How to get more Google reviews the right way

Reviews help in two ways. They influence where you appear in Google Maps, where the number, quality and recency of reviews all play a part. And they influence whether people choose you once they see you. A business with a steady stream of recent, detailed reviews simply looks like a safer choice.

In your Google Business Profile, find the option to ask for reviews and copy the short link. It opens the review window directly, so customers don't have to search for you. This one link removes most of the friction.

Ask when the customer is happiest:

• Home services: right after the job is finished and they've seen the result.
• Dental and healthcare: after a positive visit, or after treatment is complete.
• Law firms: after a successful outcome or a milestone, and only in a way that respects confidentiality.
• Veterinarians: after a good visit, especially a first visit or a recovery.

A personal ask works best. "We'd really appreciate a quick Google review, it helps other people find us. I'll text you the link." Then send it within a few hours.

Text message template

"Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business]. If you have a minute, a quick Google review would mean a lot to us: [link]. Thank you!"

Email template

Subject: "How did we do?" "Hi [Name], thank you for trusting us with [service]. If you were happy with your experience, would you share a short review on Google? It helps neighbors find a business they can trust. [link] — [Your name], [Business]"

Keep it short, personal and easy. One link, one ask.

Reviews come from habits, not campaigns. Decide who asks, when and how, and make it part of every job or appointment. Many practice management and field service tools can send review requests automatically.

Replies show future customers that you care.

Positive reviews

Thank them by name, mention something specific if appropriate and keep it short.

Negative reviews

Stay calm, don't argue, acknowledge the experience and invite them to continue the conversation privately. Future customers judge you more on the reply than on the complaint.

Law firms and healthcare

Never confirm that someone is a client or patient, or mention any details of their case or care. Use a general reply: "Thank you for your feedback. We take every concern seriously. Please contact our office directly so we can help."

• Don't buy reviews or write fake ones.
• Don't offer discounts, gifts or entries into a draw for reviews.
• Don't ask employees or family to review you.
• Don't filter customers so only happy ones are asked.
• Don't ask for many reviews in a single day and then nothing for months. Steady is better.

There's no magic number. Look at the businesses ranking above you in Google Maps: aim to match and then pass their number of reviews, and keep new reviews coming every month.