In today’s highly competitive landscape, a strong online presence is more vital than ever for connecting with customers and showcasing the beauty of your work. Think of your Yelp profile as an extension of your digital storefront window, inviting potential clients to discover the unique offerings of your shop.
Standing out on Yelp isn’t as difficult as you might think, but it does require consistent effort. Yelp offers a powerful platform to reach high-income shoppers in your local market, precisely at the moment they are looking to buy. Regular engagement through profile updates tells Yelp that you’re open, active, and likely to delight every customer they send your way.
Investing just a few moments in optimizing your Yelp profile can yield a rich harvest of new customers throughout the year. To help you make the most of this valuable listing, let’s explore a few essential steps to ensure your profile is an accurate, vibrant reflection of your business:
1. Build a Strong Foundation: Ensure Your Business Information is Always Accurate
Consider this the bedrock of your online presence. Inaccurate information can lead to decreased visibility in online search results, missed opportunities, and frustrated customers. Take a moment to verify these key details:
- Address, Phone Number, and Website URL: These are your essential contact points. Double-check that they are correct and consistently updated. A simple error here could dramatically impact your visibility online.
- Store Hours: Keep your Yelp profile updated with your current operating hours for each day of the week. Be sure to reflect any changes for holidays or special events to prevent a customer from driving to your shop, only to find it closed.
>>Frequency: Verify the accuracy of all core shop information twice per month.
2. Let Your Designs Speak for Themselves with Recent, Engaging Photos
You know that in the world of flowers, visuals are everything. Let your creativity shine online by sharing recent photos that truly capture the essence of your work:
- Highlight Your Signature Styles: Showcase a diverse range of your arrangements, highlighting your unique skills and specialties. Feature different styles, color palettes, and the types of occasions you cater to. Include holiday-specific arrangements if a big floral holiday is coming up.
- Add Keyword-rich Captions: Don’t let your stunning photos stand in silence! Add descriptive captions that provide context and tell a story about each arrangement. What makes it special? What occasion is it perfect for? These captions also act as valuable keywords, helping you appear in more relevant Yelp searches.
- Extend a Virtual Welcome with Photos of Your Shop: Include inviting photos of both the exterior and interior of your shop. This helps potential customers envision their visit and creates a sense of familiarity and trust.
>>Frequency: Uploading new photos every week is ideal, but sometimes unsustainable. At a minimum, upload new photos once per month.
3. Focus on the “From This Business” Section
This is your space to connect with potential customers on a personal level and share the passion that is found within your business:
- Share Your Unique Narrative: Don’t be shy! Tell visitors about your journey, your mission, and the expertise that sets your floral creations apart. What inspired you to enter the world of flowers? What values are at the heart of your business?
- Speak Authentically: Write in a conversational tone, as if you were speaking directly to a customer in your shop. Be friendly, approachable, and genuinely enthusiastic. Let your unique personality shine through.
- Be Specific and Strategic: Detail the array of wonderful services and products you offer – from custom designs and specific flower varieties to delivery options and any niche specialties. However, be mindful not to write about services or products you don’t offer, as Yelp’s algorithm will match your page with searches containing any keywords you include. Focus on your strengths and offerings.
- Share Your “Secret Ingredient”: What makes your flower shop truly distinctive? What sets you apart from other florists in your area? This is your opportunity to highlight your passion, your unique artistic approach, and the special touches that make your service exceptional.
>>Frequency: Revisit this section a couple times per year and edit anything that feels like it needs updating.
By consistently implementing these steps, you’re not just updating your Yelp profile; you’re cultivating a healthy online presence that attracts new customers and strengthens your reputation year-round.
If you have a Yelp Premium Profile with Teleflora, know that your business information is synced to the information stored in eSAT, and matches what is published on your website. So if you do need to change any of this information, please log in to eSAT to update rather than directly in Yelp.
And while we do also populate your “From the Business” section for you, it is still a good idea to periodically review this section and make sure it aligns with how you talk about your business.
If you need any additional marketing guidance, Teleflora’s team of friendly and knowledgeable marketing professionals are ready to assist. Don’t hesitate to reach out by phone at 866.983.3932 (option 4) or via email at emarketing@teleflora.com.
Here’s to a flourishing business, season after season!
