Reviews guide
How to get more Google reviews, the simple way
Updated November 1, 2026
Reviews help you rank in the map pack and help customers pick you once they see you. Most businesses don't lack happy customers; they lack a habit of asking. This guide sets up a simple routine that brings in a steady flow of reviews without breaking Google's rules.
Get your direct review link
In your Google Business Profile, find the option to ask for reviews and copy the link. It opens the review box directly, which removes most of the friction. Save it somewhere your whole team can use it, and make a QR code for in-person asks.
Ask at the right moment
The best time is when the customer is happiest: right after the job is finished, the problem is fixed, or they've thanked you. Ask in person first if you can, then send the link by text or email the same day. A short, personal message works better than a generic template.
- "Thanks again for having us out today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review really helps a small business like ours: [link]"
- "Glad we could get that sorted for you. Would you mind sharing how it went on Google? [link]"
Make it a routine, not a campaign
A burst of reviews followed by months of silence looks less natural, and recency matters to customers. Build asking into how every job ends: the technician asks on site, the office sends the link that evening, and one friendly reminder goes out a few days later if needed.
Reply to every review
Thank people by name for positive reviews, and mention the service if it fits naturally. Reply to negative reviews calmly: acknowledge, apologise where appropriate, and offer to sort it out offline. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews themselves.
What never to do
These break Google's policies and can get reviews removed or your profile restricted:
- Don't offer discounts, gifts or entries into draws in exchange for reviews.
- Don't ask only happy customers through a filter ("review gating"); ask everyone.
- Don't buy reviews or have staff and family post them.
- Don't set up review stations that send many reviews from the same device at your premises.
Questions
How many Google reviews do I need?
There's no magic number. Compare yourself with the businesses in the map pack for your main search and aim to match or beat their count and recency over time.
Can I remove a bad review?
Only if it breaks Google's policies (for example spam, conflicts of interest or offensive content). Otherwise, reply professionally; a good reply often helps more than removal.
Do keywords in reviews help ranking?
Reviews that naturally mention the service and town can help Google connect you with those searches. Don't ask customers to use specific words.
Should I ask for reviews on other sites too?
Google matters most for local search, but reviews on industry sites and Facebook also build trust and can be cited by AI assistants.
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