Google reviews do two jobs at once. They're one of the factors Google uses to decide which local businesses to show, and they're often the deciding factor when a customer compares you with a competitor. Yet most happy customers never leave a review simply because nobody asked them.
1. Ask at the right moment
The best time to ask is right after a customer tells you they're happy: when you finish a job, deliver an order or receive a thank-you message. A quick, personal "Would you mind leaving us a Google review? It really helps a small business like ours" works far better than a generic request weeks later.
2. Make it one tap
In your Google Business Profile, find the option to ask for reviews and copy your review link. Save it somewhere handy and send it on WhatsApp, in your email signature and on your invoices. You can also turn it into a QR code for your counter, vehicle or business card.
3. Make it part of your routine
Reviews work best as a steady flow rather than a sudden burst. Build the request into your normal process, for example a WhatsApp message template you send after every completed job.
4. Reply to every review
Thank people for positive reviews, ideally mentioning the service they used. For negative reviews, stay calm, acknowledge the issue and offer to resolve it offline. Future customers read your replies, and a professional response to a complaint can build more trust than a perfect score.
5. What not to do
- Don't offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. Google's policies prohibit incentivised reviews.
- Don't write reviews yourself or ask staff, friends or family to pose as customers.
- Don't only ask customers you think will be positive (sometimes called "review gating"). Google's guidelines prohibit selectively soliciting positive reviews.
- Don't buy reviews. Fake reviews can be removed and can put your profile at risk.
6. Show your reviews off
Share your best reviews on social media and mention your rating on your website. Social proof works everywhere, not just on Google.
Need help?
Building a reliable review system is part of every SEO project we run. Get a free growth audit and we'll show you how your reviews compare with your local competitors. You might also like our Google Business Profile guide.