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
The biggest mistake? Making people hunt for your listing.
If they have to search your name, tap the wrong profile, scroll for the review button, and then sign in… they won’t do it.
Instead, give them a direct review link. Here’s how to find yours:
Google your business name
Click on your profile in the results
Click “Ask for reviews” in the Business Profile Manager
Copy the link Google gives you
Save it in your phone, in a note, or anywhere handy. You’ll use this again and again - in texts, emails, DMs, and receipts.
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
Reviews shouldn’t be a one-off campaign - they should be baked into your everyday routine.
Include your review link in:
Thank-you messages
Final invoices
Email footers
WhatsApp or SMS follow-ups
Printed handover notes or business cards
Even a single line works:
“Thanks again - if you have a sec, a quick Google review would really help: [link]”
Over time, this builds up reviews naturally and consistently.
5. Don’t Beg. Don’t Bribe. Just Be Real.
A lot of businesses make one of two mistakes:
Begging for reviews (“Please I’m desperate…” 🙃)
Bribing customers with discounts for 5-star reviews
Both feel off, and Google can penalise reviews that seem incentivised.
Instead:
Ask kindly
Keep it consistent
Trust that happy customers will show up
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
This is the one thing most local businesses skip, but it matters.
When you reply to reviews:
It shows you’re real and paying attention
It encourages others to leave one
It makes even the rare bad review look better handled
Even a quick “Thanks so much, really appreciate it!” goes a long way.
Extra tip: If someone leaves vague praise (“Great service”), reply with a few more details - it adds keywords to your profile and improves relevance.
Want to Make Your Profile Work Harder?
If your Google Business Profile is:
Half-finished
Missing photos
Not getting reviews
Or not showing up in search…
I can help. I don’t just set up profiles - I optimise them.
From categories and descriptions to review strategies and weekly updates, I’ll sort the lot - and for a price that’s way more reasonable than most of the “SEO package” companies.
💬 Want me to give your profile a polish? Drop me a message.
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.
About the Author
Jake McEvoy runs SO SEO, helping local trades and service businesses across the SO postcode show up in search without SEO waffle. His advice is practical, jargon-free, and focused on what actually gets results for real businesses.
