Yelp Launches “Request a Quote” for Brands and Unveils New Features for National Advertisers

As Yelp marks its 20th anniversary, the company is unveiling a powerful suite of new features that promise to enhance the way multi-location businesses connect with potential customers. This latest update is particularly relevant for small business owners looking to streamline operations and improve customer interaction through advanced advertising tools.

The new offerings include "Request a Quote for Brands," Yelp Guaranteed, Verified License, and Portfolio features, all designed to help multi-location service businesses generate and manage high-intent leads more effectively. As consumers increasingly turn to platforms like Yelp to find trusted service providers, these features could position businesses to capture a larger share of the market.

Key Benefits for Small Businesses

The "Request a Quote for Brands" is an innovative tool aimed specifically at multi-location enterprises. By allowing businesses to manage leads seamlessly across various locations, it eliminates the tedious process of handling inquiries from separate Yelp pages. The feature enables businesses to engage with consumers who are ready to hire, effectively turning leads into customers.

Ross Sapir, president of Roadway Moving, emphasizes the utility of this feature: “As we aim to attract more potential customers interested in moving services, Request a Quote has become an important part of our lead generation strategy.” This suggests that the tool not only helps in attracting leads but also simplifies ongoing customer relationships, leading to higher conversion rates.

Additionally, the introduction of Yelp Guaranteed boosts customer confidence, a crucial element in converting leads to sales. Through this program, customers hiring businesses for projects through the platform are protected for up to $2,500, increasing the likelihood that they will choose these verified providers over competitors. This level of assurance is particularly appealing for consumers wary of service-related investments.

Beyond lead generation, the new Verified License and Portfolio features further bolster consumer trust by showcasing the expertise and qualifications of service businesses. The Verified License program ensures that potential customers can easily identify organizations with valid trade licenses, making it easier for them to choose service providers for critical projects.

Practical Applications in Marketing

These new features offer a variety of applications for marketing strategies. For instance, Yelp Audiences have expanded their scope, allowing advertisers to reach Yelp’s engaged audiences on various platforms, including audio and connected TV. This extension of advertising capabilities means small businesses can enhance their visibility across multiple channels, targeting potential customers where they spend their digital time.

The conversion API, which allows businesses to measure their ad success without relying solely on cookie data, is another critical update. Advertisers can analyze conversions, from lead to transaction, with greater accuracy, making it easier to gauge the effectiveness of their campaigns. Early testing has shown that brands utilizing this feature report a return on ad spend that can be up to eight times greater, providing a compelling incentive for small business owners to adopt these tools.

Potential Challenges to Consider

While the benefits of these new tools are significant, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. For instance, the shift towards more sophisticated advertising and measurement tools may require an adjustment period. Business owners might need to invest time and resources into training their teams or upgrading their digital infrastructure to fully leverage these features.

Moreover, as more businesses adopt advanced offerings, the competition on platforms like Yelp may intensify. Standing out will demand not only embracing these new tools but also enhancing customer service and engagement strategies.

As Yelp continues to evolve its offerings, the company’s commitment to connecting consumers with quality local businesses is evident. The expansion of features like Request a Quote and Yelp Guaranteed aims not only to streamline the lead management process but also to empower consumers in their decision-making. Small business owners who adapt to these advancements stand to benefit greatly, enhancing their outreach and customer relationships in today’s competitive marketplace.

For further details about these exciting updates, visit the original press release at Yelp Blog.

Image Via Yelp