For most businesses, online reviews play a huge role in building credibility and attracting new customers. These days, people look at reviews as a go-to for judging a company’s reliability, product quality, and customer service.
Positive Google reviews, in particular, are especially valuable because they not only appear in search results but also impact your business’s visibility online. If you’re looking to build trust, improve SEO, and gain valuable customer insights, getting more Google business reviews should be on your priority list.
Here are our recommendations for ways to get Google reviews:
- Make a Direct Ask
- Make it Easy With a Google Review Link
- Offer Incentives
- Follow Up With Customers
- Leverage Social Media
- Always Respond to Reviews
How Online Reviews Help Your Business
Online reviews play an important role in helping your business grow, build trust, and perform better in search results. When you gather authentic feedback from real customers, you not only increase your credibility but also gain insights into what’s working well and where there’s room to improve.
Customer Feedback Builds Trust
Potential customers are more likely to trust your business if they see existing Google reviews from other people who’ve had good experiences with you. Reviews act as social proof, showing that other customers found value and satisfaction with your products or services, which makes new customers feel confident in their choice.
In fact, research shows that many consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, so every positive review contributes to a stronger first impression. A steady stream of reviews also shows that you’re actively engaging with customers, which reinforces reliability and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential buyers.
Reviews Improve SEO Rankings
Google’s algorithm values authentic reviews and considers them as part of its local search ranking factors. This means that businesses with a strong collection of positive reviews on their Google Business profile are more likely to show up in the Google maps pack—a select group of businesses that appear at the top of search results for local queries.
The more reviews you accumulate, the better chance your business has of standing out to search engines, giving you an SEO boost. This will drive more organic traffic to your site, attracting potential customers who are actively looking for businesses like yours.
For e-commerce businesses, reviews can also enhance your SEO by creating valuable user-generated content that adds relevancy and authority to your listings. By integrating review management with other organic SEO services, you’ll build a stronger, more comprehensive approach to increasing traffic and attracting the right customers to your site.
Feedback Helps You Identify Areas for Improvement
One of the most valuable aspects of getting people to leave Google reviews is that they offer real insights into what’s working and where you might need to make adjustments. Positive feedback lets you know what customers love, so you can keep doing more of it. At the same time, constructive criticism highlights areas for improvement, which can be just as valuable.
By actively reading and responding to reviews, you can spot common themes or issues and make adjustments that lead to a better customer experience. When customers see that you’re listening and making changes based on their feedback, it strengthens their trust in your brand and shows a commitment to continuous improvement.
Ways to Get Google Reviews
Looking for ways to get more Google reviews? Here are six effective ways to encourage customers to leave feedback and help your business grow.
1. Make a Direct Ask
One of the most straightforward ways to get reviews is simply by asking. If you’ve just completed a transaction, helped a customer solve a problem, or had a positive interaction, use that moment to ask if they’d be willing to leave feedback. It doesn’t need to be a hard sell—just a friendly request. This can be done in person, over the phone, or through a follow-up email, depending on what feels natural.
You can say something like, “I’m glad we could help! If you’d be open to it, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps us reach more people looking for the same solution.” Often, customers are happy to leave feedback—they just need a gentle nudge.
2. Make it Easy With a Google Review Link
Sometimes, the hardest part of leaving a review is simply finding the right place to do it. To make things easier, create a Google review link that takes customers straight to your Google review page. This saves them time and effort, making them more likely to follow through. You can include this link in places like thank-you emails, on your website’s contact or checkout page, or in text message follow-ups if that suits your business. The simpler you make the process, the more likely it is that customers will leave feedback. A little convenience can go a long way in generating positive reviews.
3. Offer Incentives
Offering incentives can encourage customers to leave a review, but it’s important to follow Google’s guidelines. The goal is to thank them for their honest feedback—not to “buy” positive reviews. Consider small, simple gestures that show appreciation without pressuring customers.
Here are a few examples:
- Discount Codes: Offer a small discount on their next purchase, like 10% off or a $5 coupon.
- Entry into a Raffle: Enter customers who leave a review into a monthly raffle for a small gift card or product.
- Exclusive Content or Perks: Provide access to exclusive resources, like a downloadable guide or invite them to a special event.
- Loyalty Points or Rewards: If you have a loyalty program, offer bonus points as a thank-you for leaving a review.
4. Follow Up With Customers
A friendly follow-up can serve as a gentle reminder to leave a review. After a customer has made a purchase or used your service, send a thank-you email or message. Express your gratitude for their business, and, if appropriate, ask for their feedback in a natural way. People are often more inclined to write a review after a reminder, especially when they know you genuinely care about their experience.
Using Email Automation For Follow-Ups
Email automation can help you reach out to customers at just the right moment. With automated emails, you don’t have to remember to follow up with customers after a purchase, service, or positive interaction. It’s an easy way to increase the volume of reviews without requiring manual effort.
Automated emails are most effective when they’re personalized and friendly. A simple message thanking the customer for their purchase or asking for feedback shows that you value their opinion. Include a direct link to your Google review page to make the process hassle-free and more likely to result in action.
Here are a few tips for setting up an effective review request automation:
- Timing Is Key: Send review requests soon after the customer’s experience, ideally within a day or two, when the experience is still top of mind.
- Personalize the Message: Use the customer’s name and mention specifics of their purchase or service, which adds a personal touch. (There are ways to set your email system up to fill in this information automatically.)
- Use a Clear Call to Action: Make it easy by linking directly to your Google review page and encouraging customers to share their honest feedback.
5. Leverage Social Media
Social media is another powerful tool to increase visibility and encourage reviews. Use your platforms to remind customers to share their experiences by linking to your Google review page. Posting about positive reviews or even sharing a quick customer story can inspire others to leave their own feedback.
You can also ask followers directly, “Have you enjoyed our products? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a review on Google.”
6. Always Respond to Reviews
Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value your customers’ opinions and care about their experience. Taking the time to respond not only builds credibility but also encourages others to leave feedback, knowing that you’re actively engaged.
Responding to Positive Reviews
Acknowledge positive feedback by thanking customers and showing appreciation for their kind words. Personalize your responses, mention specific points from their review, and keep it friendly.
Responding to Negative Reviews
Negative reviews are inevitable, but they’re also an opportunity to show your commitment to improvement. Respond professionally and calmly, acknowledging the customer’s experience and offering a solution if possible. This shows that you care about making things right and are open to feedback, which can leave a positive impression—even with a negative review.
Turn Customer Feedback into Business Growth
Building a solid foundation of Google reviews helps you build genuine connections with your customers and use their feedback for growth. By making it easy for customers to leave reviews, showing appreciation for their input, and staying active in your responses, you’re building trust and improving your online presence. Embrace customer feedback as a tool for continuous improvement, and watch how positive reviews can drive new customers to your door and help your business thrive.
