HVAC Services, plumbers, electricians and other service businesses rely on Yelp for new customers and brand awareness. Even if a potential customer comes in as a referral, that customer goes to Yelp and looks at the reviews to validate what others told them. Consumers use their phone to research products and services before they pull the trigger. 

Here are some ways for small businesses to compete and pull ahead of your competition.

1. Sponsored Listings 

   1.  It doesn’t feel fair to work hard and do right by your customers only to have Yelp show dozens of sponsored listings higher than your hard work. Unfortunately, it’s Yelp’s ecosystem so you have to play by their rules. That being said, you don’t need to be the highest bidder in the Sponsored Listings to get good leads. Combining your hard work with good user engagement and just a bit of paid budget can get you the same success as your competitors.

2. Be proactive with Customer Reviews 

   1. It’s simple but it’s also hard because you never like asking for things. Ask your customers to submit positive reviews about your work. The best way to stay ahead of the competition is to have the highest ratings by volume. 

3. Keep an Updated and Accurate Yelp Profile. 

   1. Update your profile so customers can research and contact you for questions and even schedule an appointment. And if you find that Yelp has put up a different phone number than yours, be sure to reach out to them for an explanation (and to have them change it to your business’ phone number)!

Depending on where a business lands on the search results page, there are additional solutions to increase visibility. Try the recommendations above and see how much higher in the ranking your business climbs. Contact us and let us know your thoughts.