Google vs. Yelp: Which One Actually Drives Customers?

1. Google is Where Customers Go to Decide

Google isn’t just a search engine. It’s the platform where most customers make their decision about where to go, who to hire, and what to buy.

Your Google Business Profile shows up in search results and Google Maps. It gives people the key info they need before they even land on your site — photos, reviews, hours, services, FAQs, and directions. And most importantly, it lets them take immediate action.

• Click-to-call, navigation, and instant messaging built into search results
• Integrates with voice search and “near me” queries
• Boosts visibility in map packs and local organic rankings
• Syncs well with SEO, ads, and content marketing efforts

We’ve helped clients triple their inbound leads just by optimizing their Google presence. That means updating keywords, uploading recent photos, replying to reviews, and posting regular updates.

2. Yelp is a Research and Comparison Platform

Yelp isn’t where people start their search — it’s where they go to validate a decision. Most users come in knowing what type of business they want, and they’re scanning reviews, photos, and ratings.

• Yelp favors categories like food, beauty, and wellness
• Strong reviews build immediate credibility with new customers
• Ads boost visibility, but can get expensive fast
• Review filtering is unpredictable and often hides real feedback

Yelp still matters — but it’s not built for everyone. If your category relies on visual proof and customer experience (like salons or restaurants), it might belong in your mix. If you're in a service-driven or results-based category, Google likely converts better.

3. Reviews Make or Break Both Platforms

Whether you focus on Google or Yelp, your reputation matters. People trust people — and reviews are often the first thing potential customers read before taking action.

• Google rewards fresh, keyword-rich reviews in local rankings
• Yelp penalizes businesses for asking for reviews — yes, really
• Negative reviews hurt both platforms unless addressed promptly
• Responding publicly builds credibility and shows ownership

If you’re not managing your reviews weekly, you're leaving trust (and traffic) on the table. At Signal House Media, we build systems to get consistent, ethical reviews that keep your brand visible and trusted.

4. What to Actually Track

Most businesses don’t look at their listing analytics — or they only check star ratings. That’s a mistake.

• Google: Track calls, directions, bookings, and search impressions
• Yelp: Track ad impressions, profile views, and click-throughs
• Watch for spikes after reviews, photo uploads, or seasonal changes
• Set benchmarks and evaluate monthly (not just when something goes wrong)

You don't need to obsess over dashboards, but you do need to know what’s working. We set up reporting for every client so they can see which platform is pulling weight — and where to double down.

5. So, Which Should You Prioritize?

Here’s our usual breakdown — based on real campaign results:

• Home services, med spas, consulting, real estate: Focus heavily on Google
• Restaurants, cafes, salons, and nail bars: Use both Google and Yelp, but watch ROI on Yelp ads
• Retail or boutique businesses: Google first — then add Yelp once you have strong reviews
• Limited budget? Google gives more bang for your buck and can be fully optimized for free