Google Reviews Matter - Here’s How to Get More Without Being Awkward
If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard it a thousand times:
“You need more Google reviews.”
And it’s true - reviews help you show up in local searches, build trust fast, and give people the confidence to choose you.
But asking for them? That can feel awkward.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to get more reviews in a way that feels natural - and actually works.
1. First, Make It Easy
If people have to search your name, find your listing, scroll, tap, and type… they probably won’t bother.
Instead, send them directly to your review link. Here’s how to get it:
Search your business name on Google
Click on your own listing
Tap “Ask for reviews” in the Business Profile Manager
Copy the link it gives you
Save that link somewhere handy - you’ll use it again and again.
2. Ask at the Right Time
Timing matters. The best moment to ask is just after you’ve helped someone and they’re feeling good about it.
Try something like: “Hey, if you’ve got a minute, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps me get found by more local people.”
Short. Honest. No pressure.
3. Use Texts, Not Just Emails
People are more likely to respond to a quick text than an email buried in their inbox.
If you’ve got permission to text your clients, send something like:
"Hi [Name], thanks again for choosing me! If you’re happy with the service, I’d really appreciate a quick Google review - it helps more than you’d think: [your link]"
Don’t overthink it. Just be human.
4. Add It to Your Follow-Up Routine
Whether you follow up with a thank-you message, invoice, or receipt, include your review link.
Better yet, write a little sentence you can copy and paste every time. Something like:
"Thanks again - if you’ve got a sec, a Google review would mean the world: [link]"
5. Don’t Beg. Don’t Bribe. Just Be Real.
You don’t need to offer a free coffee or a discount to get reviews. In fact, Google doesn’t like that.
Just ask politely, be consistent, and trust that the good ones will come.
6. (Optional) Offer a Thank-You for Next Time
While you can’t offer incentives for positive reviews, you can thank customers for taking the time to leave any honest feedback.
For example:
“Leave a review (good, bad, or in-between) and I’ll give you 10% off your next appointment.”
This works well for businesses that see repeat customers - like beauty salons, trades, fitness instructors, dog groomers, and so on.
Just make sure your offer doesn’t depend on them leaving a 5-star review. Keep it clean, transparent, and fair.
Respond to Every Review
Whether it’s a glowing five-star or a bit of tough feedback, always reply. It shows you’re real, you care, and you’re active.
Plus, it encourages others to leave one too - we all love attention online!
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SO SEO is a small local business that wants to help small businesses get seen locally, starting with a solid Google Business Profile, built properly from the start.
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How can I make it easy for customers to leave Google reviews?
Send customers directly to your Google review link to avoid making them search for your listing. You can get this link from your Business Profile Manager by clicking "Ask for reviews" and copying the provided link.
When is the best time to ask customers for a Google review?
The best time to ask is just after you’ve helped a customer when they’re feeling good about your service. A simple, polite ask at that moment is most effective.
Should I offer incentives to get more Google reviews?
You shouldn’t offer incentives for positive reviews, as Google discourages this. However, you can thank customers for leaving any honest feedback by offering something like a discount on their next visit, as long as it’s not conditional on the review’s rating.
