How to Get Google Reviews: 16 Best Tactics

When potential customers look for services or products online, they often choose a business name from the first page of a Google search. Top-ranking companies use Google reviews to lead local search results. In this article, we’ll explore how to get a Google review in several different ways.

To get started, put your company on the map—Google Maps, that is—and create a listing on Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly called Google My Business (GMB), to begin receiving customer reviews and ratings. After all, Google reviews are critical for your business because they help grow your company’s online presence and attract new customers.

5 Reasons Why Google Reviews Are Important for Your Business

With positive reviews and star ratings on Google, local businesses are more likely to rank higher on a search engine results page. Here are some other ways your company can benefit from Google reviews.

1. Reach and Convert New Customers

A Google Business Profile listing makes it easy for any company, from a small business to a larger enterprise, to improve its digital marketing strategy in terms of search engine optimization (SEO).

Local SEO influences search results by increasing a company’s online visibility on search engines like Google or Bing. Thanks to local SEO, new customers can quickly find relevant businesses in their local area when they conduct a Google search.

2. Build Trust and Credibility with Potential Customers

Whether you’re an auto shop owner or a pet groomer, maintaining a reputable online presence and a high star rating can bring in new clientele and encourage them to spend money on your product or service.

For example, if your company has a 4.5-star rating and dozens of great online reviews, this could convince someone to choose you over a competitor. Google reviews help potential customers determine if they want to do business with you.

3. Provide an Unmatched Customer Experience

Even highly rated companies get negative reviews on occasion, and responding to them can show openness and help build trust with customers. Business owners can reply directly to customer reviews to clarify any misunderstandings or concerns related to hours of operation, staffing issues, or the service received.

Respond to positive reviews by thanking the customer for taking the time to leave feedback. By showing genuine care for the customer experience, you can connect with your community and encourage repeat business.

4. Manage Your Company’s Online Reputation

Google reviews act as testimonials that impact how potential customers view your business or brand. Online reviews from happy customers help you understand what your company is doing right, while negative reviews potentially highlight areas for improvement.

In addition, Google Business Profile allows owners to respond to unsatisfied customers and offer a resolution, such as by providing a complimentary service or further discussing the issue by phone, direct message, or email.

5. Stand Out in a Google Search and on Google Maps

When your business listing appears at the top of a Google search, potential customers can easily see star ratings and Google reviews on your profile. Plus, when someone uses Google Maps, your business may appear as a pin on the map, which includes your company’s name, hours of operation, phone number, and other business contact information.

Why Authentic Google Reviews Matter

Customer feedback serves as social proof for a small business, influencing consumers’ buying habits. According to a survey, the main reason why people leave feedback on review sites is to inform others about their customer experience.

Arguably worse than negative reviews, fake reviews could hurt a company’s online reputation by inspiring mistrust from potential customers. It’s a disappointing experience when you read dozens of positive reviews and then find out after spending your hard-earned money that false advertising was at play.

Authentic customer feedback provides the undecided customer with what they need to know before investing in a product or service. A business with both positive and negative reviews appears more trustworthy than one with only the former.

Plus, when you handle bad reviews with grace and professionalism, new customers will see evidence of your company values and understand that their experience matters.

16 Ways to Get Google Reviews for Your Business

1. Create a Shareable Google Reviews Link

Streamline the online review writing process by creating a Google review link to send to your customers. The link is a short URL that leads them directly to your Google Business Profile so customers can leave feedback through a review or star rating. Include the shareable link in your email newsletters, on your business website, or through text messages.

2. Ask Customers to Write a Review

A simple request can go a long way. Many customers don’t realize how valuable reviews are for small businesses, so it’s effective to directly ask for a Google review. Some consumers may not even realize they have the option to write a public review about your products or services.

3. Add a Call to Action on Your Website

Include a button or link on your website homepage that says, “Leave us a Google review.” The call-to-action (CTA) can also exist on other parts of your website, such as the contact page, the footer, or a separate section altogether. Adding a straightforward CTA is a hot tip in any digital marketing guide.

