Last week I got a really exciting email from the Sacramento Yelp Community Manager. I’ve become Yelp Elite! Yahoo!!
What does this mean and how did I get to be a Yelp Elite? Individuals who write a lot of detailed reviews, take photos, and “check-in” at businesses can be granted Yelp Elite status.
There is no timeline, number of reviews, or guidelines to follow that automatically get you there. It’s more at the discretion of the community manager for your area.
I Became Yelp Elite By:
Writing 20 quality reviews (not a quick, “Try the cobb salad!” review).
Let people know what you ate and what other people at your table ate. Include all the likes and the dislikes. Talk about the atmosphere of the place. The more details the better!
Reviews don’t just need to restaurants. Spread out and review other businesses!
What reviews do you find helpful? Keep that in mind when you write.
Posting 40 pictures
If you write about it, try to include at least one picture. More is better! Its so helpful for others to see that you are talking about.
Checking in 70 times
I don’t write a review for every place I check in, but I do try and check in a lot. I have friends that check in as a reminder to review a review later. It’s a great tip, especially when you starting out.
Complimenting or voting for other reviewers
It’s great when you find a quality review that helps you make a choice. Vote or compliment them – they deserve it! And it might just help you become Yelp Elite!
Why did I want to become Yelp Elite?
Since I started blogging more than a year ago, I’ve really enjoyed reviewing the restaurants, workout studios, etc. It’s fun to let others know about the amazing businesses we have here in Sacramento and places I’ve found while traveling.
While putting those reviews on my blog has been great, only those that follow me on Instagram, or check out my blog, see the reviews.
About six months ago, I was invited to the Dine Downtown Preview Day by the Sacramento Downtown Partnership. I met a lot of great social media influencers at the event and quite a few mentioned the same thing- You need to to be on Yelp.
The more active I have become on Yelp, the more I enjoyed.
Many of reviews I’ve written aren’t necessarily something I would commit a whole blog post to, but they might be helpful for someone who is looking for a healthy meal in Sacramento.
What are the perks of Elite?
About once a month, Yelp hosts events at local restaurants and businesses for people who are Yelp Elite. You get to check out the business, enjoy some wonderful food, and also connect with other Yelp Elite folks.
Ironically one of the best things I’ve stumbled upon over my past year blogging is all the friends I’ve made along the way.
Cheering them on via Instagram as they share important milestones, or reading their review of their favorite restaurant helps you connect in really meaningful ways.
But even better is getting together with the people you only know online and meeting them in person. Friendships are fast, and for me at least, they have been very meaningful.
So if you are a Yelp user already and thinking about penning that first review! Why not give it a shot? So many people use Yelp, your option is certainly helpful! And you might just make some great friends along the way!
