How to get more Google reviews, the right way
By Bilal, Co-founder, Setli Solutions · Updated · 6 min read
The short answer
Ask every customer for a review right after the job, by text, with a direct link to your Google review form, so it takes one tap. Send one friendly reminder if they do not leave it, reply to every review, and never pay for reviews or only ask happy customers, which Google does not allow.
Why reviews matter so much
Reviews help you rank in the map pack, help AI assistants trust you, and are often the deciding factor when someone compares two businesses. A recent, steady flow matters as much as the total number.
1. Get your direct review link
In your Google Business Profile, choose "Ask for reviews" to copy a short link that opens the review form directly. A direct link removes the steps where most people give up.
2. Ask at the right moment
The best moment is right after the job, while the experience is fresh, ideally the same day. Text works better than email for most local businesses because it is read quickly and the link is one tap away.
3. Use a short, personal message
For example:
Hi Omar, thanks for having us out today. If you were happy with the work, would you leave us a quick Google review? It really helps a small business like ours: [link]
Use their name, mention the job, and keep it to two sentences.
4. Follow up once
If no review comes in, send one gentle reminder two or three days later. One reminder roughly doubles responses for many businesses; more than one starts to feel pushy.
5. Reply to every review
Thank people by name for positive reviews. For a negative review, reply calmly, acknowledge the issue and offer to resolve it offline. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews.
What Google does not allow
- Paying or offering discounts in exchange for reviews.
- Asking only happy customers, sometimes called review gating.
- Writing reviews for yourself, or asking staff to.
Breaking these rules can get reviews removed or a profile restricted.
Want this done for you?
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