Yelp reviews strongly influence local businesses. Yelp has its own recommendation software, and it removes content that breaks its guidelines. You cannot delete a review yourself, but you can report it and respond.
Yelp is known for its unusual approach to reviews. Its recommendation software filters out reviews it considers less reliable, so the reviews that count toward your rating may be only a portion of those posted. That can be frustrating, but it also means that some fake reviews are already hidden.
This guide explains what you can do within Yelp's rules.
- Yelp removes reviews that violate its Content Guidelines.
- Report from your business account with a clear reason.
- Yelp's recommendation software already filters some reviews.
What Yelp may remove
- Reviews not based on a first-hand consumer experience
- Conflicts of interest, such as competitors or employees
- Promotional content
- Hate speech, threats, harassment or private information
- Reviews about the wrong business or off-topic rants
How to report
- Claim your businessCreate or log in to your Yelp for Business account.
- Find the reviewOpen it on your business page.
- Report itUse the flag option and select the guideline you think it breaks.
- Add contextWhere asked, add brief factual details.
- Wait for the decisionYelp's moderators will review it.
- Respond publiclyUse the response tool or message the reviewer privately.
Understanding the recommendation software
Yelp's software decides which reviews are recommended, based on factors such as the reviewer's activity, history and signals of reliability. Reviews that are not recommended do not count toward the rating but remain accessible through a separate link. You cannot request that a review be recommended or filtered. Focus on what you can influence.
Responding and engaging
- Use the business owner response tool to reply publicly
- Offer to resolve the issue privately
- Keep your business information accurate
- Add photos and details to your profile
- Avoid asking customers directly for reviews, as Yelp discourages it
Reporting violations
When reporting, choose the guideline that applies and explain briefly why the review breaks it. Attach supporting detail where possible. If Yelp removes the review, you will usually be notified. If not, a polite reply may still reduce the impact.
Handling a review you think is unfair
If a review is harsh but within Yelp's rules, resist the urge to argue. A polite owner response can reassure readers more than any rebuttal. State your side briefly, thank the reviewer for the feedback and invite them to get in touch. Many reviewers update their review if you respond well, and readers see that you take complaints seriously.
Remember that most people read several reviews before deciding. A single negative review among many positive ones usually has little effect.
Yelp warns against asking customers for reviews, so concentrate on great service and on responding to reviews.
For serious attacks or a pattern of fake reviews, email us and we will advise what is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete a Yelp review?
No. Only the reviewer or Yelp can remove a review. As a business owner, you can report reviews that break the Content Guidelines and respond publicly. Yelp also filters reviews through its recommendation software, which can hide reviews it considers less reliable from your rating.
Why are some reviews not recommended?
Yelp's recommendation software filters reviews it considers less reliable, based on factors such as the reviewer's activity and history. Not recommended reviews do not count toward your rating but remain accessible through a separate link. This can protect against some fake reviews, but it can also hide genuine ones.
Can I ask customers to review me?
Yelp discourages businesses from soliciting reviews, because requests can influence which reviews are recommended. Instead, encourage customers to check in and share experiences naturally, and focus on delivering a great experience. Use signs or a link to your Yelp page carefully, following Yelp's current guidance.
Does Yelp remove reviews after a refund?
Not on its own. If you resolve a customer's problem, they may choose to update or remove their own review, but Yelp will not remove it just because the issue was settled. Never offer a refund on condition that the customer deletes the review, as this breaks Yelp's rules.
Can I pay to remove reviews?
No. Paying for removal, or for advertising in exchange for review treatment, is not permitted, and Yelp states publicly that it does not allow it. Be cautious of anyone who claims they can delete Yelp reviews for a fee, because such claims often involve scams or violations that could harm your business.
How long does it take?
Reports are typically processed within days, though timelines vary. Provide a clear reason and relevant detail to help moderators. If a review is removed, you are usually notified. If not, check your business account and consider replying to the review.
Need help with this?
Every situation is different. Email us the details in confidence and we will reply with an honest assessment of what can be done.
Contact us by email Yelp ReviewsThis guide is general information, not legal advice. DMCA Reputation is not a law firm.
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