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We're all aware of Yelp's questionable ethics... here's some numbers from the other side

by Arzak
4 replies
Excerpt of the packages:
  • Ultra Premium Package (7800 targeted ads/month) -- $2050/month
  • Super Premium Package (5600 targeted ads/month) -- $1550/month
  • Premium Package (3600 targeted ads/month) -- $1050/month
  • Standard Package (2575 targeted ads/month) -- $800/month
  • Basic Package (1500 targeted ads/month) -- $550/month
  • Intro Package (600 targeted ads/month) -- $350/month
These are only impressions. Actual CTRs for his/her industry average is between 1-2% or 10-15 clicks per month for the cheapest package (as said by Yelp employee). So CPC is essentially between $23.33 and $35 if going by 10-15 clicks.

Interesting read.

Link: Yelp Contracts: Why not to sign with Yelp.
Not my website
#aware #ethics #numbers #questionable #side #yelp
  • Profile picture of the author BacklinksPlus
    There the biggest scam online. I know first hand.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    I can advertise on local websites and RV sites (aka much more targeted audiences) for way less.

    Two lessons here:
    1. Charge More: If Yelp can get these rates it is clear businesses will spend more.
    2. ROI Always Matters: Do you think people using yelp are getting a good ROI? I suspect most have never tracked it. It is important for your business to track it and for you as a marketing consultant to teach your clients to track it.
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    Aaron Doud - Sales & Success
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    • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      I can advertise on local websites and RV sites (aka much more targeted audiences) for way less.

      Two lessons here:
      1. Charge More: If Yelp can get these rates it is clear businesses will spend more.
      2. ROI Always Matters: Do you think people using yelp are getting a good ROI? I suspect most have never tracked it. It is important for your business to track it and for you as a marketing consultant to teach your clients to track it.
      Most customers I talk to when it comes to yelp, if they are doing the paid advertising only do it, not because they think its good value, or that they are just willing to spend it, but because they are just so worried about all their good reviews getting filtered that just swallow the bile and pay for it. Most people paying it feel like it is a shakedown but they have no choice. And the unfortunate part about it is they then have less money to spend with me because of it.
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      • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
        Originally Posted by OnlineStoreHelp View Post

        Most customers I talk to when it comes to yelp, if they are doing the paid advertising only do it, not because they think its good value, or that they are just willing to spend it, but because they are just so worried about all their good reviews getting filtered that just swallow the bile and pay for it. Most people paying it feel like it is a shakedown but they have no choice. And the unfortunate part about it is they then have less money to spend with me because of it.
        I think the right conversation can open that money up to you. Forgive me but I don't remember what services you offer so my little example here will not be specific.

        "John (business owner) I understand that thinking when it comes to Yelp. And in all honesty I hear it a lot from clients, business owners, and other consultants. What i will tell you about Yelp is the same thing I have told all of them.

        And it starts with two very basic questions.
        1. Do you use Yelp personally when looking for products and services?
        2. How many people do you know personally who look for businesses on Yelp?
        And you know what I have found time and time again? That just like you most business owners don't know many people who use Yelp. If so few people use Yelp why are businesses so afraid of them? Because Yelp has sold people into that fear.

        If someone is searching for your business on Google does Yelp even show up? And if it does how hard would it be to make sure it didn't show up till page 2 or even further back?

        My point with that is if you are truly worried about Yelp you really have only two reasons to be. First you get bad reviews and that means there are bad reviews everywhere, not just on Yelp. And that is a problem that can only be fixed in the business it self. Of course for you and most business owners it is the fear that Yelp will filter out all the good reviews leaving only the bad ones if you don't "pay".

        Sadly there is some truth to that line of thinking. But not as much as some would have you believe. Moreover if the fear is bad reviews on Yelp wouldn't it make sense to keep Yelp out of your customer's mind?

        I advise my clients to not send customers to Yelp for reviews. I also advise them to maximize their online presence so when people search for them Yelp comes up on page 2 or further back.

        Yelp is only as powerful as businesses make them. If your company is focused on creating the right experience for your customers the vast majority of online reviews will be positive. And unless all your customer come from Yelp why even worry about them? The less attention and money you give them the better off your business will be."
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        Aaron Doud - Sales & Success
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