menu

Are Yelp Reviews Reliable? Guide For SEOs

Business Growth
Customer Service
Industries
Reputation Management

Updated: 20th November, 2023 With the advent of the internet and social media platforms, the influx of content has been bordering on the unlimited. Every user on the internet creates some type of content. In turn, other users interact with that content and make changes in their decisions regarding social, economic, and political spheres. Some […]

by  admin |  November 20, 2023 |  Read 6 min

Updated: 20th November, 2023

With the advent of the internet and social media platforms, the influx of content has been bordering on the unlimited. Every user on the internet creates some type of content. In turn, other users interact with that content and make changes in their decisions regarding social, economic, and political spheres.

Some platforms are more robust and decisive in this sense as they are based on the premise of community development and “word of mouth”. One of the most influential platforms in this regard is Yelp!

It is hard for an internet user to escape the name as it is among the largest online business directories with millions of users each month. With this much scope and reach, Yelp reviews can make or break a business’s online reputation.

Yelp & Yelp Reviews

Even though the process and practices of personal and brand management have become robust through online brand reputation management software, it is still hard to be impervious to vicious attacks.

According to recent studies, more than 90% of modern consumers go through online reviews and feedback regarding an online business before making their first transaction. Apart from reading the reviews, consumers are also finicky about which site to believe while going through the feedback.

In the sphere of small businesses or local enterprises, Yelp reigns supreme in terms of monthly traffic and overall visitors’ trust. This metric alone would have been enough for consumers and prospects to either trust a business or stay away from it, but things are much more complicated than that.

As per the company’s research, around 16% of the reviews are termed fake and disposed of by the AI algorithm. Professionals contend that the real number of fake reviews that slip through the cracks is much higher. This makes an average Joe wary of what he reads online and thinks to be true.

Are Yelp Reviews Reliable?

The reliability of Yelp reviews has been a topic of debate. While some argue that Yelp has measures in place to ensure accuracy and unbiased reviews, others express concerns about review manipulation and the prevalence of fake or untrustworthy reviews. It’s important to approach Yelp reviews with caution and consider multiple factors when making decisions based on them. Here are some key points from the sources:

It’s recommended to consider Yelp reviews along with other sources of information and to look for patterns and trends among reviews rather than relying solely on individual reviews. Ultimately, exercising discernment and considering multiple perspectives can help make more informed decisions.

How Can I Get More Genuine and Authentic Yelp Reviews for My Business on Yelp? 7 Proven Working Ways

To get more authentic and genuine Yelp reviews for your business, it’s important to focus on building a positive reputation and providing excellent customer experiences. Here are seven proven working ways to get more Yelp reviews:

  1. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews: Train your staff to ask happy customers to leave a review on Yelp. Politely remind them that their feedback is valuable and can help your business.
  2. Provide exceptional customer service: Go above and beyond to ensure your customers have a positive experience. When customers feel valued and satisfied, they are more likely to share their experiences on platforms like Yelp.
  3. Optimize your Yelp profile: Make sure your Yelp profile is complete and up to date. Add high-quality photos, and accurate business information, and respond promptly to any reviews or messages.
  4. Monitor and respond to reviews: Regularly monitor your Yelp reviews and respond to both positive and negative feedback. Show appreciation for positive reviews and address any concerns raised in negative reviews in a professional and helpful manner.
  5. Incorporate Yelp into your marketing efforts: Display the Yelp logo or badge on your website and other marketing materials to encourage customers to leave reviews. Include a link to your Yelp page in your email signature or on your social media profiles.
  6. Engage with the Yelp community: Participate in the Yelp community by writing thoughtful reviews for other businesses and engaging with other Yelp users. This can help build your credibility and visibility on the platform.
  7. Avoid fake or purchased reviews: It’s crucial to maintain the integrity of your reputation by avoiding fake or purchased reviews. Inauthentic reviews can harm your business’s reputation and may be flagged or removed by Yelp.

Remember, the key to getting authentic and genuine Yelp reviews is to prioritize providing excellent customer experiences and actively engaging with your customers. Building a strong reputation takes time and effort, but it can lead to more positive reviews and increased trust in your business.

