All posts by Local Splash

For a local service-based business, finding the right customers at the right time can be a challenge. But when you achieve that, it virtually guarantees your success in your market. 

To stand out above the noise and ensure your business is seen, it’s more important than ever to target customers who are actively searching for your services. That’s where Yelp comes in. With Yelp’s Request a Quote feature and targeted Yelp Ads, local businesses can connect directly with potential customers who are ready to make a decision.

Whether it’s a plumbing emergency or a home renovation project, consumers turn to Yelp when they need a trusted professional fast. By leveraging Yelp’s powerful advertising tools, small service businesses like yours can engage with these purchase-ready customers – driving more leads and bookings than ever before.

Why Yelp for Service-Based Businesses?

As a service-based business, your success hinges on visibility and trust. Yelp is uniquely positioned to help you achieve both. Getting your name in front of potential customers is only half the battle. You want your business in front of people who are actively looking to hire someone like you. Unlike broad-reaching advertising methods that cast a wide net, Yelp’s platform is designed to help you connect directly with consumers who are ready to make a decision.

Yelp metrics make a compelling case for why local businesses should consider adopting Yelp's Request a Quote and Yelp ads into their marketing campaign. One of the key competitive advantages of Yelp Ads is that they target the right audience directly. Users who go to Yelp are typically looking for a local home service provider, whether it’s for plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, or other home services. Yelp’s search functionality is optimized to serve users who need immediate help with services. With 73 million unique visitors each month, Yelp’s audience is highly targeted. According to Yelp’s internal data, 86% of searches on Yelp are for a product or service, not a specific business. This means your business has the potential to be discovered by people actively seeking out services in your category.

What makes Yelp even more valuable for service-based businesses is that its advertising tools – including Request a Quote – are designed to help you stand out. When a user searches for a service, Yelp doesn’t just show them a list of businesses. It provides opportunities for them to engage directly with you through calls, mapped directions, or, most importantly, Request a Quote, making it easy for customers to reach out for a quote or more information. This kind of engagement drives brand visibility and actual business action – turning browsing into bookings.

Is Yelp Right for Your Business?

It’s no secret that Yelp has faced its share of criticism, particularly around negative reviews and concerns about how they are handled. Many small business owners have been wary of the platform due to these concerns, and understandably so. However, it’s important to acknowledge that Yelp has significantly improved its platform in recent years, addressing many of these issues and making strides to ensure a more balanced and fair experience for businesses.

Yelp is a number one lead source for many businesses in the U.S. While negative reviews may still surface, Yelp’s Review Filter and Verified License badges provide a level of transparency and credibility that businesses can leverage. Additionally, Yelp’s Request a Quote feature and targeted advertising tools are about much more than just managing reviews. They focus on driving tangible, actionable leads from consumers who are ready to engage and hire.

The reality is, while Yelp’s past reputation might still be a concern for some, the Request a Quote feature and Yelp Ads give businesses the ability to generate high-quality leads directly from users who are actively searching for services. Like them or not, the bottom line is that Yelp has created a great opportunity for small businesses. The platform’s ability to engage with customers who are ready to buy far outweighs concerns about past perceptions.

Why DIY is Bad for Business

You might be wondering: what’s the advantage of partnering with a Yelp Certified Ad Partner like Local Splash instead of going the DIY route with Yelp Ads? The answer lies in expertise, strategy, and results. While Yelp offers robust advertising tools, Local Splash takes it a step further by bringing years of experience in local search marketing and a deep understanding of Yelp’s advertising platform.

As a Yelp Certified Ad Partner, Local Splash has direct access to exclusive discounts, promotions, and campaign optimizations that can significantly improve the effectiveness of your Yelp Ads. Plus, we offer real-time support, ensuring that your campaigns are constantly optimized to deliver the best results possible. You’ll have an experienced team by your side to help manage and track everything – from ad spend to lead generation – while you focus on running your business.

Working with Local Splash gives you the benefit of not just creating ads, but creating ads that convert. We help you make the most out of Yelp’s Request a Quote feature – turning casual browsers into customers. Our detailed tracking and reporting tools also give you visibility into how well your campaigns are performing, making it easy to measure your success and adjust strategies as needed.

Next Step: The Must-Have Tool for Your Service-Based Business

For service-based businesses, Yelp Ads and the Request a Quote feature are a powerful combination that can drive real results. The platform is specifically designed to connect businesses with customers who are actively looking for services like yours, making it an ideal tool for driving qualified leads and bookings.

