Yelp might help people find a good place to eat. It might even work for a hair salon or a coffee shop. But when it comes to fence contractors, Yelp alone won’t cut it.
Yelp Can Be a Starting Point, But It’s Not the Whole Picture
Sure, Yelp gets your name out there. Some people will see your profile, maybe leave a review or two. But if you’re only on Yelp, you’re missing out.
Fence buyers don’t shop the same way they order takeout. They’re looking for proof. Real photos. A trustworthy website. Solid search rankings. Yelp doesn’t do all that.
What People Actually Do When They Need a Fence
Let’s walk through a real example.
Someone’s dog just escaped the yard. They decide it’s time for a fence. They might:
- Ask a neighbor who they used
- Search on Google for “fence company near me”
- Check out a few websites
- Read Google reviews
- Maybe browse Facebook or Nextdoor
Yelp might come up. But it’s rarely where they stop. That’s why you need more than just Yelp.
Problem #1: Yelp Isn’t Great for SEO
Google runs the show when it comes to search. People type “fence installation” or “wood fence company” into Google, not Yelp.
If your website doesn’t show up, you’re out of the race. Yelp listings don’t help your own site rank. You need your own presence.
Problem #2: You Can’t Control Your Yelp Profile
You can claim your business on Yelp, add photos, and update some info. But you can’t control how reviews are sorted. You can’t change what they show on top.
And Yelp ads? They can get pricey. Plus, your competitors might show up on your own profile page. That’s not great for business.
Problem #3: Most People Don’t Trust Yelp Alone
A few reviews on Yelp won’t build enough trust. Fence jobs aren’t small purchases. Homeowners want to see real results. Before and after photos. A detailed website. Maybe even videos.
Yelp pages don’t show much. No gallery. No case studies. Nothing to prove what you can do.
Here’s What Fence Contractors Actually Need
If you want more calls, more jobs, and more trust, you need more than Yelp. Here are the basics:
1. A Clean, Clear Website
People judge fast. Your website should load quickly, look good on phones, and answer key questions:
- What types of fences do you build?
- Where do you work?
- How can someone get a quote?
Photos and simple language help a lot.
2. Google Business Profile (GBP) Set Up Right
Your Google listing is one of your strongest tools. Make sure:
- Your hours and contact info are accurate
- You have lots of good reviews
- You upload real photos of your work
When people search “fence contractor near me,” this is what they see first.
3. Show Up in Local Search
Google Maps and local results are key. If you’re not showing up there, your phone won’t ring as much.
This means your site needs local SEO. That means using the right keywords, writing about your service areas, and having a strong Google Business profile.
4. Facebook and Google Ads
Want to fill up your calendar fast? Ads help.
Google Ads catch people who are already looking. Facebook Ads can remind people who are just starting to think about a fence.
But you’ll waste money if you don’t know what you’re doing. You need to target the right neighborhoods, use the right pictures, and keep the message clear.
5. Consistent Reviews Across Platforms
Don’t stop at Yelp. You need good reviews on Google, Facebook, and maybe even Angi.
Ask happy customers to leave a review. Send them a short link. Keep it easy.
More reviews = more trust = more leads.
6. Rank Organically on Google
This takes time but pays off big. If your site shows up when someone types “fence builder in Springfield,” you get free traffic every day.
Good SEO means:
- Fast loading pages
- Mobile-friendly layout
- Smart use of keywords
- Local pages for each area you serve
- Helpful blog posts (like this one!)
Why Contractors Think Yelp Is Enough
Yelp is easy. You can set it up in 20 minutes. Then you wait. Maybe a few leads come in.
But then what? You get stuck. It doesn’t grow. And you’re competing with every other fence company on there.
A real online setup takes more work. But it brings more reward.
What About Yelp Ads?
Some contractors try Yelp Ads. It might bring in a few leads. But here’s the catch: many of those clicks are junk.
People might be window shopping. Or just comparing prices. Worse, your ad might lead people straight to Yelp’s search page, where they see your competitors too.
Let’s Talk Numbers
Here’s a rough breakdown of lead sources based on what we’ve seen at FenceWebs:
| Source | Lead Quality | Control | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yelp | Low | Low | Medium |
| Google Business | High | High | Free |
| Google Ads | High | High | Scales Up |
| Facebook Ads | Medium | Medium | Lower Cost |
| SEO (Organic) | High | High | Long-term |
| Website Contact Form | High | Full | Ongoing |
Why FenceWebs Doesn’t Focus on Yelp
At FenceWebs, we’ve worked with fence contractors for years. We’ve tried almost everything.
And Yelp just doesn’t pull its weight. Most of the time, it’s a side channel. Not a main one.
That’s why we focus on:
- Websites that look good and load fast
- Getting contractors found on Google
- Ranking high in local search
- Running smart ads that bring in real leads
Final Thought
Yelp isn’t useless. It just isn’t enough. Not if you want to grow, book more jobs, and beat the guy down the street.
Build a strong website. Get your Google profile right. Show up in search. Use ads if you want more calls fast.
Don’t let Yelp be your only tool. It’s one piece of the puzzle, but you need the whole thing to win.
