How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Business: 9 Proven Strategies That Actually Work
Online reviews aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential to your business’s growth and credibility. And when it comes to reviews, Google reigns supreme.
If you're wondering how to get more Google reviews for your business, you're in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through nine proven strategies—both online and offline—that will help you collect more reviews, improve your local SEO, and build a trustworthy online presence.
Why Google Reviews Matter More Than Ever
Before we dive into the strategies, let’s talk about why Google reviews are so valuable:
🧭 Boost Local SEO: Google reviews directly impact your rankings in local search results and the coveted "Local Pack."
🤝 Build Trust: 5-star reviews from real customers create credibility and influence purchasing decisions.
📊 Customer Insights: Reviews provide real-time feedback, allowing you to improve services or products.
💬 Negative Reviews Can Help: When addressed properly, they demonstrate accountability and a commitment to improvement.
Now, let’s explore how to earn more of those powerful stars and turn happy customers into vocal brand ambassadors.
Step 1: Get Set Up for Review Success
Before asking for reviews, make sure the foundation is in place.
✅ Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the core of your local online presence. Verify your business so you can:
Control your name, address, phone (NAP) info
Update hours of operation
Add high-quality photos
Respond to customer reviews
Enable messaging and Q&A
🔗 Get Your Unique Review Link
Once verified, you can access your custom review link from your GBP dashboard under the “Ask for Reviews” section. This direct link makes it super easy for customers to leave feedback—no searching or clicking around required.
Online Strategies to Get More Google Reviews
Once your foundation is solid, it’s time to start proactively requesting reviews. Here’s how to do it online:
1. Post-Purchase Emails
After a customer makes a purchase or uses your service, follow up with a thank-you email and a direct review request.
Make it personal. Keep it short. And include the link.
Example:
Locker in the City used this method to build over 270+ reviews with a 4.9-star average.
2. Post-Purchase SMS Texts
Text messages tend to be read faster than emails, making them an ideal channel for immediate engagement.
Tip: Send a message 24–48 hours after a purchase thanking the customer and asking for a quick review.
Example:
Highland Family Eye Care surpassed 100 reviews by incorporating SMS follow-ups into their workflow.
3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
A fully built-out GBP increases the chances of customers interacting and leaving a review.
Include:
A compelling business description
Updated hours and location
Professional photos
Real answers to FAQs
Weekly posts (offers, news, events)
4. Dedicated Review Webpage
Create a landing page on your website that features your best Google reviews and a CTA to leave their own. This reinforces social proof and drives traffic to your GBP.
Example:
La Cabaña Argentina restaurant uses their review landing page to generate 9,000+ reviews.
5. Embed Google Review Widgets on Your Website
Showcasing real customer reviews on your homepage or product pages boosts credibility and encourages new reviews.
Example:
Stairhopper Movers embedded their reviews and collected over 3,600 from happy customers.
Offline Strategies to Drive Google Reviews
Face-to-face interaction is still powerful. Don’t ignore these real-world tactics:
6. Ask at the Point of Purchase
Train your staff to ask for a review right after a successful interaction. Most satisfied customers will gladly oblige—if you ask.
Pro Tip: Make the ask while emotions are high and the experience is fresh.
7. Hand Out Cards with QR Codes
Design simple business cards or flyers that include a QR code linking to your Google review page. Hand these out after service or checkout.
Example:
Foxley Lane Dental saw over 300 positive, detailed reviews using this method.
8. Use NFC Cards or Review Stands
NFC-enabled cards or tabletop signs can trigger the review page on a customer’s phone with just a tap. These are especially effective in restaurants, salons, and front desks.
Example:
Amax Marketing attributes over 80% of its reviews to its NFC review tools.
9. Add QR Codes to Receipts or Invoices
Include a “Review Us” QR code at the bottom of your printed receipts or digital invoices. Bonus: follow up with an email reminding them to use it.
Some businesses report a 25% conversion rate from this tactic alone.
Keep Up with Review Management
Getting more Google reviews is just part of the equation. Managing them is just as important.
Respond to All Reviews (Yes, Even the Bad Ones)
Responding shows you care — and prospective customers are watching. Be polite, professional, and proactive. Thank customers for good reviews. Address concerns in negative ones.
Use Tools to Streamline the Process
From review monitoring platforms to AI-generated response tools, there are plenty of options to help you:
Monitor your ratings
Get alerts for new reviews
Generate tailored responses
Analyze sentiment over time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Don’t incentivize reviews with discounts or freebies — it violates Google’s terms.
🚫 Don’t ask only your happiest customers — it skews authenticity.
🚫 Don’t ignore reviews — engagement is key.
Final Thoughts: Make Google Reviews Part of Your Marketing Strategy
The most successful businesses make Google reviews a consistent part of their customer journey. Whether online or in-person, reviews fuel visibility, build trust, and drive conversion.
Start small: set up your Google Business Profile, collect your link, and try one or two strategies from this guide.
💡 As your process evolves, use a combination of automated tools and genuine customer interactions to create a steady stream of 5-star feedback.
