If you’re a small business owner looking to stand out online, Google reviews can make a huge difference. Reviews don’t just build trust with potential customers. They also influence where your business shows up in local Google search results. In fact, businesses with more positive reviews tend to rank higher and attract more clicks.
So how can you get more Google reviews without sounding desperate or pushy?
At 1 BIG WEB Design Marketing And Consulting, we help business owners grow their visibility on Google every day, and here’s a simple guide to help you do the same.
1. Ask at the Right Time
Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a review is right after your customer has had a positive experience. This could be after a service is completed, a product is delivered, or a problem is successfully resolved. If they’re smiling, that’s your moment.
Tip: Ask in person, through a follow-up email, or in a thank-you text message. Keep it natural and appreciative.
2. Make It Easy
Don’t expect customers to go hunting for your Google profile. Instead, give them a direct link to your review page.
You can generate a direct link to your Google review page and include it in:
- Email signatures
- Receipts or invoices
- Follow-up messages
- Your website and social media bios
A simple “We’d love your feedback! Please leave us a quick review” goes a long way.
3. Incentivize… Carefully
While you can’t offer rewards or discounts in exchange for reviews (that’s against Google’s guidelines), you can run general promotions that encourage engagement.
Example:
“We love hearing from our customers! Leave us a review to help us serve you better.”
This way, you’re encouraging feedback without crossing any ethical or policy lines.
4. Respond to Every Review
Replying to both positive and negative reviews shows that you care and are actively engaged with your audience. This builds trust and can even turn unhappy customers into loyal ones.
Also, when potential customers see that you’re responsive, they’re more likely to leave a review of their own.
5. Train Your Team to Ask
If you have staff interacting with customers, train them to politely request reviews after positive experiences. A quick:
“Hey, we’d really appreciate a quick Google review” can plant the seed.
Make sure your team knows where the link is and how to share it.
6. Display Reviews on Your Website
When visitors see other happy customers on your website, it reinforces social proof. It also subtly encourages them to leave their own reviews if they become customers.
You can embed your Google reviews on your site or use a plugin to showcase them automatically.
7. Be Consistent (Not Pushy)
Don’t send one blast asking for 20 reviews in a day. Google may see that as suspicious. Instead, build it into your everyday customer follow-up. Slow and steady wins the race here.
Final Thoughts
Getting more Google reviews takes a little intention, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on providing great service, making it easy for happy customers to leave feedback, and showing appreciation when they do.
If you need help creating a review request strategy or adding review links and widgets to your website, 1 BIG WEB Design Firm is here to help.
We specialize in helping local businesses stand out on Google and build trust online.
Want more customers to find and trust your business?
Let’s talk.
