How do I get more Google reviews for my business?

Who publishes this: OfficeStaff.ai helps Australian local businesses get found on Google, trusted through reviews and booked through their website and past customers.

Published 30 October 20264 minute read

By Greg Hamlyn. Part of our guide to Reputation.

The short answer

Ask every customer, the same way, every time, as the job finishes. Then send them your Google review link the same day, so it takes one tap.

Many happy customers never leave a review. Not because the job was bad. Because nobody asked them at the right moment, and then life got busy.

Fix the asking and the reviews follow. Here is how, and the shortcuts to stay away from.

Ask everyone, not just the happy ones

It is tempting to only ask the customers who smiled at you. Do not. Google's policy says a business must not selectively ask for positive reviews.

The ACCC, which enforces Australian Consumer Law, says leaving out negative reviews can be as misleading as posting fake ones.

Asking everyone is also what makes your reviews believable. A page with a couple of ordinary reviews among the good ones reads as real.

Want to see how your reviews stack up against the business down the road? Get your Free 3R check.

Ask at the right moment

The best time to ask is as the job finishes. The problem is fixed, the customer is relieved, and you are standing right there.

Say it out loud first: "If you were happy with the job, a Google review would really help us. I will send you the link." Then send it the same day, while they still remember your name.

Make it one tap

Google lets you share a review link or a QR code from your Business Profile. Use them. Nobody is going to search for your business and hunt for the review button.

Text the link, or put it in your invoice email. Print the QR code on a small card you can leave behind.

One thing to know: Google says a customer has to be signed in to a Google account to leave a review.

Use the same words every time

If the request is different every time, it depends on someone remembering. Write it once and use it for every job.

Example text: "Hi Sam, thanks for having us out today. If you have a minute, a Google review helps other locals find us. Here is the link. Thanks, Greg from Smith Plumbing."

Change the names and keep it that short. Send one reminder a few days later if they have not done it. Then leave it.

What not to do

Do not offer a discount, a prize draw or anything else for a review. Google bans incentives in exchange for reviews.
Do not ask how the job went and then only send the happy ones to Google. That is review gating, and Google's policy does not allow it.
Do not ask your staff, your family or your mates to review you. Google's policy does not allow reviews based on a conflict of interest, like current or former employment.
Do not write reviews yourself or pay anyone to. The ACCC says it is against the law for a business to create fake or misleading reviews, or to get others to.

Then reply to every one

Google says replying to reviews shows you value your customers' feedback. It also shows the next customer that somebody is home.

Good reviews need two friendly sentences. Bad ones need more care. See How do I respond to a bad Google review?

The full picture, from asking to replying to the rules, is on our Reputation page.

What this means for your business

Ask every customer as the job finishes, using the same words every time.
Send your Google review link or QR code the same day, with one reminder later.
Offer nothing in return, and never only ask the happy ones.
Reply to every review, good or bad.

About the author

Greg Hamlyn

Greg Hamlyn started out on the tools. He and his late wife Wendy then built their first business, from just him to a team of seven mechanics. He has been working with business owners since 2003. He co-founded OfficeStaff with Nick Lock to help Australian service businesses get more reviews, answer every customer and show up on Google. He will tell you if you are not a fit. Based on the Gold Coast.

How do I respond to a bad Google review?

Wait until you are calm, then thank them, own the part that is fair, and offer to sort it out by phone. What to write, what never to write, and what to do if it is fake.

Frequently asked questions

Can I offer a discount for a Google review?

No. Google bans offering incentives, like free or discounted goods or services, in exchange for reviews.

Where do I find my Google review link?

In your Google Business Profile. Google lets you share a review link or a QR code from there.

Does the customer need a Google account?

Yes. Google says a customer has to be signed in to a Google account to leave a review.

How many times should I ask?

Once as the job finishes, then one reminder a few days later. After that, leave it.

Can I ask past customers for reviews?

Yes, if you ask them all the same way and offer nothing in return. If you ask by text or email, the Spam Act applies, so read our answer on texting and emailing past customers first.