How To Get Reviews For Your Google Business Profile in 2024

A question I often hear is, “How can I get more reviews on my Google Business Profile?” The answer is surprisingly straightforward and 100% actionable.

It just takes a few consistent habits to build and maintain. Here’s why gathering as many reviews as possible is essential, along with the steps to make it happen. Plus, tips on integrating it seamlessly into your daily business routines so it becomes second nature for you and your employees.

Having a well-rounded Google Business Profile (GBP) with authentic, positive reviews is one of the most powerful tools for small businesses to attract local customers. Google reviews don’t just boost your reputation—they can directly improve your search ranking and increase the likelihood of people clicking through to your website. Here’s how to get reviews that can make your profile stand out, build credibility, and ultimately grow your customer base.

Why Google Business Profile Reviews Matter

Google reviews influence almost every part of your digital presence. First, they’re a critical factor in Google’s local search algorithm, which determines how your business ranks when someone searches for services like yours.

Second, reviews act as social proof, validating your business in the eyes of potential customers. In fact, 97% of people read online reviews for local businesses before deciding where to shop, dine, or hire services (BrightLocal - https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/).

A profile filled with positive, detailed reviews is an instant trust signal.

Preparing Your Business for Customer Reviews

Before diving into asking for reviews, make sure your business is set up to attract them naturally.

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile: Ensure your profile is accurate, up-to-date, and fully optimized with high-quality photos, business hours, and a detailed description of your services. Having a complete profile increases the likelihood of people leaving a review.
   
2. Deliver Outstanding Service: Reviews start with a great customer experience. When you go above and beyond, customers are much more likely to take the time to share their experience online. Train your staff to make customer satisfaction a priority and to encourage feedback after positive interactions.

3. Create a Review-Friendly Culture: Consider making reviews part of your customer service process. If you have a customer feedback system in place, asking for a Google review should be the natural next step.

Best Practices for Asking for Reviews

Now that you’ve set the stage, it’s time to actively ask for reviews. Here are several methods you can use.

A. In-Person Requests

One of the simplest and most effective ways to ask for a review is right after a successful service or transaction. Here’s how to approach it:

• Be direct and polite: After a positive interaction, say something like, “If you enjoyed our service, we’d be grateful if you left us a quick review on Google. It really helps other customers find us.”
• Empower your team: Train employees to ask for reviews after completing services or making sales. Customers who feel a strong, positive connection with your team members are more likely to leave feedback.

B. Follow-Up Emails

Sending follow-up emails to recent customers is another effective way to gather reviews.

• Send the email within 24-48 hours: Timing is crucial. The sooner you reach out after their experience, the higher the chances of a review.
• Keep it simple and polite: Make your email short and to the point. Include a direct link to your Google review page, which we’ll explain how to create shortly.

C. Using SMS and Messaging Apps

Text message requests can feel more personal and are great if you know your customers prefer SMS communication.

• Be brief and include a link: A simple message like “Thank you for visiting! We’d appreciate it if you shared your experience with a quick review [link].”
• Use a CRM or scheduling tool: If you regularly follow up with customers via text, consider using a CRM that allows for automated, personalized review requests.

D. Printed Material

If you have a physical store or send out receipts, use printed materials to ask for reviews.

• Use QR codes: QR codes that link directly to your review page are easy for customers to scan and use. Place them on receipts, business cards, or in-store signage.
• Review request cards: Hand out small cards that politely ask for a review. Customers can keep these as reminders and scan them when they’re ready.

Creating a Review Link for Your Google Business Profile

One of the best ways to ensure customers follow through on your request is by providing a direct link to your review page.

1. Open Your Google Business Profile: Go to your Google Business dashboard https://www.google.com/business/ and log in.
   
   
2. Go to the ‘Get More Reviews’ Section: In your GBP dashboard, look for an option to “Share Review Form” or “Get More Reviews.”
   
   
3. Copy Your Review Link: Google will provide a unique link for your business. Share this link with customers via email, text, or on social media.

Pro Tip: Shorten the link using a tool like Bitly -https://bitly.com/ for a cleaner, more user-friendly URL.

Incentivizing Reviews Legally and Ethically

Google has strict guidelines about incentivized reviews, so proceed with caution. Never offer direct incentives for positive reviews. However, there are ethical ways to encourage reviews without influencing the content.

• Offer a Raffle or Prize Draw: Hold a monthly prize draw for customers who leave a review. As long as you’re not requiring a positive review, this is generally acceptable.
• Loyalty Program Points: If you have a loyalty program, offer a small amount of points for leaving a review. Be sure it’s clear that all reviews are welcome, positive or critical.

For a deeper look into Google’s guidelines on incentivized reviews, check Google’s Review Policy.

Leveraging Social Media and Email Campaigns for Reviews

Don’t just rely on one channel to gather reviews—use social media and email to remind customers.

• Promote Your Review Link on Social Media: Periodically post on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, asking customers to leave a review. You could use a caption like, “Your feedback helps us grow! Click here to leave us a Google review: [link].”
• Include Review Requests in Newsletters: If you send out monthly or quarterly newsletters, add a section asking satisfied customers to leave a review. A gentle nudge in each newsletter can build up reviews over time.

Responding to Reviews: Building a Positive Review Culture

Review collection doesn’t end with getting the review. Engaging with customers by responding to their feedback helps build a positive reputation and shows future customers that you care.

• Reply to All Reviews: Respond to both positive and negative reviews. Thank customers for their time, and address any specific comments they mention.
• Address Negative Reviews Professionally: If you receive a critical review, stay calm, acknowledge the issue, and offer a way to resolve it. This shows potential customers that you’re responsive and value constructive feedback.
• Encourage Follow-Up: When appropriate, ask customers who had issues to reach out so you can make things right. Handling complaints professionally can even lead to updated, positive reviews.

Maintaining a Steady Flow of Reviews Over Time

A steady stream of recent reviews looks better to potential customers and Google’s algorithm than a profile with only old reviews. Here’s how to keep the reviews coming.

• Set Up Regular Review Requests: If you run monthly email campaigns or customer follow-ups, add a reminder for a review request.
• Automate Review Reminders: Use a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to automate review requests for new and repeat customers.
• Integrate Reviews into Your Customer Journey: Add review requests into the natural flow of your customer journey, such as after a transaction, service completion, or loyalty milestone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Gathering Reviews

• Don’t Buy Reviews: Fake reviews are against Google’s policies and can lead to penalties.
• Avoid Asking for Too Many Reviews at Once: A sudden influx of reviews can trigger Google’s spam filters, resulting in reviews being removed.
• Never Delete Negative Feedback: Instead, respond professionally and try to resolve the issue. Ignoring or deleting feedback can appear suspicious to customers.

Conclusion

Google reviews are a powerful tool for improving your business’s online presence, trustworthiness, and search visibility. By using thoughtful, consistent methods to ask for reviews, you can cultivate a profile that truly reflects your business.

Focus on delivering great service, asking respectfully, and engaging with customers, and your Google Business Profile will become an invaluable asset in your local marketing strategy.

With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a profile that not only ranks high but helps bring new customers in the door!