All setup guides

Yelp for Business Setup Guide

20-30 minutesEffort: easyImportance: critical

Yelp is the #2 most important platform after Google. When customers search for "best [category] in [city]", Yelp heavily influences AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. Yelp reviews are considered highly trustworthy by AI.

Open Yelp for Business

Before you start

  • Business email
  • Business phone
  • Business address
  • Photos

Why it matters

  • Appear in Yelp search results and category searches
  • AI platforms trust Yelp reviews highly
  • Direct customer messaging
  • Display photos and menus
  • Respond to reviews
  • Track visitor analytics

Guided setup

Step 1: Search and Claim Your Business

Yelp likely already has a listing for you. Search for your business and claim it.

Business Name *
Example: Maria's Italian Restaurant
Search exactly as customers would search for you.

Expected result: Yelp will find your existing listing or let you create a new one.

Common mistakes
  • Creating duplicate listing instead of claiming existing one
Pro tips
  • Most businesses already have a Yelp page created by customers - always search first

Step 2: Verify Your Business

Yelp will call your business phone number to verify ownership.

Phone Number *
Example: (206) 555-6789
Use your main business line. Yelp will call immediately.

Expected result: You'll receive an automated call with a verification code.

Pro tips
  • Answer the phone! Yelp calls immediately after you submit.

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Fill out all sections: hours, description, specialties, payment methods.

Business Description *
Example: Authentic Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza since 2005.
Focus on what makes you unique. Mention specific dishes or services.
Specialties
Example: Wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, gluten-free options, outdoor seating
List specific items customers search for.
Business Hours *
Example: Mon-Sun: 11am-10pm
Keep hours updated, especially for holidays.

Expected result: Your profile shows as "Complete" with a blue checkmark.

Pro tips
  • Add lots of specific keywords - "vegan options", "outdoor seating", "reservations accepted"

Step 4: Upload Photos

Add at least 10 photos: food, interior, exterior, menu, team.

Photos (10+) *
Example: food1.jpg, interior.jpg, menu.jpg
Show what customers care about. For restaurants: food photos are critical.

Expected result: Your listing has a full photo gallery that customers can browse.

Pro tips
  • Use clear, current photos that help customers evaluate your business