4 tips for turning job requests into sales

Yelp’s free Request a Quote feature could be your biggest source of new leads—if you respond quickly and effectively. In fact, customers are two times more likely to respond when a service provider replies within an hour and addresses project details and questions, instead of just suggesting a call or linking to another form.*

In other words, people who request a quote for a specific project on Yelp are looking for a fast and detailed response, including a price estimate and availability. They’re also likely checking out options from several businesses, so it’s important that your response stands out with personalized info and clear next steps.

Turning requests into jobs starts with winning over your customers with an effective response. Follow these tips to stand out from your competitors:

1. Respond quickly and often
2. Personalize each response by referencing lead info
3. Respond with detailed price estimates
4. Set clear next steps

1. Respond quickly and often

When customers request a job quote, they’re likely in need of someone soon or even ASAP. Replying quickly makes it more likely that you’re among the first to respond and establish trust with that customer, increasing your chances of converting them. The longer you wait, the more likely another business will secure the job before you.

If you’re constantly on the go, download the Yelp for Business mobile app and set up push notifications so that you or a trusted employee can review requests in live time and respond quickly.

Your response time is also shown on your Yelp Page, so the faster you respond, the more attractive you look to prospective customers. If someone has an urgent issue, they’re more likely to pick someone who has a 20-minute response time as opposed to three hours. Note that you can also see your response time from your Yelp for Business inbox.

Pro tip: Even if you’re not right for the job, you should still respond by selecting the “Unable to service” response option. We suggest politely declining and thanking them for considering your business. This showcases your professionalism and increases the chances they reach out to you for a different job in the future.

My biggest [tip for using Request a Quote] is responding quickly… and sending quotes quickly. I think that means a lot. I’ve noticed in the past couple of years, people really do appreciate that.

— Sam Speno, Speno’s Lawn Care

2. Personalize each response by referencing lead info

When responding to a request, personalize your response based on the customer’s specific scenario. Address them by their name and ask questions that are specific to the type of service they’re requesting. Try to avoid responses that are too robotic or unnecessarily lengthy.

You should also ask for any additional details you need to prepare an accurate quote. Avoid repeating questions they’ve already answered in the initial prompts—most customers will have already taken the time to provide key information when they reach out to you, so make sure you read through the entire message first.

Throughout your communication with a potential customer, be sure to stay true to your business brand and values while exercising great customer service. Customers want to do business with real people, so showcase your authentic personality when applicable.

For example, Yelp reviewer Rosie P. felt won over by the kind and empathetic responses she received from a technician at Insectek Pest Solutions, who helped her book a pest control service during a stressful time in her life. “I knew right away once I had those first few interactions with Insectek that this was a company I could trust and that actually cared about its customers, and I wasn’t just somebody in their paperwork,” Rosie said.

For more inspiration, check out an example response.

3. Respond with detailed price estimates

If a consumer reaches out to you, you’re already an option for the job. Now they want to know how much it might cost (and they prefer to get that information online, not over the phone—78% of consumers agree they use Yelp to find service pros because they don’t have to call businesses directly, and can do it all online**).

Customers find huge value in receiving detailed price estimates, and they also want to understand what is going into the price—from labor to material—to help them gain more familiarity with the specific project or task.

Here are some items consumers prefer to see in the estimate:

• Itemized breakdown of the price (materials, labor, time frame, etc.)
• Project plan detailing the steps in the job
• What services are included in the quote
• Number of people working the job
• How your services stand out compared to the competition

The more detail you provide, the easier it is for the consumer to make a decision—and ideally to choose you. And while it requires more of your valuable time to provide a detailed response, it goes a long way in converting leads into jobs.

Another perk of providing estimates is that it helps you connect with high-intent customers who are aligned with your pricing, subsequently separating out those who may not be in your range. This also allows you to share all project details and costs, ensuring there are no unexpected charges or hidden fees.

Pro tip: If you’re unable to provide a quote with the current information, be transparent. Let the consumer know you need more detail in order to provide an accurate quote before asking additional questions.

4. Set clear next steps

If the job is right for you, provide specific, action-oriented next steps to secure the appointment. Consumers are more likely to respond to or even accept an appointment request if you make it easy for them. Provide a few date and time options that you’re available. And even if the times don’t work, providing scheduling options tends to lead to more engaged customers.

Saying “call me” or “let me know” probably won’t get you a customer response, but if you say, “I can be there tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.,” you’re more likely to secure that spot.

Pro tip: Use Yelp’s scheduling feature to suggest specific time slots. After you receive a request, select “Send price & availability” to share an estimated cost and appointment scheduling options. The customer can choose the time that works for them, and you will receive a “Confirmed appointment” message—all in the same Yelp conversation.

Bonus tip: Follow up if you don’t get a response back

Reach back out after the initial response to show you care and that you are interested in earning their business. If a customer is still on the fence about who to choose, that extra outreach could make the difference.

If they respond back and say they chose a different company, it’s still an opportunity to win their business next time. Just like if the job isn’t the right fit, respond and tell them you appreciate the consideration and are always available in the future, leaving a great impression for the next time they may need your service.

To make sure you’re maximizing the number of relevant messages you receive, make sure your Yelp Page is filled out, including your service area and service offerings. You can also consider adjusting your Yelp Ads spend or signing up for Nearby Jobs, a live feed of jobs submitted by consumers in your area (available for select categories).

More inspiration

Check out an example response to a customer request below. Make sure to customize your responses for your brand’s personality, tone, and details.

Hi James,

Thank you for considering Christina’s Moving for your next move! We hope to make this as stress-free as possible.

In-state moving services cost $150/hr. It looks like you have a ground floor, 1-bedroom home that does not require any packing assistance. Similar moves in your area typically take 3 hours to complete. The additional stop at another apartment may add more time depending on how quickly the truck can be loaded by our strong and fully insured moving team.

If you are interested in securing your move date, we have an online booking link here: http://www.christinamoving.com you can use discount code YELP50 for $50 off your total move!

We look forward to assisting you.

Editorial contributions by Amanda Retzer