How to Get More Google Reviews

Customer reviews on Google are one of the most powerful tools for building trust and improving visibility in local search. For UK businesses, reviews are not only a source of credibility but also a direct ranking factor in the Local Map Pack and organic search results. However, many business owners are unsure how to ask for reviews or worry about breaking Google’s strict guidelines. The good news is that there are ethical, compliant ways to encourage more customers to leave feedback. By focusing on delivering great service and making it easy for people to share their experiences, businesses can steadily grow their review profiles.

Why Google Reviews Matter

Google reviews play a dual role in digital marketing. They influence consumer decisions and they feed into Google’s ranking algorithms. When people see a business with a high star rating and a large number of positive reviews, they are far more likely to make contact. At the same time, Google rewards businesses with stronger review profiles by giving them better visibility in local search. For service based businesses like solicitors, electricians or healthcare providers, reviews can make the difference between being chosen or overlooked.

Google’s Rules on Reviews

It is important to understand what businesses can and cannot do when it comes to reviews. Google prohibits offering incentives such as discounts, gifts or cash in exchange for reviews. Businesses also cannot write reviews for themselves or ask employees to do so. Any attempt to manipulate reviews by posting fake feedback or selectively removing negative ones can result in penalties, including suspension from Google Business Profile. The safest approach is to focus on genuine customer experiences and encourage people to leave honest feedback.

Making It Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews

One of the most effective strategies for getting more reviews is to make the process as simple as possible. Most customers are willing to leave a review if it only takes a few clicks. Creating a direct link to your Google review form and sharing it in follow up emails, text messages or on receipts is an easy way to do this. For example, a solicitor could include a “Leave us a review” link in their case completion email, while a local café could print a QR code on takeaway packaging. The easier the process, the more likely customers are to follow through.

Timing the Request

When you ask for a review can make a big difference. The best time is usually right after a positive customer experience, when the service is fresh in the client’s mind. A satisfied client who has just completed a smooth house purchase with their solicitor or enjoyed excellent service from a plumber is more likely to write a detailed and positive review. Asking too late risks the customer forgetting the details or losing motivation. Businesses should build review requests into their normal customer journey to ensure consistency.

Responding to Reviews

Engagement plays a key role in building a strong review profile. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that the business values customer feedback and is committed to providing excellent service. Thanking customers for their positive comments encourages others to leave reviews, while addressing concerns in negative reviews demonstrates professionalism and accountability. This type of interaction not only strengthens reputation but also sends positive signals to Google.

Encouraging Reviews Across Different Touchpoints

Customers interact with businesses in many ways, and each of these touchpoints offers an opportunity to request a review. Service providers can ask in person at the end of an appointment, follow up via email or even mention reviews in newsletters or social media posts. For example, a law firm might send a client satisfaction survey that ends with a polite request for a Google review. Consistently reminding customers of the value of reviews helps build a steady flow of feedback over time.

Dealing with Negative Reviews

No business can avoid negative reviews entirely. What matters is how they are handled. Responding promptly, professionally and with a focus on resolving the issue can turn a negative situation into a positive impression. In some cases, unhappy customers update their reviews after their concerns are addressed. Importantly, businesses should never attempt to delete or hide negative reviews unless they clearly violate Google’s policies. A mix of reviews can actually make a profile appear more authentic, as customers are often suspicious of perfect five star ratings with no criticism.

Building Reviews into Company Culture

The most sustainable way to generate more Google reviews is to embed the process into company culture. Every member of staff should understand the importance of reviews and how to ask for them appropriately. By making review requests a natural part of customer service, businesses ensure that they accumulate feedback consistently rather than in occasional bursts. Over time, this creates a strong and trustworthy review profile that supports both SEO and customer acquisition.

Conclusion

Google reviews are an essential part of building credibility and improving local search rankings for UK businesses. While it may be tempting to look for shortcuts, the safest and most effective approach is to focus on genuine customer experiences and follow Google’s rules. By making it easy to leave reviews, asking at the right time, responding to feedback and building the process into company culture, businesses can steadily increase the number of reviews they receive. The result is greater trust, stronger visibility and a more reliable stream of new customers.