In today’s digital landscape, reviews are commonplace for nearly every product and service. While platforms like Google and Facebook are prominent, Yelp remains a significant review website. Businesses continue to value feedback on Yelp, and many consumers consult Yelp reviews before making purchasing decisions. This guide outlines the process for adding or removing a Yelp review.
To add a Yelp review, users must create an account, then navigate to the business’s Yelp page. A star rating is assigned, and the review is written. Reviews typically appear almost immediately. Removing a Yelp review requires the original reviewer to delete it voluntarily; Yelp does not remove reviews at a business’s request.
How to Add a Yelp Review
On the Web
To begin, a free Yelp account is required. Navigate to yelp.com and select the Sign Up button located in the top-right corner.
An account can be created using an email address or by linking with Facebook, Google, or Apple. After entering the necessary details, click the Sign Up button at the bottom.
A verification link will be sent to the provided email address; clicking this link will activate the account.
To initiate a review, search for the desired business. Select the correct search result, or use the map to locate and click the appropriate geographical pin if direct searching is difficult.
From the business page, click the Write a review button. Users also have the option to add photos of the business, such as interior or exterior shots, by clicking Add photo.
On the review submission page, compose the review and then click the Post Review button. It is advisable to review Yelp’s guidelines beforehand to ensure compliance.
The submitted review should then be visible on the business page.
On the App
The Yelp mobile app features a similar signup and login process to the website. After signing up and verifying an email, navigate to the business intended for review. A convenient feature of the app is its ability to use GPS to detect the user’s location and suggest highly-rated local businesses.
If a user is physically at the business location, finding it for review is simplified by tapping Current Location.
A list of nearby businesses will appear. Select the desired business from the list, or zoom in/out on the map to tap its corresponding pin.
From the business page, tap Add review and compose the review, following the same procedure as on the Yelp website.
How to Delete a Yelp Review
It is important to note that only the original author of a Yelp review can delete it. Business owners cannot pay Yelp to remove unfavorable reviews. Yelp will only consider removing a review if it violates their guidelines, such as containing profanity, racist remarks, prejudiced statements, or irrelevant details.
If a review adheres to Yelp’s guidelines, it will remain online, irrespective of the business’s opinion. Users cannot be compelled to remove a review against their will.
On the Web and App
To delete a Yelp review, whether on the website or the app, locate the specific review and click the three horizontal dots positioned to its right. Then, select Remove review.
Yelp will prompt for a reason for the review’s removal. If a specific reason is not preferred, selecting Other is an option. Clicking Remove Review will delete it immediately, though it might persist on archival sites like the Wayback Machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yelp still relevant?
Yelp’s relevance is subjective. Many individuals continue to use the platform for business reviews and to inform their purchasing decisions. However, Google and Facebook are often considered more dominant platforms for leaving business reviews today.
Can bad Yelp reviews be paid to be removed?
No, Yelp does not remove reviews for payment. Reviews are only considered for removal if they violate the platform’s guidelines. If a review complies with Yelp’s guidelines, its removal is solely at the discretion of the original reviewer.
Do Yelp reviews appear in Google search results?
Yes, Yelp reviews can appear in Google search results.
