How To Get More Google Reviews For Your Business (And Why They Matter!)
Getting more Google Reviews requires an intentional and structured approach. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, making it easy for customers to leave feedback, and consistently engaging with reviews, you can build a strong online reputation that boosts your business. Implement these strategies and watch your credibility, SEO rankings, and customer trust grow!
How To Get More Google Reviews For Your Business (And Why They Matter!)
Customer reviews can make or break a business, especially in today’s digital landscape, where 98% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchasing decision. Google Reviews, in particular, are crucial for building credibility, improving search rankings, and increasing conversions. Yet, many small business owners struggle to generate positive feedback consistently.
In this post, we’ll discuss common pitfalls when setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP), share our own experiences, and provide actionable tips on how to get more Google Reviews for your business.
Common Pitfalls When Setting Up a Google Business Profile
Many businesses fail to optimize their Google Business Profile (GBP), which can lead to poor visibility and fewer reviews. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Incomplete Business Profile – Missing key information like hours of operation, services, website link, and business category can deter potential customers.
- Not Verifying Your Business – If your profile isn’t verified, it won’t appear in local searches, making it harder for customers to leave reviews.
- Ignoring Customer Reviews – Businesses that don’t engage with their reviews (positive or negative) lose credibility and trust.
- Lack of a Review Strategy – Many businesses wait for reviews to happen organically instead of proactively requesting them.
- Asking for Reviews in the Wrong Way – Google has policies on review solicitation, and violating them could lead to review removal.
Our Own Experiences
When we first started optimizing our Google Business Profile, we faced some challenges. Initially, we thought just having a listing would be enough to attract reviews, but we quickly realized that without a structured approach, we weren’t getting the engagement we needed.
Here’s what worked for us:
- Personalized Follow-Ups – We sent customized emails and texts thanking customers for their support and kindly asking for their feedback.
- QR Code Placements – Adding a QR code to invoices, email signatures, and business cards made it easier for customers to leave reviews.
- Incentive-Free Encouragement – While offering discounts for reviews is against Google’s policy, we emphasized the value of honest feedback and how it helps us improve.
- Timely Review Requests – Customers are more likely to leave reviews immediately after a positive interaction, so we requested feedback within 24 hours.
- Responding to Every Review – Engaging with all reviews (even negative ones) showed that we valued customer opinions.
How To Get More Google Reviews: Actionable Tips
1. Make It Easy for Customers
- Create a short, customized review link using Google’s review link generator and share it across your website, social media, and emails.
- Add a QR code on receipts, packaging, and signage that directs customers to your review page.
2. Train Your Team to Ask for Reviews
Your employees should know when and how to ask for reviews. If a customer expresses satisfaction, train your team to follow up with, “We’d love to hear about your experience—would you mind leaving us a Google review?”
3. Leverage Automated Email & SMS Campaigns
Use tools like Mailchimp or HubSpot to send follow-up emails requesting reviews from satisfied customers. If your business collects phone numbers, SMS reminders can also work well.
4. Feature Reviews on Your Website & Social Media
Highlight positive reviews on your website’s homepage, social media posts, and marketing materials to encourage others to leave feedback.
5. Respond to Every Review
Engage with every review to build credibility. Thank customers for positive reviews and address concerns from negative reviews professionally.
6. Run a Customer Appreciation Campaign
Host a giveaway or an event to celebrate your customers, encouraging them to share their experiences with your business on Google.
7. Be Consistent
Generating reviews should be an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. Regularly engage with customers and continue requesting feedback.
