How can I get more Google reviews?
Ask every customer, at the moment they’re happiest, and make it take seconds. Use Google’s own review link or QR code, send it by text or WhatsApp, and follow up once if needed. Reply to every review. Don’t offer incentives, and don’t filter out unhappy customers; Google treats both as fake engagement.
Key takeaways
- ✓Happy customers rarely review unless asked, so ask at the right moment.
- ✓Use Google’s own review link or QR code so it takes seconds.
- ✓Ask everyone, not just the customers you think are happy.
- ✓Never offer discounts or gifts for reviews.
- ✓Reply to every review, good and bad.
Unhappy customers leave reviews without being asked. Happy ones usually don’t. That’s why so many good businesses have fewer reviews than they deserve.
If you want to know how to get more Google reviews, the answer is mostly habit: ask every customer, every time, in a way that takes them seconds.
When to ask
At the moment the customer is happiest:
- A salon client looking in the mirror
- A patient leaving after a good appointment
- A homeowner when the job’s finished and tidied up
- A diner paying the bill after a good meal
How to get more Google reviews: ask the right way
Get your review link or QR code from your Google Business Profile (look for “Ask for reviews” or “Get more reviews”). Then:
- Text or WhatsApp the link as you leave
- Put the QR code at the till, reception or on your invoice
- Add it to your follow-up email
What to say
“Thanks so much, [name]. If you’ve got a minute, a Google review really helps a small business like ours: [link]”
Short, personal, no pressure.
What Google doesn’t allow
Offering discounts, gifts or entries into prize draws in exchange for reviews. Writing reviews yourself or asking staff to. Only sending the link to customers you think will be positive. Google treats these as fake engagement and can remove reviews or restrict your profile. In the UK, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 also bans fake reviews and hidden incentivised reviews from 6 April 2025, and the CMA can fine businesses that break the rules.
| Method | Effort |
| Text the review link after every job | Low |
| QR code at reception or on invoices | Low |
| Ask past happy customers from the last few months | Medium |
| Automate a review request after each appointment | Set up once |
Reply to every review
Thank people by name for good reviews. For bad ones, reply calmly, apologise where it’s fair and offer to put it right offline. Future customers judge you on the reply.
Reviews are also one of the main things that help you rank higher on Google Maps. Dental practices have extra rules on replying, covered in marketing for dental practices.
For clinics, Review Your Doctor sends every patient a quick rating request and review link automatically.
We’ll set up a simple review system that asks every customer at the right moment.
Get your free checkFrequently asked questions
How do I get more Google reviews quickly?
Send your review link to recent happy customers today, and start asking every customer from now on.
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google treats incentives for reviews as fake engagement.
Where do I find my Google review link?
In your Google Business Profile, under the option to ask for or get more reviews. You can also create a QR code there on a computer.
Should I reply to bad reviews?
Yes, calmly and helpfully. Offer to resolve it offline.
Can I ask only happy customers for reviews?
Google doesn’t allow selectively soliciting positive reviews. Ask everyone.
Sources
- Create a link or QR code to request reviews — Google Business Profile Help
- Tips to get more reviews — Google Business Profile Help
- Maps user contributed content policy: fake engagement — Google
- Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 — legislation.gov.uk
Co-Founder, ShiftDeploy
Samiullah is a co-founder of ShiftDeploy. He works with clinics, trades and local service businesses on getting found on Google, earning more reviews and turning more enquiries into booked work.