Yelp Portfolios for Dentists: Enhance Your Practice's Image (with 5 Creative Examples)

Yelp Portfolios offer a fantastic opportunity for dentists to enhance their online presence and connect with potential patients. In our latest article, we take a closer look at how this feature helps dental professionals showcase their services through engaging photos and detailed descriptions. Imagine transforming your profile with striking before-and-after images that capture the results of your work. Whether you're just starting with Yelp or looking to improve your current profile, our guide is packed with practical tips and creative ideas to help you engage with your community and boost your digital visibility. Join us to discover how Yelp Portfolios can truly help your dental practice stand out in a busy marketplace.

August 6, 2024

TLDR - Jump directly to our 5 bonus Yelp Portfolio Ideas for Dental listings!

What are Yelp Portfolios? And Why Dentists Should Consider Using Them

Yelp Portfolios, launched in 2019, have become a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance their online presence. This paid feature allows businesses to showcase their work with curated collections of photos and descriptions, providing potential customers a detailed look at the quality and scope of their offerings. Unlike the typical assortment of user-uploaded photos on business pages, Yelp Portfolios enable businesses to present a more polished and professional image. It's important to note that Yelp Portfolios do not include any CPC or "sponsored" placements in search results. They are simply to make your profile look better.

Initially, Yelp Portfolios were available only to specific industries like home services, but they have since expanded to various sectors, including dental office listings. This feature is particularly beneficial for dental professionals, as it allows them to visually communicate the range and quality of their services to potential guests. In fact, businesses with professional photos receive 44% more page views on Yelp. This statistic underscores the potential impact of using Yelp Portfolios to attract more clients and improve online engagement.

Yelp's platform continues to grow, with 563,000 businesses advertising by the second quarter of 2023. For dental practices, leveraging Yelp Portfolios can be a strategic move to stand out in a competitive field and attract a targeted audience actively seeking their services.

Key elements of Yelp Portfolios

Yelp Portfolios offer dental practices a structured way to present their services and achievements, using a combination of text and images to create an engaging showcase. Here are the essential components of a typical Yelp Portfolio tailored for dental professionals:

Project Name: This is a concise title describing the dental procedure or service, designed to capture attention and give a clear idea of what the portfolio entry covers. There is a 140 character count maximum for your project/portfolio name.
Related Services: You can tag up to four dental services related to the project, enhancing its visibility in relevant search results and expanding its reach within Yelp.
Project Photos: Each portfolio requires at least two photos, with one designated as the cover image. You can add up to 50 photos, and each must have a caption to provide context and detail.
Call-to-Action (CTA) via "Contact Method": A button is included to encourage potential patients to engage, with options such as "Request a Quote," call, or visit the website. You can also choose to note have a custom CTA or contact method
Project Cost (optional): This field could be thought of as "treatment cost" and provides an estimate of the service cost, helping potential patients understand the financial scope of the procedure.
Completion Date (optional): This date indicates when the service was completed, showcasing the practice's recent activity and experience.
Completion Time (optional): This specifies how long the dental service took to complete, which can help manage patient expectations regarding treatment timelines.

Are Yelp Portfolios free?

No, they are not. Yelp Portfolios is a paid advertising feature that as of the time of writing, can be purchased for $2 per day, which translates to approximately $60 per month. It can also be bundled with other Yelp advertising services for potentially better pricing.

Understanding where they show up in dental searches and Yelp business profiles

Yelp Portfolios enhance a dental practice's online presence by adding a visual and informative component to their profile. This feature increases visibility in search results and helps potential patients understand the quality and scope of services offered. Here's how Yelp Portfolios can be found on dental searches and profiles. We'll be using the example of a dental office in San Francisco who did an fine job creating their portfolios:

*Example of Yelp Portfolios on the business listing profile page of a dental practice

On the business listing profile page, Yelp Portfolios are displayed prominently, allowing users to see curated collections of images and descriptions. This feature enhances the profile by offering a detailed visual representation of services, helping potential patients quickly assess the practice's offerings.

*Example of Yelp Portfolios in Yelp search results, creating more visual real-estate for the practice

In Yelp search results, Portfolios provide additional visual real estate, making the dental practice stand out among competitors. The images and descriptions give users a glimpse of what the practice offers before they even click on the profile, potentially increasing click-through rates and engagement, which can, in turn, improve overall search rankings or sponsored ad placements within Yelp.

