In our world of digital transparency, Google reviews have become a crucial currency for service brands, shaping not just a business’s online reputation but its very survival. For many of us, the first thing we do when we need a service, whether it’s home services, a new dentist, or a mechanic — is a Google search. In fact, 81% of consumers turn to Google reviews when evaluating local businesses. As consumers increasingly rely on online feedback to make informed decisions, a lack of reviews can be as damaging as a string of negative ones. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards, if you know how to navigate the process. This guide offers practical tips for not just collecting more reviews, but using them strategically to build trust and propel your service brand forward.
Google reviews are user-generated feedback that customers leave on a business’s Google Business Profile. These reviews provide valuable insights into customer experiences and they’re one of the first things potential customers see when researching a business online.
When customers search for a local business on Google or navigate to it via Google Maps, the reviews appear alongside essential business information like contact details, location, and hours of operation. Not only do they help build trust and influence purchasing decisions but Google reviews also play a significant role in local SEO. The more positive reviews a business accumulates, the more likely it is to appear higher in search rankings, boosting visibility and driving traffic to your business.
Getting more Google reviews doesn’t have to be difficult. By applying a series of simple yet effective best practices, you can create a consistent flow of feedback from satisfied customers.Â
Here are 16 actionable tips for review generation:Â
Start by ensuring your Google My Business Profile is fully optimized. Complete business listings are more likely to be noticed by customers and Google’s algorithms. Include essential information like your business name, location, phone number, and hours of operation. Also ensure your business category is accurate, as this helps Google match you with relevant searches.
Double-check that all your business details are correct and regularly updated. Inaccurate or outdated information can frustrate potential customers and deter them from leaving reviews. Consistent details across Google and other online platforms also help boost your local SEO.
Visuals are powerful tools for attracting customers. Upload high-quality images of your products, services, and staff to your Google Business Profile. These make your profile more engaging and they give potential customers a better idea of what to expect from your business, increasing their likelihood of leaving a review.
Timing is key when asking for public reviews. The best time to request feedback is when customers are most satisfied, usually right after a positive experience. Whether they’ve received excellent service, enjoyed a product, or had a great interaction with your team, these moments are ideal for prompting reviews.
Automate the process of asking for reviews by sending follow-up emails or SMS messages after a customer interaction. Tools like customer experience management platforms, email marketing software or CRM systems can send out timely, personalized requests for feedback, making it easier to stay on top of review collection.
Reputation management software can help you manage and streamline your review collection efforts. These platforms allow you to track, respond to, and request reviews more efficiently, ensuring a consistent flow of positive feedback while keeping negative reviews in check.
Make it easy for customers to leave a review by providing a direct link to your Google Business Profile. This link can be included in email newsletters, social media posts, or receipts. The simpler the process, the more likely customers are to take the time to share their thoughts.
If you have a physical storefront or office, consider using QR codes that lead directly to your Google review page. Place these codes on receipts, and business cards, or display them in-store. Customers can simply scan the code with their phone to leave a review on the spot.
While it’s important to follow Google’s policies, offering incentives for reviews can encourage participation. Consider providing a small reward like a discount on a future purchase or entry into a giveaway. Just be sure to avoid offering incentives in exchange for positive reviews, as this can lead to penalties.
Your team plays a crucial role in gathering reviews. Train your staff to ask for reviews at the right moment — whether that’s after a successful service, a product purchase, or a customer interaction. Make review requests feel natural and part of the overall experience.
A simple and effective way to encourage reviews is by adding a call-to-action (CTA) in your email signature. Each time you or your team send an email, the recipient will see a reminder to leave a review. This small touch can significantly increase the number of reviews you collect.
Use your social media channels to share positive reviews, showing potential customers the value you provide. When you highlight customer feedback and key testimonials, you build trust and encourage others to share their experiences. Social media platforms can also serve as a great way to remind followers to leave reviews.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by embedding a review request on your website or in your customer portals. This provides a quick and convenient way for happy customers to provide feedback without having to search for your business profile.
Don’t let great reviews go unnoticed. Celebrate your customers by showcasing their positive feedback in your marketing materials, showcasing it on your website, social media, or email newsletters. This shows appreciation and reinforces the value of sharing a review.
