Claim Your Yelp Listing and Boost Your Self Storage Business

In case you’re not familiar with Yelp, it’s a social networking site that gives users a place to post reviews and rate businesses. When you patronize a new business that provides outstanding customer service and gives you a problem-free experience, you probably won’t keep it a secret. Yelp gives you a platform to share both good and bad reviews. 

If you’re still uncertain about Yelp’s value, know that 83% of users check out three or more businesses during each search. On average, according to Yelp International Data, 2019, businesses who claim their page get more than double the engagement from potential customers on Yelp, including more calls and website clicks. Yelp remains a commanding force in consumer decision making; and, Yelp, along with a number of other review sites, isn’t going away any time soon. It’s more than worth it to spend the time and  claim your Yelp listing.

Why Claiming Your Yelp Listing is Important

Tip Consumer Influence in Your Favor

Imagine the process of a potential customer looking for wine storage. This prospect will research to understand exactly what is needed and look at facility websites that offer this service. He decides to read a few reviews, and Yelp is one of the first review sites that comes to mind. This is the moment that the he will be most influenced to use a certain facility or not. A positive impression and you’ve won a customer – maybe a lifelong customer and all of his friends. This is an easy marketing opportunity. 

Respond Publicly to Reviews

Remember that Yelp reviewers are your customers. One of the most powerful tools that is available to business owners who claim their Yelp listings is the ability to respond to reviews. 

• You can create a positive sense of trust by showing empathy for people that have had a bad experience with your business.
• You can correct any errors that reviewers have posted about your business. A reviewer may state that you don’t sell moving and packing supplies when, actually, you do. This can make a difference to future customers.
• You can thank people who leave positive reviews, and let them know you appreciate their business.

Respond Privately to Reviews

Claiming your listing on Yelp allows you to respond privately and have a dialogue with the reviewer. If a customer has had a legitimately bad experience and you want to offer him a discount or other gift to regain his business, you can do so without your other customers knowing.

Correct Errors

Many business listings on Yelp are first created by a reviewer, not the business owner. This means that your listings may contain errors that send a potential customer to the wrong address or send them at the wrong time. If you claim your listing, you’ll be able to correct your hours, location, business name, business description, and business categories. You want your prospects to have the correct information; inaccuracies can be a significant problem.

Receive Notification of New Reviews

A really advantageous feature of claiming your business on Yelp is notification of new reviews. This is especially critical for negative reviews, because you’ll want to post a response as quickly as possible. 

The Key to Getting Your Business Listed with Apple Maps is Yelp

If you use Apple Maps, you already know that they use Yelp as the go-to resource for local businesses. Apple Maps uses Yelp to populate information like reviews, photos, useful tips, and pricing. This is a huge benefit to your business – you won’t have to build a database of reviews. Keep in mind that, for the most accurate information, be sure both your Apple Maps and Yelp listings are kept updated.

Get Access to Yelp Analytics

Yelp analytics are not highly detailed, but they can be important, especially if you’re running a special. If you claim your listing, you’ll have access to an “Activity Feed” that lists the recent actions that users have taken on your page.

Reap SEO Benefits

When you claim a business on Yelp, you can add a link to your website. Because Search Engine Optimization (SEO) sees Yelp as an authority website, your Google rankings will get a boost. Prospects will be able to link directly to your site to learn more about your facility and/or reserve storage.

Conclusion

These benefits show why Yelp is beneficial for your local business. The advantages of claiming your Yelp listing bring your brand to your page. You can tell your story with details, hours, photos, and review responses, all while attracting prospective customers. Go claim that listing!