Yelp SEO: How to Optimize Your Listings & Rank Higher via @AdamHeitzman
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Yelp SEO: How to Optimize Your Listings & Rank Higher
One of the reasons Yelp works so well is because it doesn't appear to be a search engine on the surface. It seems completely controlled by reviews, right?
While this is definitely true, if you see ads on a page and there is a search function available, you can bet that the website has an algorithm to help it rank different pages, and that algorithm isn't just about which businesses have the most reviews (go ahead and take a look – it's hard to find a rhyme to their rhythm of ranking).
This is where being strategic in the way you optimize your Yelp page comes in handy.
The Basics of Yelp Optimization
For fun, Google "how does Yelp's search algorithm work." The latest answer to that question was in 2013.
In other words, much of what we know works comes from experiments and trying different things within the platform.
However, there are a few basics that we know are important when it comes to ranking:
1. Fill out All of Your Information
It should go without saying, but the more information you include on your Yelp listing, the better optimized that listing is for readers; thus, making your listing superior to those not fully completed.
Sound familiar yet? Yep, it's just like Google. Reader experience matters.
2. Add Photos
Photos also make for a better page, so it seems that precedence is given to pages that include lots of photos.
This includes both photos that you have uploaded as well as photos that reviewers have uploaded, so encourage those posts!
3. Respond to Reviews
Your page needs to remain fresh. Responding to reviews is a great way to show Yelp and their readers that your page is active.
If that isn't enough, it's just good business to understand your customers and respond to their thoughts, good or bad.
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