*Example of Yelp Portfolios on a mobile device

On mobile devices, Yelp Portfolios ensure that users can quickly access detailed information about dental services while on the go. With 72% of users making purchases after visiting Yelp, the mobile format plays a critical role in engaging potential patients. The app's 37.5 million monthly active users can easily browse and evaluate dental offerings, enhancing your practice's reach and accessibility.

Important considerations to help decide if Yelp Portfolios are right for your practice:

Although a minimal investment, deciding whether Yelp Portfolios are right for your dental office requires some consideration of your current online presence and marketing goals. Here are some important factors to evaluate before implementing this feature:

Maximize your profile exposure if your Yelp page attracts a good amount of traffic. Portfolios can be an excellent way to showcase your services, offers, staff, or financing options to engage visitors more effectively.

Increase your visual presence with Portfolios, allowing your practice to occupy more space in Yelp search results and draw attention compared to competitors.

If you lack strong online assets, such as a quality website or professional photos, Portfolios might not effectively represent your practice. Investing in these resources can enhance the benefits of this feature. Use with caution.

For office listings with low traffic to their Yelp profile, it may be more beneficial to start with CPC advertising or focus on generating more reviews to increase visibility before investing in Portfolios.

Subpar review ratings, especially below 3.5, suggest focusing on improving customer satisfaction and ratings first, as a low score can negate the positive impact of a Portfolio, effectively wasting money and you don't want that: $60 is, like two Carl's Junior combos in 2024.

Need Professional Help with your Yelp Portfolios?

Circulation Dental is here to assist you. As certified Yelp Advertising Partners (Under our parent org Circulation Studio) with expert-level certification, we have the skills and experience to elevate your dental practice's online presence. Our team can guide you through creating and optimizing your Yelp Portfolios to effectively showcase your services and attract more patients. Let us help you make the most of your Yelp profile. Click the button to book an appointment with our team today!

Book a Call

Getting Started: How to Set Up Yelp's Portfolio

Getting started with Yelp Portfolios is a fairly straightforward process that allows you to effectively showcase your dental practice's work and unique identify. Each step is designed to highlight your practice’s strengths and attract potential patients. With clear instructions and user-friendly tools, setting up a Yelp Portfolio can be a seamless experience that enhances your online presence and engages your audience.

Log into your business dashboard by visiting business.yelp.com.
For multi-location practices, make sure to select the correct location in the upper-left of your business dashboard.
Navigate to the "Portfolio" section of the sidebar on your left. Here you will be prompted to purchase the upgrade either as part of a bundle or by itself.
Once the purchase is complete, make sure you remain in the same "Portfolio" section of the dashboard and click on "Add Your First Project".
Fill out the appropriate fields based one of our ideas further in this article, or get creative and come up with your own, perfect portfolio idea!
Add at least 2 photos to your Portfolio. Try to use 1000x1000 pixel photos (more on this later).
Unless you want to advertise service prices, or highlight the price and timeline of a previous treatment case, you can skip the "Additional Details" section at the bottom.
Finally, click the button "Publish Project." Done!

Selecting the right image dimensions

To get started, try creating two portfolios to familiarize yourself with the process. Experimenting with different projects will help you understand how to best present your info and refine your approach. If you need assistance or want to ensure your Portfolios are optimized for maximum impact, don't hesitate to contact Circulation Dental for expert guidance and support. We're here to help you make the most of your Yelp presence.

Yelp utilizes Portfolio images across various sections of their site, each requiring different dimensions to ensure optimal display quality:

360x270px: This size is used for images in the portfolio section of your full profile listing, providing a clear and detailed view of your services.
160x160px: Images of this dimension appear beneath business listings in the search results, offering a snapshot of your portfolio to attract potential clients.
200x150px: For the photos section of your profile listing, this size helps maintain uniformity and neat presentation.
1000x1000px: When visitors click to view individual photos and videos, images of this size are used to give a detailed, high-resolution view.

Choosing the right call-to-action (CTA) via "Contact Method"

Choosing the right call-to-action (CTA) (called "Contact Method" in the feature) for your Yelp Portfolio can significantly impact how potential patients engage with your dental practice. The contact method you choose should align with your business goals and the type of interaction you want to encourage. You really can't go wrong but here are some further use-case scenarios.

Request a Quote: Ideal for services where pricing can vary, allowing potential patients to inquire directly about costs and options.
Phone Call: Perfect if you want to encourage immediate contact or if your website isn’t optimized for conversions. This method works well for practices looking to create direct connections with potential patients. Call tracking may also be setup through a Yelp Advertising Partner.
Visit Website: Use this option if you have a well-designed landing page that provides detailed information about your services. This is effective when you want potential customers to learn more about your offerings before reaching out.
None: If your goal is simply to showcase your work without prompting immediate action, you may choose not to include a contact method.