Despite its past reputation challenges, Yelp has transformed into a marketing powerhouse that offers businesses the opportunity to engage with potential customers who are ready to hire. By leveraging Yelp Ads and Request a Quote, small service businesses can dramatically increase their visibility and connect with a highly targeted, purchase-ready audience.

Working with a Yelp Certified Ad Partner like Local Splash means you’ll get the most out of Yelp’s tools – without the headaches of managing ads on your own. If you’re looking to grow your business and capture more leads, it’s time to reconsider Yelp and put these powerful tools to work for you. 

The Power of Video Verification

Video verification is a powerful tool for Service Area Businesses (SABs) and Home-Based Businesses to verify their Google Business Profiles (GBP) quickly and effectively. This method is tailored for businesses without a traditional storefront, allowing you to showcase your business operations in a way that enhances your credibility and presence online.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why video verification matters, the step-by-step process, and what to prepare for a successful verification.

Why Is Video Verification Important?

For service-based or home-based businesses, establishing online credibility is key. A verified Google Business Profile unlocks essential features and increases your visibility in Google Search and Maps. Here’s what a verified GBP can do for you:

  • Enhanced Visibility: Show up in local Google search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
  • Access to Advanced Profile Features: Once verified, you can post updates, accept appointments, and optimize your profile with detailed business information, increasing customer confidence in your business.

How to Video Verify Your Google Business Profile

To complete video verification, you’ll need to meet a few specific requirements. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Receive the Verification Request

When Google or your digital marketing partner (like Local Splash) initiates video verification for your profile, you’ll receive a notification to begin the process. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Accept the Profile Invite: You may receive an invitation to become a manager of your Google Business Profile (GBP). Accepting this invite is necessary to gain verification access.
  2. Access Your Unverified Profile: After accepting, navigate to https://business.google.com/locations (from within the same google account), or open the Google Maps app to view your profile.
    google business profile account login
  3. Tap the Get Verified button next to the business name that you want to verify.get verified
  4. If prompted, enter your address then select submit. (If address is not prompted, skip this step.
  5. Under Verification video, click Start
    verification button
  6. Under Submit a video verification, click start recording.
    google verification video start recording

You are now on the video recording screen. When you have read this email and are prepared, please click on “Video Recording (red button)”.

Step 2: Prepare for Recording

Before recording, gather everything needed to meet Google’s video verification requirements.

Requirements for Successful Video Verification

Your video should include the following in one continuous reading:

1. Show Your Current Location

  • Start outside or near your business location or service area.
  • Show your Google Maps location if possible, capturing any nearby street signs or identifiable landmarks to confirm your service area.
  • Avoid generic, nondescript landscapes; your video should clearly confirm that your business operates in a specific, identifiable location.

2. Display Documents and Equipment

  • Show essential documents, such as your business registration, license, utility bill, or invoice to establish legitimacy.
  • Make sure to show tools, branded vehicles (including license plates if visible), and any branded items like uniforms or work vehicles with logos to further prove business operations.
  • For those using a branded service vehicle, record yourself accessing it to show ownership and operational use.

3. Highlight Business Affiliation and Workspace (If Applicable)

  • If you work from a dedicated workspace, show your desk, relevant signage, or any branding that supports your affiliation with the business. 
  • Signage does not need to be a large wall banner; it just needs to show the company logo and brand. 
  • Home-based or remote service providers should capture tools, branded materials, or documents relevant to business activities.

Video Recording Sample: Click to Watch

Tips for a Quality Video Submission

  • Length: Aim for a video length of around 1-2 minutes. If it’s too short or too long, you may encounter upload issues.
  • Clarity and Focus: Keep the video clear, well-lit, and steady.
  • Lighting and Stability: Use good lighting and avoid shaky footage to ensure Google’s review team can clearly see the necessary details.
  • Privacy: Remember, the video is submitted privately to Google’s review team and is not visible to the public. It’s strictly used to confirm your business location and operations. Nevertheless, avoid capturing faces or sensitive documents in your recording.
  • Lowering your phone’s camera quality from 1080p to 720p increases the chances of the video being accepted.
  • Further help articles:
    How to video record via Android
    How to video record via iPhone

After Submitting the Video: What to Expect

Once you upload the video, Google will review your verification status, which may take up to five days. If it’s approved, you’ll receive confirmation that your profile is verified. If more information is needed, you may resubmit your video with additional details.

