Duplicate Yelp listing
So you have a duplicate Yelp listing and you want to know whether this can affect your SEO. Well, the short and simple answer is, yes! Let’s explain a little more…
A duplicate business listing is when there is more than one listing of a business (or a single business location if the business has multiple locations) on an industry directory site, general directory site, or similar platforms such as Google My Business or Yelp.
Even if the details themselves differ under each listing, if the listing itself refers to the same business, then the listing is duplicate.
Consider, for example, that you run a restaurant and have a takeout menu as well. You would be creating a duplicate business listing if you created a TripAdvisor or Yelp business listing for your restaurant and a second listing for your takeout menu.
In cases like this, it might be a genuine mistake caused by simply trying to get as much online visibility as possible, but it’s a mistake that can have serious consequences for your overall local SEO visibility.
Why are duplicate business listings a problem?
Creating a duplicate listing may have been an innocent mistake. It’s easy to think that duplicate business listings are no big deal; after all, you’re simply making it easier for potential customers to find you, right? Why not create two separate listings if you offer both takeout and dining in?
Unfortunately, while they may seem inconsequential on the surface, duplicate business listings can seriously derail your local SEO efforts. Google My Business itself doesn’t allow duplicate listings, which is a big indication that you’ll need to be especially vigilant about maintaining just one profile on industry directories like Yelp.
What is a Yelp listing and why do some websites and businesses want them?
Yelp.com is a crowdsourced local business review and social networking site. Yelp users can submit reviews of individual establishments, such as restaurants or schools, using a one to five-star scale.
Having your business information registered and listed on Yelp is what we call a ‘Yelp Listing. Having a listing on Yelp can seriously help your business be found online and can offer considerable benefits to your SEO and this is why many businesses want them. We have already put together a relatively comprehensive blog about the benefits of business listings in the UK for SEO, so check it out as it is relevant not just for the UK but any country.
How to create a Yelp listing?
Creating a Yelp listing for your business is very easy and can have a massive impact on your SEO. The best way to better understand how to create your Yelp listing today is to check out Yelp’s very own mini-guide, here!
Benefits of having a Yelp listing
So what are the benefits of having a Yelp listing for your business in the first place?
Most prospective customers search for your business online to get in touch with you. Ensure your business listings on multiple listing websites and online directories are accurate and up-to-date so that you can be found or discovered online when customers search for products or services. This is true even if they do not search directly for your business or brand name.
Since most customers do not search for a business name when looking for a product or service, this can be helpful. Ensure that your business’ phone numbers, addresses, web addresses, and email addresses are correct for all of your locations that appear in online listings, like those found in Google search results.
It is Cost-Effective
Budget is the main obstacle that many small businesses face when it comes to marketing and advertising. There are businesses that advertise in the wrong places and don’t get the results they want. Small businesses often struggle to find cost-effective ways to raise brand awareness and improve their online visibility. That’s where local directories come into play.
In most cases, you can add your business name and other information for free.
You can list your small business for free on many online directories, including Google My Business and Yelp. The Yelp listing can be one of the most important and impactful online listings that your business can have since it increases your chances of appearing in various local search results, and you will be found online. Listing your business in local directories will give your brand top-notch exposure.
Enhance your Local Visibility
Are you aware that many large business directories provide advanced filtering options? Using these options, you can easily connect with prospects and customers in your local area. Local business directories are therefore very helpful for targeting prospective customers in your local community.
Gather Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customers can also rate and review your company’s performance on many business directories. It may be a good idea to encourage your customers to leave testimonials or reviews on these sites. It is important to note that prospective customers looking for specific services, such as construction work or bathroom remodeling, usually visit a variety of different review sites and online directories before selecting a specific company.
There will also be people who write negative reviews. That’s how the Internet works. In these cases, you need to respond responsibly and quickly to the negative reviews. You will increase your business’ popularity and visibility if you have these reviews, testimonials, and ratings along with your contact information.
Rank Higher on Search Engines
Search engine optimization helps your business appear on the first page of search engines, like Google. It can, however, take up to 6 months to see noticeable results. The good news is that you can improve your local SEO by placing your website link on multiple listing sites. Many online business directories are considered trustworthy and valuable sources of information by Google. It’s often the first page of search results that contains results for online and local business directories.
If your site has more citations (or mentions) as well as quality links, you will rank higher in the search engine results. This is because it shows search engines like Bing and Google that your business is credible and legitimate.
Contact Us!
If you are interested in learning more about building out your business listings in the UK or general SEO for your website, contact us today by clicking the WhatsApp link below, visiting our contact us page or emailing us [email protected]!
The Digital Guruz – “It’s not rocket science, it’s ranking science!”
