To get more reviews, you need to ask at the right time, make the process simple, showcase existing reviews, and respond to both positive and negative feedback to build trust.
Why Reviews Matter for Local Businesses
Reviews play an important role in helping local businesses get new customers and stand out in their community. Whether it’s a quick Google review or a detailed testimonial, customer feedback builds trust and improves your Google Business Profile, which can boost your visibility in local search rankings. In fact, many people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, making them a key part of any marketing strategy.
This guide will show you how to:
- Get more reviews for your business.
- Request reviews effectively.
We’ll also include a simple review request template based on proven psychological techniques to help you get more positive reviews on your Google review page and improve your business’s reputation.
Step 1: Make It Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews
The simpler it is for customers to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. Many people want to share their experience but won’t bother if the review process feels complicated. By removing friction, you’ll start getting more reviews effortlessly.
How to Simplify the Review Process:
- Create a direct Google review link using tools like Whitespark’s Google Review Link Generator.
- Add the link to your:
- Receipts
- Follow-up emails
- Business cards
- Website’s “Contact” or “Reviews” page.
- Use QR codes on in-store signs to let satisfied customers leave reviews with a quick scan. You can use a QR Code Generator for this.
Pro Tip: Add a button labeled “Leave a Review” to your Google Business Profile or website to get more customers to leave a review.
Making it easy not only increases the number of Google reviews you’ll receive but also ensures more positive reviews since happy customers are less likely to forget about their experience.
Step 2: Ask for Reviews at the Right Moment
Timing is everything when it comes to getting more positive reviews. The best time to ask is when the customer is feeling most satisfied—whether it’s right after a successful service, a completed purchase, or a positive interaction. Catching them in that moment of happiness makes them more likely to leave a glowing review.
How to Time Your Review Requests:
- In-person requests: Train your team to politely ask for a review after completing a service or sale.
- Follow-up emails or texts: Send a friendly review request within a few hours of the customer’s visit.
- Loyal customers: Regulars are often your best advocates. Ask them to share their experience.
Why Timing Matters:
According to Cialdini’s principle of Reciprocity, when customers feel they’ve received great value, they’re more likely to return the favor by leaving a review.
By asking strategically, you’ll increase your chances of getting more Google reviews and boosting your business’s reputation.
Step 3: Use Social Proof to Encourage More Reviews
People trust what others say about your business, and seeing existing Google reviews can inspire them to leave their own. This is the power of social proof—when customers see that others had a great experience, they’re more likely to share theirs too.
How to Leverage Social Proof:
- Display positive reviews on your website, especially on key pages like your homepage or service pages.
- Create a “What Our Customers Say” section in-store or on social media to showcase your best Google reviews.
- Share testimonials in your email newsletters or social media posts (with customer permission).
Pro Tip: Place a sign near your checkout or service desk that reads, “Join our happy customers by leaving a quick Google review!”
Highlighting your existing reviews not only encourages more reviews but also builds trust with potential customers, making it easier to attract new business.
Step 4: Offer Incentives Without Violating Guidelines
Offering a small incentive can motivate customers to leave a review, but it’s important to do this within the rules to avoid penalties from platforms like Google. The goal is to encourage honest reviews without making the customer feel pressured.
How to Offer Incentives Properly:
- Run a monthly raffle where customers who leave a review can win a small prize (e.g., a gift card or discount).
- Offer loyalty points for leaving a review, which customers can redeem on their next visit.
- Provide a freebie, like a small branded item, as a thank-you for their customer feedback.
Important Note:
Avoid directly offering rewards in exchange for positive reviews, as this can violate Google’s review guidelines. Focus on incentivizing honest feedback instead.
Pro Tip: Clearly communicate to your customers that reviews help improve your service and support the local community, which can encourage more Google business reviews.
By offering thoughtful incentives, you’ll see an increase in both review volume and more positive reviews.
Step 5: Respond to Every Review – Positive and Negative
Responding to customer reviews shows that you care about your customers’ experiences and value their feedback. Whether it’s a glowing review or constructive criticism, taking the time to reply builds trust and encourages more people to leave reviews.
How to Respond Effectively:
- Positive reviews: Thank the customer, mention specific details from their feedback, and let them know you appreciate their support.
- Example: “Thank you, Sarah! We’re thrilled you loved our service. Your kind words mean a lot to us!”
- Negative reviews: Stay professional, acknowledge their concerns, and offer a solution.
- Example: “We’re sorry to hear about your experience, John. Please contact us so we can make things right.”
Why Responses Matter:
Responding to reviews creates a sense of Consistency. Customers who see active engagement are more likely to trust your business and leave their own review. For negative reviews the goal will not be to win a customer back but to show potential new customers that you react to feedback and offer solutions if something is not working as expected.
Pro Tip: Respond to reviews promptly, ideally within 24 hours, to show you’re attentive and committed to customer satisfaction.
By managing both positive and negative reviews professionally, you’ll strengthen your business’s reputation and encourage more customer feedback over time.
Review Request Template to Get More Positive Customer Reviews
Requesting reviews doesn’t have to be complicated. A clear, friendly message can go a long way in encouraging customers to share their feedback. Use this simple template to ask for Google reviews and build trust with your audience.
Review Request Template:
Subject: “Thank You for Visiting [Business Name]!”
Body:
Hi [Customer Name],
Thank you for choosing [Business Name]! We hope everything went smoothly and that you’re happy with your experience.
We’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review. It helps us improve and shows other customers what to expect.
Click here to leave a review: [Insert Google Review Link]
Thank you for your support!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
Why This Works:
This template is short, polite, and easy to follow, making it more likely for customers to leave a review. By emphasizing their value and the importance of feedback, you’ll encourage more online reviews and improve your business’s reputation.
Note: This approach is inspired by the principles of Dr. Robert Cialdini, a renowned expert in persuasion and author of the best-selling book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. His research highlights how concepts like Reciprocity (feeling compelled to give back) and Social Proof (trusting others’ experiences) can increase the effectiveness of review requests. These proven techniques have been used by countless businesses to build trust and grow their customer base.
Conclusion: Start Getting More Reviews Today
Collecting Google reviews is one of the easiest ways to improve your local business visibility and build trust with potential customers. By following these five steps—making it simple, asking at the right time, using social proof, offering incentives, and responding to reviews—you’ll steadily grow your review count and strengthen your business’s reputation.
What’s Next?
- Start with small changes, like creating a Google review link and adding it to your follow-up emails.
- Train your team to ask satisfied customers for reviews in person.
- Use tools like Whitespark’s Google Review Link Generator to simplify the process.
The more proactive you are, the faster you’ll see results. Implement these strategies today and watch your Google reviews grow, leading to better local search rankings and a stronger connection with your community.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide and refer back to it whenever you need a boost in your review volume or want to refine your review request process.
