How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Local Business

Google reviews are the modern equivalent of word-of-mouth recommendations. When potential customers search for services in their area, those star ratings and customer comments heavily influence their decision. Businesses with more positive reviews don't just look better—they rank higher in local searches and convert more visitors into customers. But how do you actually get more reviews without being pushy or awkward? Let's explore proven strategies that work.

Why Google Reviews Matter More Than Ever

Before diving into strategies, let's understand why reviews are so crucial for your business:

Local Search Rankings

Google's algorithm heavily weighs review signals when determining local search rankings. Businesses with more reviews (especially recent ones) and higher ratings typically appear higher in the "Local Pack"—those prominent map results at the top of search pages.

Consumer Trust

Studies show that 93% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. For local service businesses, reviews provide the social proof that turns browsers into buyers. A business with 50 five-star reviews will almost always win over a competitor with just 5 reviews.

Conversion Rates

Reviews directly impact your bottom line. Businesses with excellent reviews see conversion rates up to 270% higher than those without reviews. Each positive review is essentially a free endorsement that works for you 24/7.

The Review Generation Framework

Getting more reviews requires a systematic approach. Here's a framework that works for businesses across the UK and Ireland:

1. Make It Easy

The biggest barrier to getting reviews is friction. If customers have to search for your business, navigate complicated steps, or spend more than 30 seconds, most won't bother. Here's how to remove friction:

Create a Direct Review Link

Google provides a short link that takes customers directly to your review form. To find it:

1. Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard
2. Click "Ask for reviews" or find it in the marketing section
3. Copy the short link provided

This link can be shared via text, email, or even printed on cards.

QR Codes

Generate a QR code for your review link. Print it on:

• Business cards
• Invoices and receipts
• Thank you cards
• Vehicle signage
• Email signatures

When we work with clients like Bourne Accounting, we help them create professional review request materials that make leaving feedback effortless.

2. Ask at the Right Time

Timing is everything. The best moment to ask for a review is when customer satisfaction is at its peak:

For Service Businesses

• Immediately after completing a job successfully
• When the customer expresses satisfaction or thanks you
• After resolving a problem or complaint effectively
• Following a compliment about your work

For Retail or Hospitality

• At the point of positive interaction
• After repeat visits
• Following successful complaint resolution

3. Train Your Team

Everyone who interacts with customers should be comfortable asking for reviews. Provide scripts and training:

Example Script for Trade Businesses: "Thanks so much for choosing us! If you're happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps other customers find us and takes less than a minute. I can text you the link right now."

Example for Professional Services: "It's been great working with you on this project. If you have a moment, we'd really appreciate a Google review—it helps other businesses like yours find us. I'll send you an email with a direct link."

4. Follow Up Systematically

Not every customer will leave a review immediately. A follow-up system ensures you capture feedback from those who intend to review but forget:

Day 1: Send a thank-you message with review link Day 3: If no review, send a gentle reminder Day 7: Final friendly nudge

Keep messages brief, genuine, and non-pushy. Something like:

"Hi [Name], just checking in after last week's job. Hope everything's still working perfectly! If you have 30 seconds, we'd love a quick Google review—it helps us help more customers like you."

5. Respond to Every Review

Responding to reviews shows you care and encourages others to leave feedback:

For Positive Reviews: Thank the customer, mention something specific about their project or experience, and reinforce your value. Example:

"Thanks so much, Sarah! We loved working on your garden transformation—those raised beds are going to look amazing when the spring planting goes in. Looking forward to helping you again!"

For Negative Reviews: Stay professional, acknowledge the issue, take responsibility where appropriate, and offer to resolve offline. Example:

"We're sorry to hear about your experience, John. This isn't the standard we aim for. Could you please contact us directly at [email] so we can make this right? We take all feedback seriously."

Strategies for Different Business Types

Tradespeople and Service Providers

Your advantage is direct customer relationships. After completing a job:

• Hand over a business card with QR code
• Send a text with the review link
• Include review requests on invoices
• Follow up via email

Professional Services

Build review requests into your client offboarding process:

• Include in project completion emails
• Mention during final meetings
• Add to automated email sequences
• Request during satisfaction surveys

Retail and Hospitality

Train staff to identify satisfied customers and ask in person:

• Table cards with QR codes
• Receipt-based requests
• Loyalty program tie-ins
• Post-purchase email campaigns

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes that can hurt your reputation or violate Google's guidelines:

Don't Offer Incentives Google explicitly prohibits offering discounts, freebies, or rewards for reviews. This can result in reviews being removed or your profile being penalized.

Don't Buy Reviews Fake reviews are against Google's terms and often obvious to both potential customers and Google's algorithms.

Don't Review Gate Asking satisfied customers for Google reviews while directing dissatisfied ones elsewhere (like internal surveys) is against guidelines.

Don't Be Aggressive Pushy or frequent requests damage customer relationships. Keep it professional and respectful.

Handling Negative Reviews

No business gets 100% positive reviews. How you handle negative feedback matters:

Stay Calm

Don't respond emotionally. Take time to compose a professional response.

Acknowledge and Apologise

Even if you disagree, acknowledge the customer's experience and apologise for any dissatisfaction.

Take It Offline

Offer to continue the conversation privately via phone or email.

Learn and Improve

Genuine negative feedback is valuable. Use it to identify areas for improvement.

Don't Fake Responses

Avoid scripted or robotic responses. Be genuine and human.

Tracking and Measuring Success

Monitor your review performance regularly:

• Total review count: Track growth over time
• Average rating: Aim to maintain 4.5 or higher
• Recent reviews: Google values recency
• Response rate: Aim for 100% response rate
• Sentiment trends: Are issues recurring?

Getting Started Today

Here's your action plan for this week:

1. Monday: Create your direct Google review link
2. Tuesday: Generate a QR code and add to email signature
3. Wednesday: Train your team with a simple ask script
4. Thursday: Set up a follow-up email template
5. Friday: Respond to any unresponded reviews

Building a strong review profile takes time, but consistent effort compounds. Businesses that systematically request and manage reviews see dramatic improvements in their online visibility and customer acquisition.

Ready to boost your Google Business Profile and attract more local customers? Get your free consultation and learn how we can help optimise your local presence.