How to get more Google reviews, and what you are not allowed to do
The link, the QR code, the timing, the ask. And the things that get your profile suspended.
See the templatesThe short answer: ask every customer, at the moment they are happiest, with a link that takes them straight to the review box. That is the whole method. The things that do not work, or get you in trouble, are paying for reviews, asking only the happy customers, and writing them yourself.
The link
In your Google Business Profile there is a "Get more reviews" link. It opens the review box directly. Put it in a text message, an email after the job, and a QR code on the counter or the invoice.
The moment
When they say thank you. Not a week later. A cleaner at the door, a groomer handing the dog back, a mechanic handing over the keys: "If you are happy, this takes thirty seconds" and show the QR code.
The ask
Ask everyone. Google's rules forbid review gating, which means only inviting people you think will be positive. Ask everyone and most of them will be.
Reply to every one
A sentence each. Replies show the next reader that someone is there, and Google counts activity.
Not allowed
- Paying, discounting or giving anything for a review
- Reviews from staff, family or yourself
- Buying reviews. These are being removed in bulk and the profile can be suspended
- Asking only happy customers
- Review kiosks in the shop that use the shop's connection: Google flags reviews from one location
On the website
Put three of your best on the site, with first names. Our templates have a reviews section for exactly this, and a link to leave one.
Want to see yours? Pick a website template and fill it in for free. You only pay when you want it live. Already have a site? Bring it in and we fill a template from it.