Why You Might Want to Think Twice Before Advertising On Yelp

A couple of Indian restaurants in my hometown of Portland are paying to advertise on Yelp. Here’s what appeared on one smartphone over the weekend:

Photo by Tyler Bernstein

 

The little “Ad” icon next to each review makes it clear — these restaurants paid for this to appear.

If you can’t control the copy, there is danger.

You can leave a comment by clicking here.

LIKE THIS POST?

Sign up for my blog updates and never miss a post. I'll send you the first two chapters of my new book, Breakthrough Prospecting, as a thank-you.
Posted on
Categories: Advertising, Marketing, Phil Bernstein
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

Your Chance to Be Heard -- Comment Here!

2 thoughts on “Why You Might Want to Think Twice Before Advertising On Yelp”

  1. They basically extort advertising dollars from business owners by advising they’ll keep competitors off of their profile pages if they purchase a schedule. I called it extortion – to a Yelp rep’s face. The client went with them, anyway. It still sticks in my craw.

    Reply

    • I don’t know about these particular restaurants, but have talked to a number of business owners who have told me exactly that — they advertised as a defensive measure rather than because they wanted to. Turns out these two got burned anyway…

      Reply