April 2nd, 2024 | 3 min. read
By Kim Kovelle
Ready to reach more customers? These marketing services help.
When you Google a business, the first thing you see is its Google Business Profile — along with its star rating and reviews.
Your prospects do the same. What will they find?
Believe it or not, 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
If your ratings are lacking, it can feel like an uphill climb. Luckily, there are nine proven ways to get more Google reviews — ethically and effectively.
Ready to Reach More Customers?
Connect with your best prospects — and drive more conversions — with a custom mix of digital ads, content, email, streaming ads, SEO, creative services and more.
Google reviews: Key facts
Before asking for reviews, understand how they work:
- Google says businesses with 5+ reviews can get twice as many customers.
- You can’t pay for or incentivize reviews. Never offer discounts or freebies in exchange.
- A mix of positive and negative reviews builds trust. Google prohibits asking only for positive reviews.
- Reviews with 100+ words get more visibility. Even a few sentences help!
- Reviewers need a Google or Gmail account. Consider helping customers set one up.
9 ways to get more Google reviews
Now that you’ve got the ground rules, it’s time to ask for those honest reviews! Remember: You’ll get some good and some bad, and it’s OK to have both. Plus, you can (and should) always respond to all reviews (more on that in point #7).
1. Create a Google review link
First, claim your Google Business Profile (GBP) by searching your business name, clicking “Claim this business,” and following the steps.
Then, grab your Google review link by clicking “Get your first review” or “Get more reviews” from your GBP dashboard.
2. Embed your review link in key places
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by adding your link:
- Your website: Add Google review buttons/widgets (a good spot is the footer).
- Email signatures: Include a hyperlink in team members’ sign-offs.
- Receipts/invoices: Use a QR code for quick access.
3. Create a dedicated review page on your website
A review page on your website can showcase top testimonials from Google, Yelp and Facebook. It also makes requesting reviews easier.
This helps boost your SEO and build credibility with potential customers. Here’s an example from a mortgage company in Illinois:
4. Send email requests to past customers
A direct email campaign is a great way to gather reviews. Timing is key:
- Immediate services (restaurants, salons): Ask within 24 hours.
- Short-term services (event planning, repairs): Ask in 1-3 days.
- Long-term projects (construction): Ask in 1-2 weeks.
- Ongoing services (therapy, coaching): Ask after a milestone or at set intervals.
As far as your email schedule, try this:
- The initial ask: Be polite, express gratitude and include the direct link.
- Follow-up (1-2 weeks later): A friendly reminder.
- Final follow-up (2-3 weeks later): Acknowledge their busy schedule and thank them.
- Then, let it go. Don’t overdo it.
5. Use social media engagement
Leverage social media to encourage reviews:
- Create engaging posts with testimonials or client success stories. Such as:
- Showcase your great reviews encourages others to leave their own. For example:
- Use free design tools like Canva to make eye-catching graphics.
- Limit direct submissions to once a month to avoid overwhelming your audience.
People tend to respond to authenticity on social media.
6. Promote review links in non-digital marketing
Include your Google review link or QR code on:
- Business cards
- Flyers and brochures
- Product packaging
- Event banners
7. Monitor and respond to reviews
Engaging with every review — good or bad — shows you value customer feedback.
✅ For positive reviews: Thank them for their time and kind words.
✅ For negative reviews: Acknowledge the issue, show empathy and offer a solution.
⛔ Never get defensive or argumentative.
For instance, here’s how an autism therapy provider responded to a positive review:
And how a home improvement company handed a negative review:
8. Make it easy and impactful
Customers are busy! So remind them that leaving a review is quick and valuable.
Provide simple step-by-step instructions, and use phrases like:
- “It only takes a minute, and it makes a big difference!”
- “Your feedback helps others and supports small businesses.”
You can also prompt them with questions to consider:
- What did you like most about our service?
- How did our team meet your needs?
- Would you recommend us to others?
9. Train your team to ask for reviews
Make sure your staff understands the importance of Google reviews and knows how to encourage them.
A simple script helps: “If you’re happy with our service today, we’d love a Google review. It only takes a few minutes, and it really helps us out!"
Next steps: Strengthening your digital reputation
Building Google reviews takes patience and consistency. You now have nine ethical, effective ways to boost your profile and engage customers.
Looking for expert support? Talk to us at Zoe Marketing & Communications. We can help you manage and optimize your online reputation.
Still refining your digital strategy? Check out:
Ready to Reach More Customers?
Connect with your best prospects — and drive more conversions — with a custom mix of digital ads, content, email, streaming ads, SEO, creative services and more.
