Have you ever thought about how to get more Google reviews without paying for ads or review services?
I get it—collecting reviews is not an overnight task, and not the most pleasant one.
Over the years, I’ve worked with countless local business owners in the States, and they all face the same challenge.
You know reviews are important, but chasing customers for feedback can feel pushy, frustrating, or even impossible. You’ve probably tried everything from gentle reminders to emails and social media posts, yet nothing seems to work.
Here’s the good news: After years of helping businesses gather tons of positive reviews, I’ve created a simple 8-step process.
In this post, I’ll breakdown my strategy that will take your Google Business Profile from lacking reviews to racking up hundreds—naturally.
So let’s get started!
Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Business ?
When it comes to growing your business, Google reviews are like the foundational pillars. For local businesses like restaurants, cafes, spas, salons, etc., this becomes more crucial.
Let’s understand why:
Reviews Build Customer Trust
In this digital economy, consumers look at reviews before engaging with businesses locally.
Did you know 79% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations?
Think about it, when potential customers are searching for a service or product, they’re more likely to trust the experiences of others over any ad you could run.
The more reviews you collect, the more your business looks credible and reliable.
Boost Your Local SEO and Online Visibility (Without Paid Ads)
Many business owners don’t realize how much Google reviews affect local SEO. Google rewards businesses with positive, consistent reviews by giving them higher visibility in local search results and on Google Maps.
This above image shows the spa’s ranking for “best spas near me in California, US”. All this is the power reviews and local SEO.
More reviews mean better chances of ranking higher, without spending a dime on ads. It’s an easy win for any local business.
Read more → How to Optimize Your Business for Local SEO
Reviews Act as Social Proof to Increase Conversions
Social proof is a powerful thing. Positive reviews act as that proof, reassuring potential customers that others trust your business.
When people see that others have had a great experience with you, they’re more likely to choose you over the competition. It’s simple; more reviews translate into more customers.
Here are some things you also should know:
Reviews Give You Direct Feedback on Your Customer Experience
Reviews are like free feedback straight from your customers. They give you a chance to see what’s working and what might need improvement.
Taking the time to listen to your customers can lead to small changes that make a big difference to the service you offer.
Now that you know why Google reviews are a must-have, let’s jump into my 8-step process to get more Google reviews organically.
8 Proven Steps to Get More Google Reviews Quickly
Before we discuss the strategies, I highly recommend checking out this helpful video from Google. Trust me, watching it will set a solid foundation for all the review strategies we’re about to discuss.
Now that you’re all set up and ready, let’s dive into the steps to start getting more Google reviews for your business.
Ask Customers Directly
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to get more Google reviews is to ask your customers directly.
I know, it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many businesses overlook this. But here, timing is the key. Asking at the right moment can make all the difference.
The best time to ask for a review is immediately after a successful transaction—when the customer is already happy with your service or product. This is when you’ve got them at their peak satisfaction, and the chance of getting a positive review is much higher.
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. A friendly, in-person request works wonders. A simple, “I’m so glad you had a great experience today! If you don’t mind, would you consider leaving us a Google review? It really helps others find us.” That’s it.
According to a study by Harvard Business Review, businesses that ask for reviews within 48 hours of a transaction see the highest response rates. So, don’t wait too long after a service, strike while the iron’s hot!
Simplify the Review Process with Direct Links & QR Codes
Making it easy for customers to leave reviews is key. The simpler you make the process, the more likely they are to follow through. Here’s how you can simplify things for them:
- Use Direct Google Review Links:
Share a link that takes customers directly to your review page. No searching, no fuss. You can always shorten the long links to make them more compelling and not feel like spam. 😅
Example: Leave a Google Review
- QR Codes:
You can use tools like Krofile to generate QR code for your business profile. It’s easy to generate and lets customers scan a code to leave a review on the spot. They can scan and leave reviews directly on your Google Business Profile, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook page.
- NFC Tags:
Like QR codes, NFC tags make the process even easier. Customers just tap their phones to leave a review.
Include a Google Review Link in Your Email Signature
One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to collect reviews is by adding a Google review link to your email signature. It’s simple, passive, and works 24/7, every time you send an email, you’re asking for a review.
- Add a clear CTA in your email signature like:
“Enjoyed our service? Please leave a Google review here!”
- Keep it simple:
Use a short and easy-to-click link, like Leave a Review.
Or use a button like “Leave a Review” to make it more eye-catching.
By including this small change, you create a seamless way for customers to leave feedback, every time you communicate.
Create a Short and Engaging “How to Review” Video
Sometimes, customers need a little guidance on how to leave a review. That’s where a short, engaging “how-to” video can make all the difference. It’s an easy way to show them exactly how to leave a review on Google, and it can significantly increase the chances of them following through.
- Keep it under 2 minutes: No one has the time for a long video. Keep it concise and to the point.
- Show the process step by step: Walk them through the entire process—from finding your business on Google to writing and submitting the review.
