How to get more Google reviews for your local business
Most happy customers never leave a review, simply because nobody asked them. The most reliable way to get more Google reviews is a short, friendly request sent to every customer, every time, with a link that takes them straight to your review page.
1. Get your Google review link
Google gives every Business Profile a direct link and QR code that open the review form. According to Google's help page:
- Go to your Business Profile at business.google.com.
- Select Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
- Copy the link, or save the QR code. QR codes can only be created from a computer browser, not a phone.
Save both. You'll use the link in messages and the QR code in your shop or office.
2. Ask every customer, the same way
Google's rules say businesses must not "selectively solicit positive reviews from customers." So don't send review requests only to the customers you think were happy. Ask everyone after every visit or job, with the same message. It's also simply more effective: you can't predict who will take the time to write a review.
3. Ask soon after the visit
Send your request the same day, while the experience is fresh. A customer who picked up their car, finished an appointment or saw the job completed an hour ago remembers the details. A week later, most won't bother.
4. Keep the message short, with one link
One or two sentences and your review link is enough. Here's a message you can adapt:
"Hi Dana, thanks for choosing Maple Street today. If you have 30 seconds, a Google review would really help a small business like ours: [your review link]"
Notice what it doesn't do. It doesn't ask for a five-star rating, tell the customer what to write, or mention a staff member by name. Google's policy says businesses shouldn't request specific content in reviews, and that includes asking customers to name an employee.
5. Put a QR code where customers pay
Print your review QR code on a small card at the counter or checkout, with a line like "Happy with your visit? Leave us a quick Google review." Keep it low-key. Google's policy also says staff shouldn't require or pressure customers to leave a review while they're on the premises.
6. Send one reminder, then stop
Some customers mean to leave a review and forget. One polite reminder a few days later is reasonable. More than that starts to feel like spam, and customers who are annoyed rarely write kind reviews.
7. Reply to every review, good and bad
People reading your reviews also read your replies. A short thank-you on positive reviews shows there's a real person behind the business. For negative reviews:
- Reply calmly and quickly, without arguing about details in public.
- Acknowledge the problem and say what you'll do, or invite them to contact you directly.
- Never offer anything in exchange for changing or removing the review. Google prohibits that too.
What not to do
These can get reviews removed, your profile restricted, or worse:
- Don't offer incentives for reviews. Discounts, gifts or entries into a draw in exchange for a review are against Google's policy, even if the review is honest.
- Don't filter who you ask or discourage unhappy customers from posting.
- Don't set review quotas for staff or ask customers to mention staff names.
- Don't write, buy or arrange fake reviews, including reviews from employees, friends or family. In the US, the FTC's rule on consumer reviews and testimonials, in effect since October 21, 2024, prohibits fake reviews and reviews bought for a particular sentiment, as well as suppressing negative reviews.