How to Get More Google Reviews

Google reviews help a nearby customer decide whether to call you or someone else. Most customers are willing to leave one. They just need to be asked at the right time and given an easy way to do it. This guide sets up that system in about 30 minutes. For the exact words to say, see How to Ask for a Google Review Without Feeling Awkward.

You need: a verified Google Business Profile, and a computer for the QR code step.

Step 1. Get your review link and QR code

1. On a computer, go to business.google.com and open your profile.
2. Select Read reviews, then the share icon labeled Get more reviews.
3. To copy the link, click the copy icon. To save the QR code, right-click it and choose Save image as.

Google says QR codes can only be made on a computer. Save the link in your phone's notes or as a text shortcut so you can paste it in seconds. Google's page is Create a Google link or QR code to request reviews.

Step 2. Put it where customers already are

Pick two or three of these, not all of them:

• A text sent right after the job or visit, with the link.
• A line on the receipt or invoice, with the QR code.
• A small sign at the counter, checkout or front desk with the QR code.
• A card with the QR code left at the end of a job.
• The bottom of your email signature.

Step 3. Ask at the right moment

Ask soon after something good happens: a customer thanks you, a job wraps up, a regular says "that was great." Waiting weeks means the moment has passed. Ask every customer, not just the ones you expect to be happy. Google's policy does not allow selectively soliciting positive reviews, and it does not allow discouraging negative ones.

Step 4. Reply to every review

Replying shows future customers someone is paying attention. Keep it short, polite and specific, and thank the person. For a three line formula and how to handle a bad review, see How to Answer a Google Review, Good or Bad.

Step 5. Keep your listing accurate

A wrong hour or phone number can turn a good customer into an annoyed one before they walk in. If someone shows up to a locked door because your Google hours do not match your website, you may get a bad review for something you could have prevented. See Check Your Hours Before the Holidays.

Step 6. Never buy, fake or reward reviews

Google's policy bans reviews written in exchange for money, discounts, free products or any other reward. It says content posted because of such an incentive is removed, and it expects reviews to reflect a genuine experience. Fake reviews put your listing at risk, and customers notice them. Ask honestly and let the results be honest.

Step 7. Turn it into a weekly habit

Reviews add up when asking and replying become routine. Once a week:

1. Count how many reviews you got and write the number down.
2. Reply to any you have not answered.
3. Ask yourself which of your two or three request spots is working best, and use that one more.

After a month, the numbers will tell you where reviews come from. For a short routine that covers this and more, see Check Your Own Marketing in 30 Minutes a Week.

Check your work

• You can find your review link and QR code in under a minute.
• You have asked at least three customers this week.
• Every review has a reply.
• Nobody has been offered anything in return for a review.

If you would rather hand this off

Asking happens at your counter or after a job, so that part stays with you. The replies are what we take off your plate, in your business's own voice, and we never write or invent reviews. See our review response service, or get started.