How to get more Google reviews (without breaking the rules)

Reviews do two jobs at once. They help Google decide which businesses to show in the map results, and they persuade the person reading them to pick up the phone. Yet many good businesses have only a handful, simply because they never ask.

Why reviews matter

• Rankings: the number, quality and freshness of reviews are among the factors Google uses for local results.
• Trust: most people read reviews before choosing a local business.
• Insight: reviews tell you what customers value, in their own words.

How to ask

Ask at the right moment

The best time is when the customer has just said thank you: the job is finished, the problem is fixed, the haircut looks great. Strike while they are happy.

Make it effortless

Get your direct review link from your Google Business Profile and send it by text, WhatsApp or email. One tap should take them straight to the review box. A QR code on invoices, business cards or the counter works well too.

Keep it personal

A short, friendly message beats a formal template: "Thanks again for today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review would really help a small business like ours."

Make it a habit

Ask every customer, every time. A steady flow of recent reviews looks far more natural, and more convincing, than a sudden burst.

What not to do

• Do not buy reviews or write fake ones. Google removes them and can suspend your profile, and fake reviews are unlawful under UK consumer law.
• Do not offer rewards such as discounts in exchange for reviews.
• Do not only ask happy customers. Google's rules say you should not selectively ask for positive reviews. Ask everyone.
• Do not post reviews from staff or family.

Replying to reviews

Reply to every review. Thank people for positive ones, ideally mentioning the service. For negative reviews, stay calm, apologise where appropriate and offer to sort it out offline. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews themselves.

Review generation and management is included in our monthly SEO plans. Not sure how your reviews compare with competitors? Our free audit will tell you.