“Yelp for Business: 4 Steps for Success” lays out the reasons for local businesses to claim and manage their Yelp listing.

With its user-generated review and rating system, urbanites come to the trust the site for information on where to eat, buy clothes, or get an oil change. While your business may be listed, “claiming” it is important, and only take a few minutes. Once completed, update your listing with all pertinent information – an incomplete page will likely send a consumer to a competitor looking for a service.

Yelp allows businesses to respond to customer feedback, and even provides an easy guide on how to handle criticism. Part of keeping consumers happy and interested is using the Yelp platform to announce offers and sales. For those wishing to take it to the next level, Yelp offers a premium account with on-site advertising – rates range from $300 to $1000 a month.

The SSN Take: “Take the reins” of your Yelp page and utilize its feature to hone in on local consumers.

Samuel Hartman, April 6, 2010

Note: Post not sponsored.