What to Do if Your Video Verification Fails

If you have submitted a video a few times and failed verification, consider reviewing your steps and adding more identifying elements. Google often provides limited feedback, so it’s essential to include as much clear, specific information as possible to verify your business.

Here are some additional actions you can take to strengthen your video:

  • Show yourself walking up to your location or workspace and clearly identifying it.
  • Unlock the entry with a key to demonstrate ownership.
  • Include more shots of relevant documents, branded tools, or vehicles.

Adding these elements can help confirm your legitimacy, especially when verification feedback is minimal.

Is Video Verification the Same as Posting Videos on Your Business Profile?

No, video verification is different from posting videos as marketing content on your Google Business Profile. Video verification is a one-time process that Google uses to confirm your business’s legitimacy, location, and service area, allowing you to verify your profile and increase visibility. 

Get Verified and Build Credibility with Potential Customers

Video verification is an opportunity for Service Area Businesses and Home-Based Businesses to stand out in local search results, boost their credibility, and engage new customers. By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure a smooth and successful verification process, helping potential customers feel confident that your business is trustworthy and accessible.

 

If you’ve started an advertising campaign on Facebook, you’re likely already familiar with the platform’s benefits for reaching your target customers. However, there’s a lesser-known risk that can catch even the savviest business owners off guard: phishing scams targeting Facebook advertisers. 

These scams often take the form of deceptive messages or emails, crafted to look like official warnings from Facebook about account violations. When unsuspecting users respond, their account information is compromised, potentially resulting in a shutdown of their ad account — and a lot of headaches.

At Local Splash, we’re committed to helping you avoid this risk. That’s why we’ve developed a proprietary tool that automatically flags and blocks these phishing messages, allowing you to focus on growing your business without the fear of scammers gaining access to your advertising account. 

Even if you’re not a Local Splash client, there are specific steps you can take to stay safe and keep your Facebook advertising running smoothly.

Facebook phishing scam example: Business owners should ignore and not click the link in this message.

Facebook phishing scam example: Business owners should ignore and not click the link in this message.

Spotting a Scam: Recognize the Red Flags

Phishing messages are designed to look urgent and official. They might tell you that your account is at risk or that it’s been flagged for suspicious activity. 

They usually contain a link or ask for personal information, such as your Facebook login details. Remember, Facebook does not send emails or messages of this nature for account violations or security updates. 

If you receive a message like this, treat it as a potential scam.

Some common features of phishing messages include:

  • Urgent Language: Claims that your account is at immediate risk if you don’t take action.
  • Requests for Personal Information: Prompts to “verify” or “update” account details.
  • Suspicious Links: Links that direct you to login pages resembling Facebook’s but are actually fake sites created by scammers.

What to Do if You Receive a Phishing Message

After phishing compromise, Facebook will warn of pending deletion

After phishing compromise, Facebook will warn of pending deletion.

  1. Do Not Engage: Never reply to or click on any links in a suspicious message. Interacting with these messages can expose your information.
  2. Verify the Source: If a message claims to be from Facebook, it’s best to log in to your Facebook account directly (without using any links from the message) and check your account status.
  3. Report It: On Facebook, you can report messages and users that appear suspicious. This helps Facebook monitor and address these scams.
  4. Contact Us for Help: If you’re unsure about a message, feel free to reach out to us at Local Splash. We’re here to help you identify and handle suspicious communications.

Local Splash Has You Covered: Our Proprietary Tool

Facebook support message after page has been compromised in phishing attack

Facebook support message after page has been compromised in phishing attack.

At Local Splash, we recognize that you have enough on your plate without worrying about potential phishing scams. That’s why we developed a custom tool designed to detect and tag these scam messages as spam automatically. Our tool also blocks the sender, preventing further communication and giving you peace of mind.

For those already using our service, rest assured that our tool is continuously monitoring and securing your account. Should a phishing attempt arise, it’s handled swiftly. We then email and text you with a notification that we identified the attempted attack and took care of it. 

Stay Vigilant and Protected

Protecting your advertising account is critical to maintaining your online presence. Phishing scams are constantly evolving, but armed with the knowledge we’ve discussed, you’re equipped to stay one step ahead. With these precautions, you can concentrate on what really matters: connecting with your customers and growing your business.