- Make it friendly and simple: Don’t overcomplicate things. Use simple language and a calm, welcoming tone to guide them.
Look at this Reel from Paisani Food Truck: How to ask for review
I’ve found that videos with a personal touch work best. If you can, add a quick introduction where you thank your customers for their support and mention how their review will help the business grow.
When people see you genuinely care, they’re more likely to follow through.
Launch Targeted Email Campaigns to Ask for Reviews
Emails are a great way to reach out to customers and ask for reviews, but I know not every local business has the time to manage these manually.
Here’s the good news: You can always automate your email campaigns with tools like Mailchimp or SendinBlue. Set up an automated email sequence that asks for reviews after a transaction and you are good to go.
Let’s say you own a local coffee shop. After a customer’s purchase, you can set up an automatic email that goes out the next day, asking them to leave a Google review. Keep the message simple:
“Hi [Customer Name], we hope you enjoyed your coffee! We’d love to hear your thoughts—could you spare a minute to leave us a Google review? Your feedback means a lot to us!”
This is an easy way to request reviews without lifting a finger after the setup.
Keep Your Google Business Profile Regularly Updated
An up-to-date Google Business Profile is essential for attracting reviews and building trust. When your profile is complete and accurate, customers are more likely to interact with it—and leave reviews.
- Accuracy matters:
Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are correct. This is basic, but it’s also what customers expect.
- Add photos and posts:
Google loves fresh content. Upload new photos of your products, services, or team. Post updates about your business—special offers, new products, or events.
- Respond to customer queries:
When potential customers see that you’re active and engaged, they’ll feel more comfortable leaving a review.
A complete and regularly updated profile not only attracts reviews but also helps your business rank better in Google Search and Google Maps. I’ve seen businesses with updated profiles move up the search results, naturally attracting more customers and reviews.
Run Genuine Promotions (Without Violating Google’s Policies)
Running promotions can be an effective way to encourage reviews—but it’s important to stay within Google’s guidelines. You cannot offer incentives for a specific review rating, like paying for a 5-star review.
That’s a big no-no. 🙅♂️
However, you can run promotions that encourage reviews without crossing any lines.
Here’s how you can do it the right way:
- Example 1: Discounts for Leaving a Review (without specifying rating)
A local gym might offer a 10% discount on next month’s membership for customers who leave a review. But they don’t say, “Leave a 5-star review for a discount.” The offer is for any review, positive or constructive feedback.
- Example 2: Free Gift or Entry into a Prize Draw
A local bakery might offer a free cookie or entry into a prize draw for anyone who leaves a review. Again, they don’t tie the giveaway to a specific rating, just submit a review.
- Example 3: Event Tickets or Exclusive Offers
A local spa could offer exclusive event invites or special deals for customers who leave a review. This doesn’t guarantee any rating, just that the customer takes the time to share their experience.
Listen to this Alex Hormozi’s tactic of giving away merchandise for reviews: (https://dexa.ai/clip?sids=chunk_3603184 )
Be transparent. Make it clear that the promotion is not dependent on the review’s rating. Google wants reviews to be authentic, not influenced by rewards.
Respond to Existing Reviews Promptly and Professionally
Respond to your existing Google reviews, whether positive or negative. It shows that you care about your customers. It not only helps build trust, but it also encourages more people to leave reviews when they see you’re actively engaging with feedback.
But why does it matter?
When you respond to reviews quickly, customers feel valued. Positive reviews get a “thank you” while negative reviews get a solution. This builds a reputation for great customer service and shows you care about improvement.
Here are some best practices for positive reviews:
- Thank the customer for their feedback.
- Acknowledge specifics in their review. If they loved a particular service, mention it!
- Invite them back: “We’d love to see you again soon!”
Let’s take a look at this example:
“Thank you so much for your kind words, Sarah! We’re so happy you enjoyed your coffee. We look forward to serving you again soon!”
But what if you got negative reviews? Then what would you do? Here’s my mantra:
- Stay calm and professional.
- Acknowledge their concerns and apologize.
- Offer a solution if possible and invite them to discuss it further offline.
For example:
“We’re really sorry to hear about your experience, John. We take your feedback seriously. Please DM us so we can make this right.”
How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Restaurants?
Getting Google reviews for your restaurant might seem like a challenge, but with the right steps, it’s totally doable. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Ask Customers Directly
Timing is everything! After serving a customer, ask them for a review while they’re still enjoying their meal. A simple, “We hope you had a great experience today! If you’re happy with your meal, would you mind leaving us a review on Google?” can work wonders. I’ve seen restaurants get a nice bump in reviews just by asking at the right moment.
Example: A local diner I worked with started asking customers for reviews at the end of every meal, and within a month, their reviews doubled.
- Use QR Codes on Menus or Receipts
QR codes are a game-changer. Print one directly on your menu or receipt that links to your Google review page. It’s a simple way to make it easy for customers to leave feedback.