4. Offer Online Review Prompts

Sometimes a customer may want to leave a review, but they’re unsure what to write or how to start. List questions to inspire the customer to share their feedback, such as:

• What was the reason for your visit?
• How would you describe your buying experience?
• Why did you choose our product or service?

5. Explain the Benefits of Customer Reviews

An excellent experience is one key to acquiring repeat customers. Encourage people to leave your business profile a Google review by telling them that you use this information to improve customer support and satisfaction.

6. Use an Automation Tool or Service

Automating the process of collecting customer feedback can save you time and money. For example, Broadly’s online review management services are among the simplest ways to get Google reviews. Broadly’s tools automatically send follow-up emails to customers after a customer transaction. These emails will:

• Encourage the customer to share their experience
• Prompt the customer to write a review for your business, including a direct link to the Google business listing
• Thank them for their patronage

Additionally, Broadly can route negative reviews to your customer service department, so you can immediately address and resolve them.

7. Respond to Existing Google Reviews

Acknowledging all your customers, whether they leave good or bad reviews, builds loyalty in your community. You can also reply to the latter by asking them to give your company another chance to impress them.

8. Highlight Positive Reviews on Social Media

Create social media posts of snippets or screenshots of positive reviews and share your gratitude for the kind words. These posts may remind other customers to leave feedback.

9. Provide a Friendly Reminder in Your Emails

In your weekly or monthly email newsletter, include a Google reviews link and call-to-action so customers are prompted to write a review if they haven’t already. Promotional emails or updates about your business are additional opportunities to add a friendly reminder to leave feedback.

10. Leverage Printed Materials by Including a Call to Action

Believe it or not, printed materials still play a crucial role in gathering Google reviews. Here are some simple ways to incorporate a call to action (CTA) into your printed materials:

Receipts

Include a friendly message on your receipts, encouraging customers to share their experiences on Google. A short URL or QR code can make it easy for them to access your review page.

Business Cards

Add a brief note on your business cards, prompting recipients to leave a Google review. Make sure to include the URL or QR code for quick access.

Physical Thank-You Cards

Make special cards to say thanks to your customers for choosing your business. On these cards, politely ask them to leave their thoughts on Google. Make sure it’s super easy for them to find your review page.

In-Store Displays

Put up posters or signs near your cash register or in noticeable spots around your store, encouraging customers to leave reviews for your business on Google. Ensure the message is straightforward and friendly.

11. Run a Dedicated Email Campaign to Ask for Reviews

Email campaigns can be a powerful tool for collecting Google reviews from your existing customers. If you’ve been collecting customer emails, why not leverage your contact list? Send out a dedicated email requesting reviews. Be polite, but don’t beat around the bush. Make it short and sweet, and clearly state how much you value their feedback.

Also see: How to Ask for a Review: Best Practices and Templates

12. Conduct Customer Feedback Surveys

Surveys can help you gather valuable insights about how you are doing, but did you know they can also direct customers to leave reviews? Here’s how:

Direct Positive Feedback to Leave a Review

If a customer provides positive feedback in a survey, send them a follow-up email thanking them and kindly asking if they’d be willing to share their experience on Google.

Direct Negative Feedback to Contact You Directly

If a customer expresses dissatisfaction, reassure them that you’re committed to resolving the issue. Provide your contact information and encourage them to reach out directly, rather than leaving a negative public review.

13. Ask Vendors and Partners for Reviews

Your business isn’t just about the customers; it also involves the companies you work with—like suppliers or partners. Their reviews can have a big impact on how others (including other potential partners) see your business. Here’s how to go about it:

Building a Positive Network

In business, your network is your net worth. Establishing strong relationships with vendors and partners not only fosters collaboration but can also enhance your credibility in the eyes of potential customers. When you’ve had a positive working relationship with these entities, it’s entirely okay to ask for their feedback after some time working with them.

Avoid Posing as Customers

When seeking reviews from vendors and partners, it’s crucial to maintain transparency and integrity. Never ask them to pose as customers or fabricate their experiences. Instead, request that they share their genuine impressions of your partnership. Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience.

