Times have changed, but some foundational platforms never stop being important.
As of 2026, Yelp gets around 178 million unique visitors per month alone. This essential digital platform has become a household name and, very impressively, managed to stay that way.
This means that knowing how to use Yelp for your business growth strategies in 2026 can sometimes make or break your online marketing success.
But how much does Yelp benefit you, and where do you start in creating your Yelp business profile? Today, we’ll answer everything you need to know.
Why Yelp Still Matters for Local Business
With so many new platforms and digital marketing methods out there, it’s easy to assume that the tried and true services have fallen to the wayside.
But in reality, platforms like Yelp are tried and true for a reason.
Most recent data from 2024 shows that 96% of people still spend money on businesses they find through Yelp. And Yelp itself is still growing with 29 million users as of 2026.
In today’s fluctuating digital climate, these are reliable numbers you don’t want to just dismiss.
How to Create Your Yelp Business Profile In X Steps
Now you know the importance of utilizing Yelp as a free, powerful marketing tool for your business. But how do you get started?
1. Claim & Complete Your Business Page
Start by searching for your business on Yelp for Business and filling out your information, including:
- Accurate business hours
- Location and address
- Clear business description
- Relevant, professional photos of your business and/or products
- Up-to-date contact information
Know that the more accurate, clear details you can provide, the better your chances are at showing up properly in Yelp search results.
2. Verify Your Yelp Listing Ownership
Next, go through the verification steps required to show Yelp that the business belongs to you.
This usually involves a straightforward process of receiving a phone call on your provided business line, so make sure you’re prepared to receive it.
3. Optimize Your Yelp Page for SEO
Congratulations! Now you have an accurate Yelp business page.
The next step is ensuring that you can get the most out of the platform by optimizing your page for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
But how? Well, here are a few general SEO tips:
- Choose the most relevant business category for your page
- Add related services
- Use keyword-rich text in your “From This Business” section
- Encourage reviews & customer feedback
Although there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to winning the Local SEO game, these are foundational steps that will be a necessary starting point.
4. Manage Reviews & Build Your Reputation
Beyond this point, you’ll need to keep an eye on the stream of reviews and customer feedback you receive.
Did you know that 92% of people are likely not to engage with businesses that have negative reviews on their listings?
Review management is an important part of staying credible and relevant, and of building a reputation online. Encourage feedback from customers and be prepared with strategies for rectifying negative experiences.
5. Keep Your Business Information Up-To-Date
Make sure to revisit your Yelp business profile even as time passes and keep your information up-to-date.
Showing clear signs of activity and maintenance on your page helps customers know that your business is still relevant too.
This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s an essential one to keep in the front of your mind for later.
6. Provide Quality Services & Experiences
Most importantly, of course, it’s essential to simply offer quality products and services.
Unsurprisingly, this is the most long-term key to success. Marketers have found that for 54% of Yelp users, customer service is the most important factor in what a business can offer.
Remain present, creative, and engaging with your client base. This means responding to reviews, keeping up with your local community, and possibly even initiating community events that others want to attend.
7. Pay Attention to Changing Online Yelp Trends
Staying “on trend” can feel like one of the trickiest tasks for businesses and brands.
Thankfully, Yelp provides a free, helpful Yelp Trends page that can assist you in staying up-to-date with the latest business insights.
Pay attention to the areas that are most relevant to you, whether locationally or in your business category.
Final Thoughts: Getting The Most From Yelp
As you use Yelp for your business growth, keep in mind that this platform is not unlike most digital marketing and review platforms.
In other words, like with all other digital marketing strategies, you’ll need to tailor your Yelp usage to your personal needs and business goals.
Show off what your business is and what makes it stand out from the crowd, and make sure that you don’t stagnate with the same old strategies when something doesn’t work.
After all, being adaptable and open-minded to the changing times is the most reliable way you can stay ahead of the marketing game.