Online reviews have become the new word-of-mouth recommendations. They play a pivotal role in shaping the perceptions Google reviews are one of the most powerful tools to grow your business. They build trust, improve visibility, and influence buying decisions. If you want more people to find you and choose your service, you need a plan to get Google reviews consistently.
This guide will walk you through how to get Google reviews the right way. You’ll learn why they matter, how to ask for them, and how to turn them into long-term growth.
Why You Need Google Reviews
People trust what others say online. When someone searches for your business, Google reviews show up front and center. That means your reputation is often decided before a customer ever calls or clicks.
Google reviews help:
Build credibility. Positive reviews show that real people trust your business. This kind of social proof increases your chance of earning new customers.
Boost local SEO. Google takes reviews into account when deciding who to show in search results. More high-quality reviews can improve your search ranking. Learn more about how Google reviews impact SEO ranking.
Drive clicks and calls. Reviews are visible on Google Maps and search listings. When your business stands out, more people take action.
Protect your reputation. Reviews give you the chance to publicly thank happy customers and respond to complaints before they go viral. If you’re dealing with review spam or fake content, here’s how to remove fake Google reviews.
How to Get Google Reviews from Real Customers
Here’s how to build a steady flow of honest, positive reviews:
1. Set Up or Claim Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t already, claim your listing at google.com/business. Fill out your business name, location, phone number, hours, and website. This listing is where your reviews will live.
2. Create Your Google Review Link
Once you’re verified, you can generate a direct link that lets customers leave a review in one click. Make this link easy to find across your website, emails, receipts, and social media.
3. Add the Link to Your Website
Place your Google review link in your website’s footer, on your contact page, or right after someone makes a purchase. Clear language helps. Use buttons that say “Leave a Review” or “Tell Us What You Think.”
4. Ask for Reviews in Your Emails
Follow up with customers a day or two after their visit or purchase. A short thank-you email with a direct link works well. Keep it simple and sincere. If you want to increase responses, consider using a tool like our free review response generator.
5. Use a QR Code for In-Person Requests
If you see customers face to face, create a QR code that links to your Google reviews. Add it to business cards, brochures, or invoices. That way, people can scan and review you on the spot.
6. Share the Link on Social Media
Post reminders from time to time. Share screenshots of recent five-star reviews and ask others to leave their thoughts. Keep the tone friendly and appreciative.
7. Ask Happy Customers in Person
If a client compliments your work, don’t let the moment pass. Politely ask if they’d be willing to leave a quick review. People are often glad to help when asked directly.
8. Use Surveys to Collect Feedback First
Send out a short survey after a sale or service. If the response is positive, follow up with a Google review request. This filters out unhappy customers and makes the ask more targeted.
9. Ask for Reviews on Social Media
Engage with your audience on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Share positive reviews and ask followers to share their experiences on your Google Reviews page.
10. Reach Out to Partners and Vendors
If you work with other businesses, ask them to leave a review from their perspective. These reviews still carry weight and can diversify your online profile.
11. Make Google Business Reviews a Habit
Consistency is critical in maintaining a healthy stream of Google Reviews. Make the process of requesting and responding to reviews a part of your regular operations. Encourage all employees to participate in the process.
Sample Email Template
To help you get started with your Google Reviews strategy, here are some sample email templates you can use for requesting reviews:
Post-Purchase Review Request
Subject: Share Your Experience with [Your Business Name]
Dear [Customer’s Name],
We hope you enjoyed your recent experience with us! We would appreciate it if you could share your thoughts on Google. Your feedback helps us improve and assist other customers in making informed decisions. Click here to leave your review: [Google Review Link].
Thank you for being a valued customer.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
What to Avoid When Asking for Google Reviews
Some common mistakes can hurt more than help:
- Do not offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. Google prohibits it. Learn why in this breakdown on offering a discount for a Google review.
- Do not buy reviews. It may seem like a quick fix, but Google can spot them and penalize your listing. If you’re tempted, read about the risks of buying Google reviews.
- Do not delete honest negative feedback. Instead, respond professionally. That shows future customers you care. Learn how to manage all feedback in our post on monitoring reviews and comments.
How Often Should You Ask for Reviews?
Getting Google reviews should be part of your regular routine. The more recent the reviews, the more relevant your business looks. If you stop asking, your profile may feel outdated. To keep the momentum going, follow these 4 steps to successful online review management.
You can also try our online review calculator to see how many reviews you need to compete in your market.
What If Someone Posts a Bad or Fake Review?
Negative reviews happen. What matters is how you handle them. Respond politely and try to resolve the issue. If you think the review is fake, or if a former employee is leaving bad reviews, you can flag it for removal.
In some cases, legal action may be an option. Read about whether you can sue for a bad review and when it applies.
Track Your Results and Learn
Once you start getting reviews, look for patterns. Which services get the best feedback? Where can you improve? Learning from reviews gives you a competitive edge.
You can also search Google reviews by name to monitor what people are saying about your team members or brand representatives.
Final Thoughts
If you want to earn Google reviews and establish a reputation people trust, start with one thing: ask. Make it easy, ask consistently, and respond with gratitude.
Your reputation is more than a star rating. It’s your first impression, your customer service, and your long-term advantage.
Need help growing your reviews or cleaning up bad ones? Explore more strategies and tips on how to get more positive online reviews.
