Yelp’s guide to success

Put the customer first

Provide the best experience

Yelp exists to show off actual consumer experiences with local businesses — and most reviewers end up pleased. Yelpers write positive reviews much more often than critical reviews; most reviews are four or five stars.

Engage with your customers

Critical reviews can be an opportunity to build goodwill and trust with your customers. Show your customers you care by listening to them and constructively responding to reviews on Yelp.

Don’t interfere with the natural flow of reviews.

1 Don’t post reviews of your business or of competitors — our content guidelines prohibit it.
2 Don’t offer freebies, discounts, or payment in exchange for reviews.
3 Don’t work with companies or 3rd-party vendors offering to “fix your reviews.”
4 Don’t ask anyone to write reviews of your business, including friends, family, and customers.
5 Don’t pressure (or pay or sue) people into altering or removing critical reviews.

Content quality is core to the Yelp community.

We value high quality reviews over a large quantity of not-so-helpful content, and we don’t recommend every single review we get. Here are some of the steps we take to highlight trustworthy and helpful reviews on Yelp.

Use these free tools to get the most out of Yelp.

Claim your business on Yelp

Get a visible checkmark telling users that you engage with the Yelp community. Then add beautiful photos and tell your business’ story in your own words. Watch a tutorial video

Respond to reviews

Constructively address concerns when you see them. Our study shows that the right response to a critical review can improve a customer’s impression of overall experience.

Turn visitors into customers

Enable Request A Quote, Check-In Offers, or Yelp Deals to connect with future customers and grow your business.

Make it easy to find you

Verify your address, map pin, phone number, and website. Ensure your business is listed in appropriate categories.

Display approved Yelp branding

Request free Yelp signage, show off your official People Love Us On Yelp window cling if you’ve earned it, and embed your favorite reviews on your website and social media.

Report abusive content

Flag reviews that you believe violate Yelp’s Content Guidelines, and our team will take a look.

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