Tips for writing a great description for your Portfolio

Crafting an effective description for your Yelp Portfolio is key to engaging potential patients and improving your practice's visibility. With a generous character limit of 5,000, you have ample space to detail your services, but it's essential to focus on quality over quantity. Here are some tips to help you write a compelling description:

Incorporate Keywords Early: Start with keywords related to the service or project you are highlighting. This strategy helps your profile rank higher in relevant searches and ensures that potential patients can easily find your practice when looking for specific dental services.

Be Concise: While you have up to 5,000 characters, avoid the temptation to fill this space with unnecessary details. Focus on the most critical information that will inform and engage your audience. A clear, concise description will hold their attention and make a stronger impression.

Tell a Story: Use your description to narrate the journey of the procedure or treatment. Highlight unique aspects, patient experiences, and ideal outcomes to create a narrative that resonates with your audience and makes them think they could have a similar journey. Storytelling makes your practice more relatable and can effectively showcase the value you provide.

Creating consistency in your Yelp Portfolio cover photos

Creating consistency in your Yelp Portfolio cover photos can significantly enhance the visual appeal and professional look of your dental practice's online presence. As illustrated in the graphic below, one effective approach is using a consistent overlay with project text or template across all portfolio images. This dental office has implemented a uniform template for its cover photos, which features a clean, branded look that immediately identifies the practice.

Yelp Portfolio items with a custom overlay and project tile on the graphics for dental office.

The template uses subtle background colors and text overlays that clearly label each service, such as "Cosmetic Dentistry," "Endodontics," "Periodontics," and "Insurance and Financing." Each cover photo includes the minimum two photos, maintaining a consistent visual style that makes the practice’s Yelp page more attractive and easier to navigate. Hiring a graphic designer to create such overlays can be a worthwhile investment, ensuring professional, cohesive, and appealing visuals across your Yelp Portfolio.

Getting Creative: 5 Yelp Portfolio Ideas to Stand Out in Yelp Search Results

Yelp Portfolios offer a versatile platform for dental professionals to creatively showcase their services, team, and special offers. At its core, though, a Yelp Portfolio is nothing more than a collection of images, descriptive text, and a contact button, which means you can tailor it to reflect any aspect of your practice. Use it to celebrate staff birthdays with festive photos to featuring adorable employee pets, the possibilities are virtually endless. Below are five creative portfolio ideas, some obvious and some not so obvious.

Smile Gallery - Before/After Pics: Showcase the transformative power of your dental services with striking before and after photos.

Example Title: Transformations: Before and After Dental Success Stories

Contact Method: Request a Quote

Ideal Photos: High-quality images displaying clear, close-up before and after treatment results.

Example Description: Explore our Smile Gallery to see real patient transformations. Each photo captures the expert care and stunning results achieved by our dedicated team. Interested in achieving a similar transformation? Click 'Request a Quote' to learn more about our treatments.

Yelp Dental Portfolio Example for a Smile Gallery

Service Highlights: Highlight specific dental services and procedures you offer, such as teeth whitening or orthodontics.

Example Title: Featured Services: What We Offer

Contact Method: Phone Call

Ideal Photos: Detailed images of the treatment process or equipment.

Example Description: Our Service Highlights portfolio showcases our range of advanced dental treatments. From routine cleanings to advanced orthodontics, we use the latest technology to ensure optimal care. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Yelp Dental Portfolio Example for a Service Highlights

Financing Options: Provide clear information on financing plans and options available to patients.

Example Title: How to Finance Your Perfect Smile

Contact Method: Visit Website

Ideal Photos: Graphics illustrating different financing plans or simple icons that represent payment options.

Example Description: Dental care should be accessible to everyone. Our Financing Options portfolio outlines various plans that make treatments affordable. Visit our website to find out how you can benefit from flexible payment solutions.

Yelp Dental Portfolio Example for Financing

Meet the Team: Introduce your staff with personal bios and professional achievements to build trust and rapport.

Example Title: Behind the Smiles: Meet Our Staff

Contact Method: None

Ideal Photos: Professional portraits of each team member.

Example Description: Get to know our friendly and skilled dental team through our Meet the Team portfolio. Each member brings a unique set of skills and a caring approach to ensure the best experience for our patients.