Types of Yelp Reviews

Assuming many of the fake reviews slip through the clutches of AI algorithms, Yelp should be rife with inappropriate comments and blatantly false reviews. Although many small businesses blame the company itself for spamming their review sections due to availing free estate, Yelp is still far away from being infested with fake or malicious feedback.

Three major types of reviews often harm businesses in one way or another, hence making them either beneficial for consumers or outright misleading.

Yelp has highlighted the course of action in its terms and conditions for businesses to get them removed from the platform. However, the process of reporting and flagging “malicious” reviews is far from transparent and straightforward, it is still effective in keeping the outright onslaught of fake reviews at bay.

Pros & Cons of Yelp Reviews

Before we make a judgment regarding the reliability of Yelp reviews, it is necessary to take a hard look at the pros and cons of these reviews. The two, then, will be analyzed depending on the value they offer to both sellers and consumers. 

Since trust-building is often harder for small businesses due to scarce resources and scope.

Pros of Yelp Reviews

Following are some pros of Yelp reviews:

Better Engagement & Reach

As mentioned in the previous sections, Yelp is monthly visited by millions of new users. This interaction leads to review generation resulting in better engagement and reach. This is what many small businesses and local enterprises want to boost their sales.

Established Reputation

Yelp has already an exceptional reputation in both the business community and large swathes of consumers around the globe. Both interact with each other through reviews, comments, and multimedia.

Simplicity

Yelp platform is anything but complicated for users. It is simple and intuitive and offers a clean UI experience. This makes it easier for both parties to go to the platform and interact with one another.

Lead Generation

Yelp is primarily used by businesses to showcase their expertise and achievements. Yelp allows businesses to provide all the necessary information that could be helpful for consumers and prospects to know the business before making a purchase. 

This is why businesses care about Yelp reviews as they can help them in lead generation.

Cons of Yelp Reviews

Here are some cons of Yelp reviews:

Review Filters

Yelp has erected many safeguards to prevent malicious or fake reviews from reaching the ultimate destination. According to some estimates, 25% of reviews are filtered out during moderation resulting in distorted results of engagement and reach.

Fake Reviews

As mentioned above, many false or fake reviews escape the filtering process and end up on the portal. In turn, it becomes quite a workout for businesses to get it removed from the reviews section. 

Conflicting Lead Metrics

There is a distinction between lead metrics between Yelp and the business community. While the former counts uploads of photos, website clicks, and map views as lead generation metrics, the latter believes in completed contact forms, emails, or phone calls.

This is what makes businesses wary of Yelp and the reviews posted on the platform.

Alleged Service Discrimination

Many businesses allege that Yelp discriminates, and even carries out punitive actions, based on their subscription to the platform. The basic account is free with limited options, while the premium has a fee with many added services.

This is another con for both businesses and consumers which can distort the results.

The Final Verdict

Yelp reviews are still playing a vital role in making or breaking a business’s online reputation. The question of whether Yelp reviews are reliable or not, is far from being a simple one, as evidenced by the metrics highlighted by the company itself. 

Even with the monumental rise in the number of filtered and fake reviews, Yelp is a thriving community with millions of visitors and businesses. In the face of its competitors, Yelp is still leading the pack with more than 40% of the market share compared to its immediate rival. 

In light of these stats and metrics, it is safe to say that Yelp reviews can be trusted by average consumers. Still, it is best to take everything with a pinch of salt to expect the best outcomes.

Related Articles
BEST RESPONSES TO NEGATIVE GLASSDOOR REVIEWS
How to respond to a 3-star review without comments
What Is White Label Reputation Management ?
Online Reputation Management For Doctors 2022
5 Best Project Manager Resume Writing Services In 2023
How To Manage Reviews On Instagram?
Animal Services
Auto Services
Beauty Salon
Business Services
Child Care
Services
Cleaning Services
Contractors
Government &
Nonprofit
Health &
Wellness
Home Improvement
& Maintenance
Insurance
Legal Services
Locks &
Locksmiths
Moving & Storage
Pest Control
Services
Real Estate
Restaurants
Retail
Veterinarians
Wedding
TrustAnalytica can significantly increase your sales and online reputation within just a few months of active service usage!
Book an appointment right now and start your business growing.