- Follow Up with Email or Text
After they’ve dined, send a friendly thank-you note via email or text and include a direct link to your Google review page. Tools like Krofile can automate this for you, so you’re not lifting a finger.
- Incentivize Reviews (The Right Way)
A small thank-you gift—like a free dessert or a discount on their next meal—can encourage customers to leave a review. Just make sure it’s for the act of leaving a review, not for a specific rating. This keeps you in line with Google’s guidelines.
- Train Your Staff to Ask
Your staff is your secret weapon. When they ask for reviews in a friendly, casual way, it feels more natural. Encourage them to ask after customers are happy with their meals.
- Use Social Media and Website Links
Add a Google review link to your website and social media channels. You’d be surprised how many people will leave a review if you just remind them!
By following these simple steps, you’ll make the review process easy for your customers. Stay consistent and responsive, and watch your reviews grow!
Real-Life Examples & Case Studies of Businesses Getting More Google Reviews
Here are some real-life examples of businesses that successfully increased their Google reviews:
1. Vinetrekker (Wine Tour Business in Melbourne):
Vinetrekker, a Melbourne-based wine tour company, experienced a remarkable 900% increase in reviews. Recognizing the shift from international to domestic tourism, they focused on gathering Google reviews to enhance their online presence.
By implementing strategies such as providing QR codes linked directly to their Google review page and encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences, they achieved this impressive growth.
2. The Storage Mall:
The Storage Mall, a self-storage facility, saw a 38% click-through rate to their Google review page. They achieved a 100% merchant response rate and an 80% automation rate in their review collection process.
By automating feedback requests and simplifying the review process for customers, they significantly boosted their online reputation.
3. Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships:
This automotive group experienced a 180% increase in review volume within the first 30 days of implementing a new review generation strategy.
They combined automated feedback requests with a high-touch review response approach, leading to a 58% reduction in negative sentiment and the collection of 41 video testimonials over five months.
These success stories showcase that with targeted strategies and consistent effort, businesses can significantly increase their online reviews, leading to improved online visibility and customer trust.
Common Reasons You’re Not Getting Google Reviews (And How to Fix Them)
If you’re struggling to get more Google reviews from clients, you’re not alone. Here are some common reasons why this might be happening and how to fix them:
- You’re Not Asking for Reviews: Actively ask customers for reviews at the right time right after a positive experience. Make it easy with QR codes or direct review links.
- The Process Is Too Complicated: Simplify the process! Use QR codes or direct links to make leaving a review effortless for your customers.
- Customers Forget: Send a quick follow-up email or text thanking them for their business and asking for a review. Automate this process to make it hands-off.
- You’re Not Offering Enough Incentive: Offer small rewards like discounts on future visits (within Google’s guidelines). A little appreciation goes a long way.
- Negative Reviews Are Holding You Back: Respond to negative reviews professionally and quickly. Address concerns and show you care about your customers’ experience.
- Your Business Profile Isn’t Complete or Up to Date: Ensure your Google Business Profile is 100% accurate—this helps you show up more often in search results and encourages customers to leave reviews.
By tackling these issues, you’ll create a system that encourages more Google reviews and helps your business grow.
Start Collecting More Google Reviews!
Now that you have a clear roadmap to get more Google reviews, it’s time to take action! Whether it’s asking customers directly, simplifying the process with QR codes, or responding to reviews, each step helps build your online presence and attract more customers.
Don’t wait—start implementing these strategies today and watch your reviews grow. The more consistent you are, the more your reputation will soar.
For an even smoother review collection process, Krofile is a powerful digital business profile that helps businesses collect reviews effortlessly through QR/NFC tags, run promotions, and track performance with real-time analytics. Take control of your business’s online reputation today!
FAQs
1. How do I ask customers for Google reviews without being pushy?
The key is timing and simplicity. Ask for a review when customers are happy with your service, and keep it casual. A simple, “We’d love to hear your thoughts! Could you leave a quick review on Google?” makes the request feel natural and appreciative.
2. How can I get 100 reviews on Google?
Getting 100 reviews takes consistency. Ask for reviews after every positive interaction, make the process simple with QR codes or direct links, and follow up with customers via email or text. Over time, this steady approach will help you hit the 100-review mark.
3. Is it okay to offer incentives for Google reviews?
Google’s guidelines prohibit offering incentives for specific ratings, but you can encourage reviews by offering general rewards like discounts or future offers. Just make sure the incentive isn’t tied directly to the rating.
4. Should I buy Google reviews?
No, you should never buy Google reviews. Buying reviews is against Google’s guidelines and can lead to penalties, including the removal of your Google Business Profile. Focus on gathering organic reviews from real customers instead.
5. How often should I ask for reviews?
Consistency is key. Set up a process to ask for reviews after every positive interaction, whether in-person, via email, or through follow-up texts. The more you ask, the more reviews you’ll collect.
