5 free things beauty-related businesses should set up on Yelp
When consumers are searching for the best nail salon in town or trying to book a much-needed hair appointment, they’re on the hunt for reliable, high-quality places. To stand out from the competition, make sure your Yelp Page is complete, accurate, and equipped with these five standout features.
1. Services
You can choose up to three general categories—like hair salon, medical spa, or tanning—but did you know you can also choose an unlimited number of services within each of those categories? After selecting your specialty services, you’ll appear in the search results of consumers who are browsing Yelp for those specific services.
For example, a hair salon can choose bridal services, eyelash services, and coloring services. A tanning salon might choose stand-up tanning, low intensity tanning, and spray tanning. The more information you provide, the more likely a potential customer will find you.
How do I do this? Log in to your Yelp for Business account, click on the Business Information tab, then scroll down to Categories, and click Edit. After you select your categories, the relevant services will appear.
Pro tip: You can also add a link to your online service menu so customers can visit your site for more detail. Go to the same Business Information section mentioned above, and look for “Menu” on the right side (under your website).
2. Photos and captions
Plain and simple, customers want to see what the final product will look like—whether it’s the work of your tattoo artists or the best balayage in town. Photos also help build trust and allow people to get to know you and your business. Share before and after pictures of your services as well as images of your interior to attract potential customers.
You can upload as many photos as you like—showcasing your work, staff, space, products, and more. And don’t forget captions. Not only do potential customers want to know what specific services and products are called, but it will also contribute to your overall Yelp SEO.
How do I do this? Log in to your Yelp for Business account, and click on the Photos and Videos tab.
3. Regular hours and special hours
Be sure your Yelp Page is up to date with the regular days and hours you are open. Consumers can search for businesses that are “open now,” so you’ll want to show up in those searches. You can also add special hours for holidays or special occasions—whether it’s for a one-off closure or a special holiday.
Special hours are set up on a day-by-day basis and can be changed at any time. Additionally, consumers will see a special note at the top of your Yelp Business Page as well as in the hours section.
How do I do this? Log in to your Yelp for Business account, click on the Business Information tab, then scroll down to Hours of operation and Upcoming special hours.
4. Specialties
The Specialities section—within your “From this business” section—allows you to round out your business’s story and get specific using your own words and tone. This free-form text box lets you describe to your customers what you do exceptionally well in up to 1,500 characters. This can provide a deeper dive into your services, show why your business is the trendiest option, or simply just make someone smile.
The key phrases and terms you enter in this section will also help you get more organic visibility on Yelp. Each Yelp search starts with a need—having this section filled out as much as possible can take a potential customer from discovery mode into spending-money-at-your-business mode.
How do I do this? Log in to your Yelp for Business account, click on the Business Information tab, then scroll down to Specialities.
5. Yelp for Business app
Downloading the app allows you to manage your business from your smart device, so you can quickly and easily manage your Yelp Page while you’re on the go. Reply to job requests, read and respond to reviews, upload photos right from your job site, and more.
You can also set up push notifications so that you are notified in real time of events, such as when:
- Someone writes a review for your business
- Someone sends a lead, message, or request for a quote
- Someone posts a question about your business
How do I do this? Download the app for Android or iPhone. If you’re on desktop, enter your number to have a link sent to your phone for easy download.
Bonus tip
Check that messaging is enabled on your page. This allows you to communicate directly with customers who may have questions, comments, or just plain praise. You can check your inbox directly or set up email and text notifications to get alerted when you receive a message.
How do I do this? Log in to your Yelp for Business account, and go to your Account Settings, then Language & Notification.
Looking for more? Check out these insights from beauty industry business owners about what they wish they knew when they were first starting out.