If you’re a local business, Google reviews aren’t just a nice-to-have – they’re a must-have. Whether you’re running a dental practice, managing a landscaping firm, or opening a trendy new café, your potential customers are reading reviews before making decisions.
And the data backs it up – over 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business, and nearly 60% only consider businesses with 4+ star ratings. Google reviews don’t just build trust – they also directly impact your ranking in the Local Map Pack and local search results.
So, how do you get more reviews on Google without sounding desperate or being flagged for spammy behaviour? Let’s walk through five proven tactics to help you earn more 5-star feedback the right way.
1. Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile
Before you can get reviews, you need to make sure people can actually find where to leave them. That starts with your Google Business Profile (GBP). If you haven’t already claimed your listing, do that now.
Once claimed, ensure:
- Your name, address, and phone number (this is called NAP) are correct
- You’ve added business hours, photos, and a description
- You’ve turned on messaging (optional, but helpful)
- You’re responding to any existing reviews
- You have set up the correct business categories and services
Pro tip: Your star rating shows before someone clicks into your business – so even just five good reviews can make a huge difference.
2. Make it ridiculously easy to leave a review
If customers don’t know where to leave a review or it takes more than two clicks, they’re far less likely to do it. Thankfully, Google lets you generate a direct link to your review form.
To get your custom Google review link:
- Go to your Google Business dashboard
- Click on ‘Get more reviews’
- Copy the short URL and add it to your emails, texts, website and social media
You can even create a QR code from the link and stick it on receipts, menus, packaging or signage – perfect for physical locations.
3. Ask – but do it at the right time
The best time to ask for a review is when someone is feeling happy with your service – so timing is everything.
Here’s when to ask:
- After a successful appointment or completed job
- After a customer has praised you in person
- After a customer repeats business or signs up for more
Ways to ask:
- In person: “Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps.”
- Email: “Thanks again for choosing us – here’s a quick link to leave a Google review if you’ve got 30 seconds.”
- SMS: Short and sweet, especially if you use appointment reminders
What not to do: Never offer incentives for reviews – it’s against Google’s policy and could get your listing penalised.
4. Automate the follow-up
Manually asking every customer for a review is a time sink. The fix? Automate it.
You can use email marketing tools or CRM software to:
- Send a review request after a service is completed
- Include a feedback link in your invoice emails
- Segment happy customers and target them with review requests
Tools like Birdeye, Podium, and NiceJob integrate directly with many booking and invoicing platforms – and they can help boost reviews by as much as 30%.
5. Respond to every review – even the bad ones
Getting reviews is just the first step. Replying to them shows both customers and Google that you’re active and engaged.
Why it matters:
- It builds trust and transparency
- It signals to Google that your business is credible and managed
- It can even turn a 3-star review into a 5-star one if handled well
Top tips for replies:
- Be timely – aim for 24–48 hours
- Be personal – use the customer’s name if possible
- Thank them, highlight what went well, and reinforce your brand values
- If it’s negative, stay calm and offer to resolve the issue offline
Final Thoughts
Google reviews are one of the most powerful free marketing tools for local businesses – but they don’t happen by accident. With the right systems in place, you can consistently generate authentic 5-star reviews that elevate your online reputation, boost local SEO, and bring in more customers.
Start small – claim your Google Business Profile, create your review link, and begin asking your happiest customers. Before long, you’ll have a glowing review page that does half the selling for you.
