Reviews influence whether people choose you, and they matter for Google's local results. The good news: most happy customers are willing to leave a review. They just need to be asked, at the right time, in a way that takes seconds.
What not to do
Before the how, the rules. Each of these breaks Google's policies and can lead to reviews being removed or your profile being penalised:
- Buying reviews or using review services
- Writing reviews for yourself or asking staff and family to pose as customers
- Offering incentives such as discounts, prizes or freebies in exchange for reviews
- Review gating: only asking customers you think are happy, or filtering people through a survey first
1. Get your direct review link
In your Google Business Profile, find the option to ask for reviews and copy the short link. This takes customers straight to the review box.
2. Ask at the right moment
The best time is just after a good experience: when a job is signed off, an appointment ends well or a customer thanks you. Make it part of your routine, not something you remember occasionally.
3. Make it effortless
- Send the link by text or email after each job or visit
- Add it to invoices, receipts and email signatures
- Put a QR code at your counter or on a card you leave behind
4. Keep the request short and personal
For example:
Thanks again for choosing us, Sarah. If you were happy with the work, a quick Google review would really help a small local business like ours: [link]
5. Reply to every review
- Positive: thank them by name and mention what they liked.
- Negative: stay calm, acknowledge the issue, avoid arguing in public and offer to sort it out directly. Future customers judge you by how you handle problems.
- Fake or abusive: report it through your Google Business Profile if it breaks Google's policies.
Where to put your review link
- After each job or appointment: a short text or email is the most effective place.
- Email signature: a small "Happy with our service? Leave us a review" link.
- Invoices and receipts: a line and QR code at the bottom.
- Website: a link on your contact or testimonials page.
- Social media: an occasional gentle reminder, especially after a busy period.
6. Be patient and consistent
A steady routine produces far more reviews than a one-off push, and a steady flow of recent reviews looks more trustworthy than a burst from years ago.
If you'd like help setting up a routine and replying to reviews, see our Google Business Profile service, which includes reviews.
