Yelp Check-in Offers Have Checked Out – What Veterinary Hospitals Need to Know
For over seven years, nearly 85% of our clients have leveraged the free Yelp Check-in Offers tool to engage with niche Yelp users and significantly expand their online presence. Thanks in part to this feature, our clients have seen their Yelp reviews grow five times faster than the industry average.
However, if you’ve been relying on this tool, it’s important to note that Yelp will discontinue Check-in Offers on November 15th. This change marks a significant shift in how veterinary practices must approach their Yelp strategies moving forward.
Why the Change?
Yelp has decided to phase out the free Check-in Offers tool in favor of introducing paid upgrade packages. While the specific details of these packages are still unfolding, it’s clear that Yelp is continuing its efforts toward monetizing its platform.
Surprisingly, despite the effectiveness of Check-in Offers, less than 9% of veterinary hospitals across the country were utilizing this feature.
Immediate Actions You Need to Take
With this transition, there are a few immediate steps you should take to ensure your practice is prepared:
- Review and Save Data: Make sure to review and save any information related to your current and past Check-in Offers by December 9th. After this date, this information will no longer be accessible via your Yelp for Business Account.
The Impact of Removing Check-in Offers
The removal of Check-in Offers will undoubtedly impact how veterinary practices interact with potential clients on Yelp. This tool provided a unique opportunity to incentivize check-ins and generate reviews from a user base already inclined to share their experiences.
Without Check-in Offers, practices will need to be more strategic in how they engage Yelp users. This may include focusing on excellent customer service, encouraging satisfied clients to leave reviews organically, and utilizing other tools and platforms for promotion.
Looking Forward
While the discontinuation of Yelp’s Check-in Offers may initially seem daunting, it also presents an opportunity to innovate and diversify your marketing strategy. And yes, we know Yelp can be a challenging topic for many veterinary practices, but it’s still essential for your hospital to monitor. Don’t worry, we’re here to support you. Explore our Reputation Management services here.