Incorporate customer reviews into your company’s key performance indicators (KPIs) and internal goals. By tracking review growth and making it a focus for the team, you’ll encourage a culture of excellence and customer-centricity that can drive more positive reviews over time.
One of the most effective ways to get more Google Reviews (or other review sites like Trustpilot, G2, Yelp, etc.) is to deliver an experience so awesome that your customers just have to tell the world about it. To do that, you must invest in your customer experience — that is collecting, analyzing, and acting on internal customer feedback, engaging your frontline teams, and creating a culture of customer obsession and self-improvement.Â
By following these actionable tips, business owners can create an environment that fosters ongoing customer feedback and enhances online presence. Getting more Google reviews isn’t just about quantity, it’s about building relationships, understanding your customers, and continually improving their experience with your business.
If you’re reading this, you likely already know that Google reviews play a crucial role in shaping your business’s online presence. But it’s worth revisiting why these reviews are so impactful. Below are a few key reasons why Google reviews are essential to your business’s success.
Studies show that a large percentage of consumers turn to Google reviews before making a purchase. Positive reviews can sway potential customers, providing them with the social proof they need to trust your business over your competitors. When people see others having great experiences, they’re more likely to buy from you.
Google reviews are a major factor in local search engine optimization (SEO). The quantity, quality, and recency of reviews can directly influence how high your business ranks in local search results. More reviews can give you an edge over competitors, increasing your visibility and making it easier for new customers to find you.
In a world where authenticity is everything, reviews offer transparency about your products or services. Customers trust reviews from real people far more than traditional advertising, as they provide insight into the actual customer experience. Google reviews are a powerful tool in building this trust and enhancing your brand reputation.
Google reviews provide invaluable feedback that can guide business improvements. Whether positive or negative, reviews give you a clear view of customer perceptions and experiences. This feedback can highlight areas of excellence and identify aspects of your service that need attention, helping you continually improve your offerings.
Engaging with your Google reviews is a key part of building trust and demonstrating that you genuinely value your customer’s feedback. When you respond to reviews, you show your customers that their opinions matter, which fosters loyalty and encourages others to leave their own feedback. In fact, 93% of consumers expect businesses to respond to their reviews, so it’s crucial to make it a priority. Below are several best practices to help you effectively manage and respond to Google reviews.
Timely responses to both positive Google and negative reviews is a crucial part of review management. Responding quickly shows customers that you are engaged and ready to listen while maintaining professionalism ensures your reputation remains intact. Even when dealing with negative feedback, staying calm and courteous is key to diffusing tension and showcasing your commitment to service.
Once you’ve responded to a review, follow up with the customer if necessary to resolve any issues or acknowledge improvements. This reinforces the idea that you’re actively working to improve based on their feedback. Closing the feedback loop is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Your frontline staff, whether in sales, customer service, or support, often have the most direct interaction with your customers. By giving them the tools and training to respond to reviews effectively, you ensure that your business's voice is consistent and aligned with your customer experience goals. Encourage staff to engage with reviews and provide them with the authority to address customer concerns when needed.
Not all reviews are created equal, and not all feedback is actionable in the same way. Segmenting reviews based on factors like customer satisfaction, specific service areas, or product categories can help you identify trends and focus on areas that need attention. By organizing reviews into categories, you can take a more strategic approach to addressing customer feedback.
Bad reviews, while tough to read, can be some of the most valuable feedback you receive. They often highlight areas of your business that need improvement. Instead of brushing them off or becoming defensive, use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Address the concern politely, offer a solution or an explanation, and if applicable, invite the customer to contact you directly for further discussion. This approach not only resolves the issue at hand but can also win back customers who may have been upset.
Getting more Google reviews doesn’t have to be a complex or time-consuming task. AskNicely simplifies the process by automating review requests, helping you collect valuable customer feedback consistently and efficiently. By integrating with your existing systems, AskNicely ensures that review requests are sent at the right time, when customers are most satisfied with your service. This timely and personalized approach can increase the likelihood of customers leaving positive reviews on Google.
Since implementing AskNicey’s review request, Simon Eden, Customer Service Manager, reports a substantial improvement in their Trustpilot score, jumping from 3.9 to 4.4 in just a few weeks.Â
"It's been a great success, and our score is rising daily," he notes.
Learn more about the AskNicely review request feature here.Â
