionable advice to ensure your business makes the most of this influential platform.

Mistake #1: Failing to claim your business page

One of the more significant mistakes is not claiming your Yelp business page. If your business has been around for years, consumers probably created a page already. Unclaimed profiles often have outdated or incomplete information, which tends to confuse potential customers, damaging your reputation. If you knew how to make a Yelp business page long before, this common mistake could have been avoided. 

How to fix this mistake:

1. Search for the business help. 
2. If the page exists, claim it and complete Yelp’s process to verify.
3. If no page exists, create one yourself.

Mistake #2: Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

Your Yelp page serves as the first impression of your business. Outdated and incomplete or wrong information such as old phone numbers, old addresses, or missing business hours creates frustration and lost opportunities. This is why when you search how to make Yelp business account, it is always recommended to provide complete and accurate information.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Double-check existing information.
2. Update the Yelp page whenever there are adjustments or changes to the business. 

Mistake #3: Using Irrelevant or Low-Quality Photos 

Photos are important elements of your Yelp page. Low-quality images or completely unrelated photos can be perceived as unprofessional. Furthermore, it may fail to convey the personality and products or services of your business. Thus, after knowing how to make a Yelp account, make sure you prepare high-quality and relevant photos you can upload to your page.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Invest in high-quality photos of your business, particularly its products and services.
2. Add shots of the exterior and interior of your store.
3. Incorporate images featuring your team at work.
4. Always update your Yelp page’s photo gallery.

Mistake #4: You’re Not Writing That Business Description Section

When you search the web about how to make a Yelp account, it is recommended to make use of the business description section. Never ignore it because it is your chance to explain who you are and what differentiates you from others in your field to potential customers. The business description section isn’t filled out, or, worse, written very generally and uninspiringly.

How to fix this mistake:

1. When you make Yelp account for your business, craft a detailed business description.
2. Highlight the unique selling point of your business.
3. Use relevant keywords to boost search visibility.
4. Don’t forget to add a call to action.

Mistake #5: Selecting the Wrong Categories

When you open Yelp account for your business, select categories for your business. Select categories that best describe your business. Choosing the wrong categories can make it harder for potential customers to find you. This would only waste the efforts you make to open a Yelp account.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Select a primary and secondary category that matches your products or services.
2. Be specific. If you own a Mexican restaurant, choose “Mexican” instead of “Restaurant.”
3. For guidance, check the categories your competitors use.

Mistake #6: Soliciting Reviews

Businesses want to leverage Yelp reviews hence they want to know how to make Yelp page. While positive reviews are essential, soliciting them outright violates Yelp’s policies. Asking friends, family, or even begging for reviews can lead to penalties, including Yelp suppressing your page in search results or flagging it for suspicious activity. Therefore, if you get business on Yelp, you need to get reviews organically.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Provide excellent products or services to encourage organic reviews.
2. Add a Yelp link to your social media or website.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Negative Reviews 

No business can avoid negative reviews. However, no business should ignore it. Even when they are not ignored, businesses cannot respond aggressively or defensively. Such actions can only serve to harm the business’ reputation. Negative reviews are opportunities to show professionalism. It’s an opportunity to show your commitment towards customer satisfaction. Some businesses are determined to know how to open Yelp business account because they want to address the negative reviews they are receiving.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Promptly address any negative reviews.
2. Be professional and understanding when responding.
3. Acknowledge the concern and offer a proper solution.
4. Avoid engaging in arguments on Yelp.

Mistake #8: Not Leveraging Yelp’s Features

The primary reason of businesses interested in how to open a Yelp business account is that it is a great tool to support business growth. One of the ways that Yelp helps is through Yelp’s features. As long as someone knows how to open a Yelp account, then he or she can use all the helpful features of Yelp. These will enable businesses to interact with customers, reach more audiences and track performance. Failure to utilize these features leads to missed opportunities for growth.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Enable Yelp messaging so customers can directly leave a message.
2. Monitor Yelp analytics to understand how Yelp users interact with the page.
3. Use paid ads to boost visibility on Yelp.
4. Enable the check-in feature.

Mistake #9: Neglecting the Importance of Yelp Reviews

Some businesses assume that knowing how to open a Yelp account to create a page is enough to attract more customers. However, they remain unaware that the true blood of a Yelp page lies in Yelp reviews. A page lacking Yelp reviews will only serve as a waste of the effort exerted in knowing how to open Yelp account. Why? Because it will not attract a new customer.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
2. Deliver high levels of service.
3. Be friendly.
4. Leave a message of appreciation to those who leave a review. 

Mistake #10: Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Few business owners ask how to get a page on Yelp, forgetting in the process the mobile crowd. Now, most Yelp users use mobile devices to access the platform. Knowing how to get a Yelp account and creating a page will all come to nothing if the page isn’t mobile-friendly. It will only frustrate potential customers, leading to lost business.

How to fix this mistake:

1. Ensure information is readable on mobile devices.
2. Ensure photos are clear on mobile devices.
3. Check Yelp page’s display on various mobile devices.

If you want to know how do I get on Yelp successfully, you must avoid these pitfalls. A Yelp page is a vital asset for your business. Taking all these precautions will ensure that all efforts on how do you get on Yelp will give you the right results.