Highlighting Professionalism

Encourage vendors and partners to focus on the professionalism of your collaboration. Ask them to mention specific aspects that set your business apart, such as timely communication, reliability, or the quality of products or services received. These insights can be invaluable for potential customers or business partners looking to assess your capabilities.

Sharing Mutual Benefits

Make it clear that their feedback matters not only to your business but also to theirs. Positive reviews from your partners can reflect positively on their own reputation. By sharing their experiences, they contribute to a stronger local business ecosystem in your community.

Providing Guidance

As a local business owner, you know how hectic things can be for others in the same boat. To simplify the process, offer guidance on where and how your partners can leave reviews. Share links or instructions for posting reviews on platforms that matter most to your industry or audience. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they’ll take the time to provide their feedback.

Expressing Gratitude

Always express your appreciation for their time and effort in leaving a review. A simple thank-you note can go a long way toward maintaining positive relationships with your fellow business owners.

Monitoring and Responding:

Once you start receiving reviews from partners and vendors, monitor them regularly. Respond to their feedback with professionalism and gratitude, just as you would with customer reviews.

14. Create Clear Instructions

If you don’t know how to leave a review, how are you going to effectively guide your customers? Make sure your customers can easily figure out how to leave a review on Google by offering clear and straightforward instructions. You might also want to create simple guides for your employees to assist customers when they want to leave a review while shopping in-store:

• Browser-Based Reviews: Provide step-by-step instructions for leaving reviews via a web browser.
• Google Maps App: Offer guidance on writing reviews using the Google Maps app, especially for customers who prefer mobile devices.

One extra step you could take is to motivate your staff to request reviews from satisfied customers. Equip your employees with shareable resources like business cards, pamphlets, or stickers featuring the link to your Google Listing. Additionally, consider providing incentives such as bonuses or discounts to encourage your team to engage customers for their valuable feedback.

3 Helpful Resources for Improving Your Google Reviews Right Now

• How to Increase Your Google Reviews
• How to Get 5-Star Google Reviews
• How to Improve Google Reviews

15. Maintain Your Google Business Profile

Would you enter a business that looks neglected? Of course not! Your Google Business Profile is a virtual representation of your storefront, so it’s important to keep it looking just as good as the real thing.

• Consistent Branding: Ensure that the information on your profile aligns with your current branding, including business hours, contact details, logos, and photos.
• Regular Posts: Share updates, promotions, and other important content on your Google Business Profile. These posts can attract attention from the Google algorithm and bump you higher in the rankings. 

Important to note: Leaving a business listing idle does not only look bad, but it can have repercussions on your SEO too! According to a recently published update to Google’s Inactive Accounts policy, it can disable accounts that have shown a lack of activity for as little as two years.

16. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Satisfied customers can become your most enthusiastic supporters. When customers enjoy a great experience, they’re more inclined to share their feedback. Therefore, prioritize delivering exceptional service.

On the flip side, however, it’s important to acknowledge that not all customers will be content, regardless of your efforts. Train your staff in effective problem-solving techniques to handle these challenging situations. This enables them to de-escalate issues and potentially repair customer relationships.

Improving a challenging customer service interaction can help you minimize receiving excessively negative reviews.

Lean into Social Media Marketing

While Google reviews are a powerful tool to reach potential customers and increase your company’s online visibility, social media marketing is also essential.

Stand out by creating a business account on social media, such as Facebook, Yelp, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These platforms allow you to engage with your customer base through comments and direct messages, as well as promote special offers and seasonal sales.

Market Your Business with Broadly

Broadly empowers local businesses to grow by promoting brand awareness and improving the customer experience. With online reputation and customer review management solutions, you save time by automating the process of collecting business reviews and valuable feedback. You can effortlessly send out review requests to customers with only a few clicks of a button.

Broadly’s all-in-one software boasts plenty of features to streamline operations and boost your marketing efforts. Want to see how Broadly can help your business flourish?

This article was updated on October 9th, 2023.