5 Alternatives to Yelp for Local Business Reviews

When it comes to discovering alternatives to Yelp for local business reviews, we’ve gathered insights from a range of professionals, including owners and CEOs. From setting up a Google Business Profile to leveraging Google Maps Reviews, here are five unique suggestions these experts have to offer.

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Set Up Google Business Profile

For local businesses, I’d strongly recommend setting up a Google Business Profile. It’s a game-changer for boosting your visibility on both Google Search results and Google Maps. 

People these days want instant gratification with minimal effort. Yelp requires users to open a separate app or website and then search for a business. But with Google Business Profiles, it’s way simpler. Someone can just Google “landscapers Boston MA,” and boom! The business profile pops up instantly with a “Call Now” button, reviews, location, and all the essential info.

It’s all about making it easy for potential customers. Google Business Profiles do just that, putting your business front and center when people are actively searching for your services. Plus, it’s free and user-friendly. So if you haven’t set one up yet, you should get on that! It’s a no-brainer for local businesses looking to boost their online presence and attract more customers.

Alex O’Neil, Owner, City on the Hill Consultancy

Utilize Case Studies

Case studies can be a highly effective alternative to Yelp reviews. Show how you’ve helped a customer or client get from point A to point B with your unique methods. Showcase how you are uniquely positioned to help your target market achieve a specific desired outcome.

Amanda Hamilton, Website & SEO Specialist, Anchor ‹A› Digital Design Co.

Explore TripAdvisor Reviews

TripAdvisor is a Yelp alternative that I strongly recommend. When I was organizing a weekend trip and needed trustworthy reviews of nearby businesses and activities, I discovered it’s worth it.

Specifically searching for a distinctive dining experience, TripAdvisor has thorough evaluations covering everything from food suggestions to ambient descriptions. The community element, whereby visitors share their real experiences and advice, gave me faith in my decisions.

TripAdvisor distinguishes itself with its emphasis on both visitors and residents, providing a wider view. Together with personal anecdotes, the photos and rankings guided me in making decisions. Since then, I have used it for both local discoveries and travel. TripAdvisor provides a comprehensive and engaging venue for anyone looking for a substitute for Yelp for locating and evaluating local businesses.

Justin Crabbe, CEO, BlackJet

Engage on Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a great alternative to Yelp if you are looking for reviews from local businesses. Nextdoor is specifically designed for neighborhood-based interactions, making it highly effective for businesses targeting local customers. Reviews on Nextdoor are often from nearby residents who are actively engaged in their community, so they can offer unbiased opinions.

Businesses can foster a sense of community by participating in discussions, offering promotions, and responding to reviews directly on Nextdoor. This engagement can lead to stronger relationships with local customers and increase brand loyalty. Nextdoor users are typically more focused on local recommendations and community events, so reviews and recommendations on this platform are trusted within the neighborhood, making them influential in local purchasing decisions.

Compared to broader review platforms like Yelp, where businesses compete on a larger scale, Nextdoor allows businesses to stand out more prominently within their specific neighborhood or community.

Tom Richards, Director and Founder, Adbetter

Leverage Google Maps Reviews

Google Maps, hands down. It’s become our go-to for local business reviews, and here’s why:

First off, it’s already where most people are looking for businesses. They’re searching for directions, hours, or contact info, and bam—reviews are right there. No need to jump to another app or website.

The integration with Google Search is huge. When someone Googles our shop, our star rating pops up front and center. It’s like free advertising.

Photos are a big deal too. Customers can snap pics of their experience and upload them instantly. For our coffee shop, seeing those latte art shots has been great for business.

Now, the review process is dead simple. Just a few taps and you’re done. We’ve noticed we get way more reviews on Google than we ever did on Yelp. People seem more willing to leave quick feedback.

One cool feature? The Q&A section. Potential customers ask questions, and anyone—us or other customers—can answer. It’s like a mini-FAQ that builds itself.

The “Popular Times” graph is pretty nifty too. It shows people when we’re busiest. Helps spread out the crowds a bit.

But it’s not all roses. Fake reviews can be an issue. We’ve had to be on top of flagging suspicious ones. And Google’s not always quick to remove them.

Also, responding to reviews on mobile can be a bit clunky. The desktop interface is much better for that.

Overall, though, Google Maps has been a game-changer for us. It’s more than just reviews—it’s become a crucial part of our online presence. Plus, it’s free. Can’t beat that.

So yeah, if you’re looking for a Yelp alternative, give Google Maps a serious look. It might just surprise you.

Joey Lowery, Founder & Marketing Coach, Media Shark

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