Yesterday on their official blog, Yelp.com announced that they have launched new categories for business owners. The expansion is quite thorough and allows the niche business to separate themselves from some of the more general category listings. From “Disc Golf”, “Tattoo Removal”, “Window Installation”, “Lasik” and “Cosmetic Dentists”, there are now specific categories to match up with more specific user searches (see the complete list of 70 new categories below).
If you have not yet claimed your business listing on Yelp…well, what are you waiting for? Yelp is a fantastic way for local businesses to promote themselves to their community and allows business owners to gauge the pulse of how they are being received by their customers. Smart business owners will see definite benefits when they monitor their reviews, respond professionally to negative reviews, and interact positively with their current client base that utilizes Yelp.
If you find a reoccurring theme in your reviews, like your receptionist is frequently rude, your valet parking prices are too high, or cleanliness does not appear to be a priority, then these are all areas that can be addressed internally and if rectified will create a positive buzz and better customer experience. And most importantly…better reviews.
Plus the best part is that it is free to claim your business listing on Yelp.
Now if you are a savvy business owner and have already claimed your business listing, then you will want to review the new categories to see if any are applicable to your business as this will give you a better opportunity to connect with users looking for your specific service.
You are allowed up to 3 categories per listing. Changing or adding a category to your listing is a simple process. Under your business name there is a link that says either “Edit” or “Add”, which you will find right next to the “Category” line. Click on this link, find the category that is most applicable to your business and then add the new category. The update will need to be verified by the Yelp user support team, so it could take a few weeks to process.
Here is the complete list of new business categories available:
Advertising
Allergists
Archery
Auto Parts & Supplies
Career Counseling
Carpet Installation
Check Cashing/Pay-day Loans
Cheesesteaks
Climbing
Cosmetic Dentists
Departments of Motor Vehicles
Disc Golf
Discount Store
Educational Services
Electronics Repair
Endodontists
Eyelash Service
Fertility
Festivals
Financial Advising
Fishing
Flight Instruction
Food Delivery Services
Gerontologists
Go Karts
Handyman
Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
Home Health Care
Home Staging
Home Theatre Installation
Horseback Riding
Hot Tub
Junk Removal and Hauling
Knitting Supplies
Landscape Architects
Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik
Life Coach
Marketing
Medical Spas
Office Cleaning
Oil Change Stations
Osteopathic Physicians
Periodontists
Peruvian
Police Departments
Pool Cleaners
Private Investigation
Private Tutors
Proctologists
Public Relations
Recycling Center
Roofing
RV Rental
Security Systems
Skydiving
Solar Installation
Soup
Swimming Lessons/Schools
Swimwear
Tai Chi
Tapas/Small Plates
Tattoo Removal
Television Service Providers
Tree Services
Vacation Rental Agents
Video/Film Production
Videographers
Window Washing
Windows Installation
Windshield Installation & Repair
Do you have any thoughts on these new business categories? Did Yelp forget any? Any categories you would like to see added in the future? Feel free to share your thoughts.
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