How to get more reviews on Google Business Profile
Google reviews are the new word of mouth. 93% of consumers check them before choosing a business, and Google uses them as a popularity signal in the Local Pack.
Published on · Updated on · 9 min read
Google reviews are the new word of mouth. 93% of consumers check them before choosing a business. And not only that: Google uses them as a popularity signal to decide which businesses to show in the Local Pack.
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The right time (the key to success)
Don’t ask for a review when the customer is paying or when they haven’t yet enjoyed the service. The ideal moment is right after you’ve delivered great value: when the customer is satisfied and the experience is fresh in their memory.
Key moments to ask for a review:
| Moment | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Immediately after a completed purchase or service | The positive experience is recent |
| After positive feedback in person or via WhatsApp | The customer has already expressed their satisfaction |
| When sending the invoice or service summary | It’s a natural and expected contact |
| In the post-service thank-you email | The customer feels valued and is more receptive |
How to ask for reviews without being pushy
The way you ask for the review matters as much as the timing. A well-written message can make the difference.
- Don’t say: «Can you leave us a Google review?»
- Say: «We’re glad you had a good experience. If you’d like to share it with others, here’s the link. It helps us enormously.»
Most effective channels for asking for reviews
- Strategic QR codes: place a QR code on the counter, at the door of your venue, on invoices or even on thank-you cards. The customer just has to scan it and they’re on your Google profile.
- Direct link via WhatsApp or email: Google Business Profile generates a direct link for reviews. Send it to your customers after the purchase, but make sure you have their consent.
- Reminder at closing: the professional can say something like: «We’re glad we could help. If you felt well taken care of, leave a Google review. It helps us keep growing.»
Incentives
Google prohibits paying for positive reviews. But it does allow small gestures of gratitude that don’t condition the content.
What you can do:
- A discount on the next purchase for «leaving a review» (without conditioning it to be positive).
- Entering all reviewers into a monthly raffle.
- A small symbolic gift (coffee, sticker, etc.) when they scan the QR code.
What you can’t do:
- Pay directly for a 5-star review.
- Offer a discount only if the review is positive.
- Write fake reviews from company devices.
The multiplier effect of responding to reviews
Asking for reviews isn’t enough. You have to respond to them. Google rewards active businesses that interact with their customers.
Responding to reviews generates more reviews. When a customer sees that you respond in a personalized way, they feel valued. And those who read the reviews see that you care about the experience, which reinforces trust. This connects directly to the principles of E-E-A-T: experience, authority and trust on Google.
Basic rules for responding:
- Target time: 24-48 hours.
- Always thank them, even for negative reviews.
- Personalize each response. Generic responses don’t add up.
- If it’s a negative review, apologize and offer a solution privately.
What to do with fake or negative reviews
Negative reviews aren’t deleted. They’re managed. And fake reviews are reported.
- If it’s negative but real: respond with empathy. Offer a solution. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism.
- If it’s fake: report it from your Google Business Profile dashboard. Google reviews reviews that contain spam, offenses or conflict of interest. They don’t remove them for being negative, only if they violate policies.
Structure for responding to a negative review:
- Thank them for the feedback.
- Acknowledge the problem (without getting defensive).
- Offer a solution or explain how you’re going to improve.
- Invite the customer to contact you privately to resolve the case.
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