Positive reviews are more than just nice words about your business. Today, they influence customer trust, improve search engine visibility, and even directly impact sales. You're not alone if you're a business owner wondering, “How do I get more Google reviews?”.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Google reviews are critical for your business, how to encourage customers to leave reviews, as well as the pitfalls to avoid when managing your online reputation.
Google reviews are among the most influential factors that shape how potential clients view your business. Here’s why they are essential:
1. They build trust
According to a BrightLocal survey, 76% of consumers read online reviews before deciding to trust a local business. Genuine, positive reviews can be the social proof potential customers need to choose you over a competitor.
2. They boost local SEO
Google reviews contribute to trust signals. When your business has numerous reviews, Google sees it as a reputable choice, which can boost your ranking in local search results. This means appearing at the top of “near me” searches.
3. They improve conversion rates
Seeing a business with many reviews makes customers more likely to act, whether that’s making a purchase, booking a service, or visiting a physical location.
Now that you understand the importance of Google reviews, the next step is learning how to gain them.
The most effective way to get more Google reviews is surprisingly simple: just ask! But how you ask matters. Here are proven methods:
1. Ask for a review in person
This approach does not work for everyone but if you are a restaurant owner or you run a beauty salon, this may be a great approach. When you’ve delivered a great experience or if a customer starts commenting your service, ask for a review directly. For example:
You can mention that their feedback will help future customers.
2. Ask for a review via email
Over the last several years, email has remained the top channel to ask for a review, to which customers are most likely to respond. As we’ve covered in one of our articles, it’s best to ask for a review while the customer’s experience with your business is still fresh. But keep in mind that you’re never too late to ask.
A simple and polite way would be the best way to go. Write a short message and include a link to your Google review page.
Here’s an example:
Subject Line: Tell Us About Your Experience at [Business Name]
Body Copy: Hi [Customer Name],
Thanks for visiting us at [Business Name]! We’d love to hear your feedback. Please take a minute to leave us a review on Google using [this link]. Your review will help us grow and improve.
3. Add review requests to printed materials
For businesses with physical transactions, use printed materials to encourage reviews. You can add a simple, “Enjoyed your experience? Leave a review on Google” request to your receipts, menus, or packaging, and include a QR code linking directly to your Google profile. You’ll find instructions on how to get your business’s QR code and tips for using it in our article.
4. Leverage your website
Create a dedicated page on your website for leaving reviews. Provide step-by-step instructions or a clickable link to make the process effortless. Make sure to link to that page from the homepage. You can add the link to the main menu or in the footer.
5. Use social media channels
Engage your online followers by asking them to share their experiences. Post links to your Google review page on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. You can say something like:
“We love hearing your feedback! Share your experience by leaving us a review on Google here [link], and help more people discover [Business Name].”
Consistency is key. Regularly remind happy customers to share their experiences, but avoid being pushy.
While it’s important to encourage reviews, there are strict policies outlined by Google to maintain fairness and credibility. Violating these rules can lead to serious repercussions, including review removal or suspension of your business profile. Here's what to avoid:
1. Do NOT pay for reviews
Providing discounts, freebies, or cash in exchange for reviews might seem like a quick and easy way to boost your business’s online reputation, but it’s a practice that violates Google’s policies. These types of incentivized reviews are considered unnatural because they compromise the authenticity and reliability of user feedback.
Offering incentives for any type of review, whether it’s to generate new positive reviews, remove negative ones, or persuade customers to edit existing reviews, is strictly prohibited.
Businesses caught engaging in such practices risk significant penalties, including the removal of reviews, demotion in search rankings, or even suspension by Google.
2. Avoid asking for positive reviews ONLY
It can be tempting to request only five-star ratings, but doing so directly violates Google’s guidelines and can harm trust in your brand. Instead, encourage honest and balanced feedback, whether positive or negative. Authentic reviews not only give prospective customers a realistic understanding of your offerings but also help you improve as a business.
Interestingly, having a perfect score might not be as beneficial as it seems. Several studies have found that more than 70% of customers are skeptical of exclusively positive reviews, doubting their authenticity. Additionally, a large part of those customers stated they wouldn’t purchase from a company with no negative reviews at all. A mix of ratings, when accompanied by thoughtful and constructive responses to all reviews, actually helps build credibility and trust.
When you respond constructively to criticisms, it demonstrates your commitment to improving your service and prioritizing customer satisfaction. Remember, potential customers often pay attention to how you handle feedback rather than focusing solely on the complaint itself. By welcoming honest reviews and responding appropriately, you can create a robust and trustworthy reputation that future buyers are more likely to rely on.
3. Do NOT post fake reviews
Using fake accounts to flood your profile with glowing reviews isn’t just unethical; it’s also easily detectable by Google’s algorithms. Over the years, Google has significantly improved its ability to detect fake reviews, making it harder for businesses to manipulate their ratings. If flagged, those reviews will be removed, and your credibility could be permanently damaged.
But fake accounts aren't the only thing to avoid. Asking friends and family to leave positive reviews about your business when they haven't actually experienced it can also backfire. While this might seem harmless, these reviews often lack authenticity and can harm your business in the long term. Worse still, Google may not even allow these reviews, especially if the accounts used to post them are newly created or inactive.
We've even seen cases where genuine reviews didn’t stick because Google identified the accounts as spam due to factors like account age or activity. This highlights how carefully Google monitors review activity to ensure a fair and trustworthy ecosystem.
To build a strong online reputation, focus on encouraging reviews from real customers who genuinely value your product or service. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is what ultimately drives long-term success.
4. Do NOT ignore the reviews your customers leave
Responding to customer reviews, both negative and positive, is crucial for maintaining a solid relationship with your customers and building trust with potential future clients. Negative reviews, while not always easy to hear, are an opportunity to show that you’re open to constructive criticism and ready to offer solutions.
Make sure to respond promptly—ideally within a week—to demonstrate that you take their concerns seriously and are committed to resolving issues.
However, don’t overlook the importance of responding to positive reviews. Think of them as free promotions for your business! Taking a moment to thank someone who left a review shows that you appreciate their effort and value their input. Your current customers will feel acknowledged, and those researching your business will see that you genuinely care about your audience. Whether addressing praise or criticism, engaging with feedback shows that you’re listening and committed to providing an outstanding experience.
Remember, gaining more Google reviews isn’t just about ticking a box. Every review is a reflection of your business’s commitment to excellence. By ensuring authenticity and engaging directly with customers, you’re building a foundation of trust and long-term loyalty.
Managing Google reviews effectively takes time and consistency, but the long-term benefits for your SEO, brand reputation, and customer relationships are worth it.
Take action today
Start building your Google review strategy now:
Every review matters.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to begin, CommonMind can help! We specialize in designing tailored review strategies that build trust and showcase what sets your business apart.