Yelp Dental Portfolio Example for a Meet the Team Portfolio

Special Offers and Promos: Attract new patients and reward existing ones with special offers and promotional deals.

Example Title: Current Promotions: Save on Dental Care

Contact Method: Visit Website

Ideal Photos: Eye-catching graphics or photos that highlight the special offers.

Example Description: Check out our Special Offers and Promos portfolio for the latest deals on our dental services. From discounted teeth whitening to new patient specials, visit our website to take advantage of these exclusive offers.

Yelp Dental Portfolio Example for a Special Offers and Discounts Portfolio

Want more? Sure, why not? Here's 5 more "bonus" ideas in no particular order

Saturday Hours: Highlight weekend availability with images and testimonials from patients who appreciate Saturday appointments, along with any special promotions.
Post Care Instructions: Provide a portfolio with post-care instructions for common procedures, featuring images and tips to ensure patients know how to care for themselves after treatment.
Technology and Innovations: Showcase advanced technology and treatments with images of equipment and descriptions of how these tools improve patient care.
Community Involvement: Display your practice's participation in local events and initiatives, using photos from dental check-up days and community sponsorships to demonstrate your commitment.
Emergency Dental Services: Emphasize your emergency care options with information on urgent treatments and how patients can reach you, supported by reassuring images.

Final thoughts on using Portfolios in Yelp

Utilizing Yelp Portfolios can significantly enhance your dental practice's visibility and attractiveness to potential patients. This feature allows for a rich, visual representation of your services, offering a glimpse into the quality and variety of treatments available at your clinic. By carefully crafting each portfolio to highlight key aspects of your practice—whether it's advanced dental procedures, your dedicated team, or flexible financing options—you create a compelling narrative that can engage viewers and turn casual browsers into new patients. Portfolios also provide an excellent opportunity to differentiate your practice from competitors by showcasing unique selling points and personalized care approaches.

Regularly updating your portfolios with new photos, services, and promotions can keep your content fresh and relevant, encouraging potential patients to revisit your page. Remember, the goal of using Yelp Portfolios is not just to inform but also to inspire potential patients to choose your practice for their dental care needs. Embrace this tool to highlight the best of what you offer and watch your practice grow.

Need help with your Yelp listing?

If your dental practice wants to set up Yelp Portfolios but isn't sure how to begin, Circulation Dental's Yelp marketing experts can assist you! As Certified Yelp Partners, we have the expertise and resources to optimize your Yelp profile fully. Contact us today to arrange a no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Yelp Portfolios

Understanding the operational nuances of Yelp Portfolios ensures you can leverage this feature to its fullest, from the number of portfolios you create to the details about patient privacy compliance. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that help you make the most out of your Yelp Portfolios.

We recommend creating at least four portfolios to maintain visual symmetry on your Yelp page and to take full advantage of the platform's capabilities. This number allows you to comprehensively showcase varied aspects of your services without overwhelming potential clients. It's also the number of portfolio items shown on the front end of Yelp search results.

Listing service prices in your Yelp Portfolio is optional. Originally designed more for home services, where pricing can vary widely, in dental practice, you might choose to focus instead on service descriptions and quality indicators, unless you have standard pricing that could attract more clients.

If you decide to cancel your Yelp Portfolio subscription, the portfolios you've created remain saved in your account. This means you can reactivate them at any time without needing to recreate the content from scratch, providing flexibility in managing your online marketing.

Yelp Portfolios generally do not require frequent updates. It's a mostly set-it-and-forget-it feature, where you should let the portfolios run and make occasional adjustments based on seasonal offers or significant changes in your service offerings.

Yes, having a Yelp Portfolio can help improve your visibility in Yelp search results. Including keywords related to your services and treatments in your portfolio descriptions can enhance your practice’s SEO on Yelp, making it more likely for potential patients to find you.

While using stock photography is not ideal for personalizing your practice’s offerings, it is permissible if you hold the rights to the images. Custom photos of your actual services and office are typically more effective in engaging potential patients by providing a more authentic view of your practice.

Currently, Yelp Portfolios do not support video content. You can enhance your portfolios with high-quality images to attract attention and effectively convey the professionalism and atmosphere of your practice.

It is critical to ensure that all photos used in your portfolios comply with HIPAA regulations and that you have obtained proper consent from any patients featured. Avoid using images that show personally identifiable information or that could compromise patient confidentiality. Always prioritize privacy and security in your online content.

Book a Meeting

Online or In-Person

Book Now

info@circulationstudio.com

Start a Chat (coming soon)

Speak with an account manager

Get in Touch