How to Get More Google Reviews

When I speak to local business owners about improving their Google presence the first thing I usually look at is their reviews. In my opinion Google reviews are one of the strongest signals of trust a business can show. They influence how high you appear in the local map pack, how confident potential customers feel and how many people choose you over your competitors. Yet many businesses either do not ask for reviews regularly or they feel awkward asking at all.

In my experience getting more Google reviews is not about luck. It is about having a simple, repeatable system that encourages happy customers to share their experience while they still feel positive about it. People are far more willing to leave reviews than most business owners think. They just need to be asked the right way at the right time with as little friction as possible.

Below is a detailed guide explaining exactly how to get more Google reviews consistently, naturally and in a way that strengthens both your reputation and your local visibility.

Understand why Google reviews matter so much

I believe the first step is understanding the impact reviews have. Google uses them as a major ranking factor. Strong reviews signal relevance, trust and customer satisfaction which makes Google more confident showing your business to nearby users.

Reviews also affect behaviour. When someone compares two businesses the one with more reviews and a higher rating almost always wins. People treat reviews like digital word of mouth. They believe strangers more than they believe advertising.

In my opinion a business that consistently collects reviews grows faster in both reputation and ranking than one that relies on occasional feedback.

Make it incredibly easy for customers to leave a review

Most customers do not leave reviews because the process feels long or confusing. If you want more reviews you need to remove all friction.

The best way to do this is to create a direct Google review link. This link takes customers straight to the review box with no extra steps. You can then attach this link to:

• emails

• text messages

• receipts

• WhatsApp follow ups

• thank you pages

• social posts

In my experience businesses that use a direct review link always see a higher success rate.

Ask at the right moment

Timing is critical. People leave reviews when they feel emotionally positive about the experience. You should ask when:

• a customer expresses gratitude

• a client says you made their life easier

• someone compliments you

• you finish a job successfully

• a customer thanks your team

If someone naturally says “thank you so much” that is the perfect moment to reply with something simple like:

I am really glad we could help. If you would be happy to leave a quick Google review it would mean a lot to us. Here is the link.

In my opinion this approach feels natural and earns far more reviews than generic automated requests.

Use follow up messages politely and consistently

Many businesses only ask once and never follow up. People get busy. They forget. A polite reminder often makes the difference.

I would send:

1. A first request shortly after the service

2. A polite reminder 48 hours later

3. A final nudge one week later

Something like:

Just a quick reminder in case you missed our last message. If you have a moment to leave a Google review it would really help us. Thank you again for choosing us.

In my experience follow-ups double review volume without annoying customers when phrased kindly.

Train your team to recognise review opportunities

If you run a business with staff you should teach them when and how to ask for reviews. Many employees feel unsure about asking so they avoid it.

A quick script works well:

If you were happy with everything today would you mind sharing a quick Google review. It helps us reach more people locally.

The key is confidence and tone. When your team asks with warmth and politeness most customers agree.

Build a culture that values customer feedback

Businesses that value reviews internally tend to get more externally. Share reviews with your team. Celebrate great feedback. Highlight positive customer experiences in meetings.

When staff feel proud of what customers say they naturally ask more often because they believe in the value of the feedback.

In my experience culture is a hidden advantage in review generation.

Add review prompts to your digital ecosystem

Most businesses rely purely on verbal requests which limits results. You should add prompts across your digital touchpoints such as:

• your email signatures

• your invoices

• your booking confirmation emails

• your thank you emails

• your website footer

• your completed job follow up messages

Each of these micro prompts works in the background without extra effort.

Make reviews part of your onboarding and offboarding workflow

Create a workflow so every completed job or appointment triggers a review request. This prevents inconsistency. For example:

• the admin team sends a review link immediately

• the system sends an automated follow up

• the team receives an alert if a review is left

In my opinion when review requests become part of your process they start to accumulate naturally.

Use QR codes in physical locations

If you have a shop, clinic, office or reception area a QR code is one of the easiest tools you can use. Place a QR code on:

• your front desk

• receipts

• business cards

• leaflets

• posters

Customers scan the code which opens your review link instantly. This works especially well for hospitality, salons, gyms and clinics.

Respond to every review to build trust and momentum

Google encourages businesses to reply to reviews because it shows engagement. Customers appreciate it too. When you reply consistently you demonstrate:

• professionalism

• gratitude

• accountability

• responsiveness

This signals to Google that your business is active which strengthens your visibility in the map pack.

It also encourages future reviewers because they see that you respond.

Use reviews as part of your story telling

Reviews are not only for Google. You should showcase the best ones on your website, your social media and inside your promotional materials.

When customers see their words being valued they are more likely to review again. When new customers see social proof everywhere they feel reassured.

In my opinion review marketing is just as important as review collection.

Share customer success stories in video form

If you have customers who are happy to appear on camera you can record short testimonial videos. These can be uploaded to YouTube or embedded on your website. They often trigger more written reviews because they inspire others to share their experience.

Even if customers prefer anonymity you can still film a story based explanation of how you helped someone and include their written feedback.

Fix internal problems that cause negative feedback

If you notice recurring themes in negative reviews you should use them to fix underlying issues. Google rewards businesses that improve their service.

Respond professionally and genuinely. Customers forgive mistakes when you show accountability.

In my opinion the best businesses treat reviews as a growth tool not a threat.

Never buy reviews or post fake ones

Fake reviews are detectable, risky and against Google’s policies. They damage trust and can lead to profile penalties.

Real reviews from real customers always outperform artificial ones. When your strategy is consistent you never need fake reviews.

Offer value not incentives

You cannot offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews because this violates Google’s guidelines. Instead focus on providing such a good service that people naturally want to review.

Some businesses offer educational resources or helpful guides which naturally encourage positive experiences. Just do not tie them directly to a review.

Use AI to generate messaging ideas when asking for reviews

If you struggle to write review request messages AI is extremely helpful. You can ask:

Write a friendly review request message for a plumbing business in Bedford.

Or:

Rewrite this message in a more relaxed tone.

This gives you multiple variations that feel natural and personal.

Track your progress each month

You should measure how many reviews you gain monthly, which staff members request the most, which touchpoints convert the best and how your overall rating changes.

In my experience tracking performance keeps the process consistent and highlights opportunities for improvement.

Build long term review momentum not short spikes

Google prefers a steady stream of reviews rather than big bursts. Aim for consistent weekly or monthly growth. This shows the business is active and reliable.

A business with 200 reviews collected over years looks far more credible than one with 20 reviews posted in one day.

Why I Believe Google Reviews Are the Most Valuable Local Marketing Asset

When I look at how customers make decisions today I genuinely believe Google reviews are one of the most powerful forms of marketing. They influence your local rankings, your reputation, your click through rate and your conversion rate. Getting more reviews is not about luck, it is about building a simple, repeatable system that encourages the right customers to share their experience at the right time.

In my experience every local business that takes reviews seriously sees a clear improvement in visibility and trust. Once people start reading positive feedback from others in their area your brand becomes the obvious choice.