Let’s face it—when was the last time you visited a new restaurant, hired a local service, or bought something online without checking the reviews?
Exactly.
In today’s digital-first world, Google reviews are like the new word-of-mouth. And if your business isn’t getting them consistently, you might be invisible to your next potential customer.
Here’s the thing: asking for reviews doesn’t have to be awkward. It’s not about being salesy or annoying—it’s about creating moments and systems that make it natural for happy customers to share their experiences.
So if you’ve been wondering how to get more Google reviews (and do it without weird scripts or begging), here are five simple, human-centered strategies that actually work.
1. Why Google Reviews Are So Important
Google reviews aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re critical. Reviews influence how often your business shows up in local search results, especially in the Google Maps “3-pack.”
They also build trust. Studies show more than 90% of people read reviews before making a purchase or booking a service. So, the more positive, recent reviews you have, the more likely someone is to choose you over a competitor.
Think of reviews as free marketing, social proof, and SEO juice—all rolled into one.
Need help optimizing your local SEO? We offer SEO services to help you show up in search engines more.
2. Make It Super Easy to Leave a Review
Here’s the truth: your customers want to leave a review. But if they have to search for your Google Business page, scroll around, and figure it out themselves? You’ve lost them.
Instead, give them a direct link to your review form. Here’s how to get it:
- Log into your Google Business Profile.
- Click “Ask for reviews.”
- Copy the unique link provided.
Now that you’ve got it, use it everywhere:
- Drop it into follow-up emails or texts.
- Print it on receipts, thank-you cards, or signage.
- Turn it into a QR code and display it at your checkout or waiting area.
Less friction = more reviews.
Bonus Tip: Want a hands-off way to get more reviews automatically? Check out our Review Generation service. It sends text and email requests at the right times and manages feedback across 85+ platforms
3. Ask at the Right Moment
Timing really is everything.
A common mistake? Asking for a review immediately after checkout—before the customer has even used your product or service. Instead, aim to ask when your customer is genuinely happy or has just had a great experience.
Examples:
- If you’re a restaurant, ask when someone compliments their meal.
- If you offer a service, ask once the job is done and the client is pleased.
- If you sell products online, follow up after delivery with a message like:
“Hope you’re loving your new [product name]! If you’ve got a minute, would you mind sharing your experience in a quick Google review?”
That small shift in timing can make all the difference.
4. Train Your Team to Ask Naturally
You don’t need a fancy script to ask for reviews. In fact, the more natural it feels, the better.
Train your team to recognize those “happy customer moments” and to make the ask feel easy and genuine.
Here’s a go-to phrase:
“So glad you’re happy with everything! If you have a sec later, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps.”
No pressure, no guilt—just a human-to-human request.
And if you have a team, consider a quick training session or role-play to help them feel more confident.
5. Follow Up—But Don’t Nag
People are busy. A gentle reminder goes a long way—but too many can feel spammy.
Send one follow-up message after the customer’s had time to enjoy their purchase or service. Keep it warm, personal, and short.
Sample message:
“Hey [Name], thanks again for choosing us! If you’re loving your [product/service], we’d truly appreciate a quick Google review. Here’s the link: [Insert link]”
That’s it. Just one thoughtful nudge.
Bonus: include the review link at the bottom of your regular customer emails as a passive prompt.
Bonus Tip: Make It Easy to Talk About You
Sometimes, the best reviews happen when you’ve really impressed someone. You solved a problem fast. You made someone smile. You remembered a repeat customer’s name.
Those little “above and beyond” moments are what get people talking—and reviewing.
So the secret sauce? Be review-worthy.
Exceptional service + easy process = more reviews. It’s really that simple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Google Reviews
1. Can I ask customers for a Google review?
Yes! Google encourages businesses to ask for honest reviews from their customers. Just be sure you’re not offering incentives in exchange for reviews—that violates Google’s review policies.
You can share it through:
- Email or SMS follow-ups
- Printed materials like receipts or thank-you cards
- QR codes displayed in-store
- Social media posts or direct messages
Just make sure the link goes straight to the review form to reduce friction.
3. How many reviews should I aim for?
There’s no magic number, but consistency matters more than quantity. Aim to gather a few new reviews each month to keep your business profile fresh and relevant.
4. What should I do about negative reviews?
Respond professionally and constructively. Acknowledge the issue, offer a solution if possible, and stay calm. Many customers judge businesses not by mistakes—but by how they handle them.
5. Can I remove bad reviews from Google?
You can’t directly remove reviews unless they violate Google’s policies (e.g., spam, hate speech, or fake content). You can report such reviews via your Google Business dashboard, but otherwise, your best strategy is to bury negatives with more positives.
6. Do Google reviews really affect my ranking?
Yes. Google considers review count, review velocity (how often you get them), and review quality when determining local search rankings.
Final Thoughts
Getting more Google reviews doesn’t require big budgets or sleazy tactics. It’s about meeting your customers where they are and giving them a gentle opportunity to share their positive experiences.
Want to turn your website into a review-generating machine? Reach out to our team at SpyderWeb Dev and let’s build systems that grow your business online.
Start simple. Share your review link with a happy customer today—and build from there.
