How to get more Google reviews (without being awkward)

The best time is straight after a good result: the job’s finished, the customer’s happy and they’ve just said thanks. Wait a week and the moment has passed.

Make it part of your routine, not something you remember now and then. A steady flow of reviews looks better than a burst followed by silence.

• Send your direct review link, so customers land straight on the review box. Here’s how to find your Google review link.
• Print a QR code for your counter, van or invoice.
• Send the link by SMS. It’s quicker to open than email.

In person: “Glad we could sort that out. If you’ve got a minute, a Google review really helps a small business like ours. I’ll text you the link.”

SMS: “Hi Sam, thanks for having us today. If you were happy with the job, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? [link] Thanks, Bob.”

Email: Keep it to three lines: thanks, the link, and a one-line reason (“reviews help locals find us”).

Thank people by name and mention the job. For a bad review, reply calmly, own what you can and offer to fix it offline. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews. Our guide to responding to Google reviews has 18 templates.

• Offering discounts, gifts or entries into a draw in exchange for reviews.
• Only asking customers you know are happy (“review gating”).
• Buying reviews, or writing them for friends and staff.

These break Google’s policies and can get reviews removed or your profile restricted. In Australia, fake or misleading reviews can also breach the Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC has guidance for businesses on online reviews.

Our free rank check shows the top 3 businesses near you, and the free plan’s weekly report compares your review count with theirs.