Here’s Why You Should Start Responding To Yelp Reviews

According to Yelp’s Data Science team, Yelp users are 33% more likely to upgrade their review if you respond with a personalized message within a day. This mirrors a study Jay Baer talks about in his book, Hug Your Haters. Jay teamed up with Edison Research and found that 53% of customers expect a reply on review sites. What’s more is that businesses experience a 16% boost in customer advocacy from answered complaints on reviews sites. Meanwhile, businesses that ignore complaints on review sites experience a 37% decline in customer advocacy.

This study shows there’s a big advantage to responding to Yelp reviews within 24 hours. It turns out you might also be doing yourself a huge disservice by not responding at all. With that in mind, here are some tried and true quick tips to help you respond in any situation…

Responding To Yelp Reviews When They’re Negative:

Respond publicly when the customer has a legitimate concern or there’s a simple misunderstanding. Use it as an opportunity to address their concerns, explain your policies, and invite them back.

Respond with a direct message if it reads like a rant or is false. Send a polite note presenting your side of the story and remember you never go wrong taking the high road.

Responding To Yelp Reviews When They’re Positive:

Respond publicly when you have something to add to the user’s review. For example, tell them about the sale you’re having next week and invite them back in. Respond with a direct message if you simply want to say thank you.

Need more proof? Check out how one business owner grew her business just by responding to her reviews.

You Can Start Responding To Your Reviews Today:

It’s easy, log in to your Yelp Business User Account and go to the reviews section, or download the Yelp Biz App.