How to get more Google reviews for your business

97% of consumers read reviews for local businesses, according to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey 2026 (February 2026, 1,002 US adults). Someone checking you out on Google sees your star rating and how many people have left one, so a steady flow of recent, genuine reviews does a good part of your selling before the phone rings.

1. Ask every customer, not only the happy ones

It is tempting to ask only the customers you know were pleased. Google’s prohibited and restricted content policy for Maps user contributed content says businesses must not “selectively solicit positive reviews from customers”. So make asking part of finishing a job, for every job, and don’t pick who gets the message. Reviews gathered by asking only the pleased customers can be removed, and a rating that includes the occasional mixed review also reads as more believable.

2. Offer nothing in return

The same Google policy rules out incentives for reviews, listing “payment, discounts, free of cost goods and/or services”. A discount off the next job in return for a review breaks it, however friendly the intention. Ask plainly, and let the customer decide.

3. Get your review link

The easiest ask is a link. Google’s Business Profile help page, Tips to get more reviews, explains that you can ask customers to visit a Google link or scan a QR code, and it points to instructions for creating one. Open it on your own phone and check it takes you straight to the review box. Send the link by text, email or WhatsApp, whichever you already use with that customer, and keep a copy in your phone so you are never hunting for it.

4. Ask on the day you finish

People are happiest with you when the job has just been done, and they remember the details. Send a short, personal message with the link, for example: “Thanks for having us today, Helen. If you were happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a short Google review? Here is the link.” Use your own words and keep it to two or three sentences. Name the customer and the job so it reads as a message from you, not a circular.

5. Follow up once, politely

Plenty of people mean to leave a review and forget. One friendly reminder a few days later is reasonable in our view; a third message is pestering. Stop as soon as they have posted, and if you can’t tell, check your profile before sending anything. Keep the tone the same as the first message: no guilt, no pressure.

6. Reply to every review

BrightLocal found that 80% of consumers say they’re likely to use a business that responds to all of its reviews (same survey, 1,002 US adults). Google’s help page adds that your replies are public. A sentence or two is enough for a good review. For a poor one, reply calmly, apologise where it is fair to, and answer quickly; Google notes that a prompt response shows you value your customers’ feedback.

7. Show your reviews on your website

Reviews that only sit on Google do less than they could. In our survey of 111 trade websites in Hemel Hempstead (October 2026), 44% showed no reviews at all, and only 5% showed any in the first screen a visitor sees. Put your rating and a few real quotes near the top of your home page.

If you would rather not do this yourself

Chasing reviews is the first job to slip when you are busy. Our reputation management service does it for you: we ask every customer for a Google review once the job is done, follow up politely and reply to every review on your behalf. We ask all of your customers, not only the ones we expect to be happy, and we never offer rewards for reviews. We do not promise a number in advance: that depends on how many customers you serve and how they feel about your work.

What to do this week

• Get your review link and test it on your phone.
• Write one short message and save it, so asking takes ten seconds.
• Send it to your last ten customers, all ten, not a hand-picked few.
• Reply to every review you already have, old ones included.
• Decide when you ask: the day the job is finished, every time.