How Do I Get Google Reviews? [Complete Guide for Business Owners]

A strong Google presence helps people find you and trust you. And opinions are a big part of that. Before anyone clicks “call” or “book,” they’re probably checking your star rating, skimming the latest feedback, and seeing how (or if) you respond.

In fact, most people won’t consider a local business unless it has solid, recent reviews. So, if your profile’s been quiet lately, or you’re just getting started, it’s worth putting a few things in place.

This guide walks you through how to do exactly that:
✅ Easy ways to collect more Google reviews
✅ Tools that make the process automatic (but still personal)
✅ Real examples you can copy or tweak
✅ A few things to avoid so you don’t waste your time

No gimmicks, no tricks! Just a clear, consistent approach that works.

Why Google reviews matter more than ever

If you’re still on the fence about asking for Google reviews, here’s a simple reason to care: people rely on them constantly, and so does Google.

Opinions aren’t just something people glance at anymore. They’re often the first thing someone sees when they search for a business, and they can be the reason someone clicks, calls, or keeps scrolling.

Let’s break it down a bit more:

1. They help you show up when people search

When someone types “best bakery near me” or “top-rated dog groomer in [your city]”, Google doesn’t throw out random results. It’s scanning for signs that a business is active, trustworthy, and worth showing. And having more reviews is one of the strongest signals it uses.

That includes:

• How many opinions you’ve got

• How recent they are

• What people are saying

• If you’re replying

So, even if you’ve got a great website or solid social media presence, it’s easy to get buried if your Google profile is quiet. A steady flow of real, current reviews gives you a better shot at landing in that map section at the top of the page, where most people start and end their search.

2. They help people feel more confident picking you

We all do it: pull out our phones, search for something nearby, and scroll until we find a place that feels right. Usually, that means a few things: good star rating, reviews that sound like they came from actual people, and recent activity.

Now flip it. Imagine someone is checking out your business and sees zero opinions, or a handful from two years ago. That silence can feel like a red flag, even if your business is great.

Fresh and positive reviews help fill that gap. They show that people are visiting, things are running smoothly, and you’re paying attention. It makes your business feel current and reliable, which helps people move from “maybe” to “sure, let’s try it.”

3. They help people decide faster

Let’s say someone’s already narrowed it down to you and two other options. They’re hovering, trying to pick. What usually helps? Business reviews.

It’s not just about a perfect 5-star average either. In fact, a mix of real, specific opinions often feels more trustworthy than a long list of “Amazing!! Best ever!!”

What really helps is when people can see others who had the same questions, concerns, or goals, and walked away happy. That creates a bit of social proof, which makes the choice easier and faster.

And if you respond to opinions regularly? Even better. That shows you’re present and care about how your business is experienced. A quick “Thanks for the feedback!” or even a calm reply to a not-so-great review can go a long way.

How to start getting Google reviews (step-by-step)

If you want to get more Google reviews, it starts with something simple: giving people a place to leave them. That means making sure your Google Business Profile is up, running, and looking like you actually use it.

1. Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile

Before you even think about asking for positive Google reviews, double-check that your profile exists and shows the right info. This is what people will see when they search for your business on Google or Google Maps, so if it’s empty or outdated, it sends the wrong signal.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Business name. Exactly how it appears in the real world (no extra keywords or slogans).

• Address. Make sure it matches your website and other listings.

• Opening hours.  Especially if they change seasonally or around holidays.

• Phone number. One that someone will actually pick up.

• Website. Direct people where you want them to go (not a dead landing page).

• Category. Pick the one that best describes what you do (you can add more than one if needed).

• Photos. Real ones are your storefront, product shots, inside your space, your team – anything that gives a sense of who you are.

If you don’t have a Google Business Profile yet, or you’re not sure it’s set up right, start here: Create or claim your profile

Once everything’s filled in, Google is more likely to show your listing in local results. Plus, customers are way more likely to leave a review if your business looks active and legit.

2. Get your review link and make it easy to find

Once your Google Business Profile is up and running, the next step is making it super simple for people to leave a review. Don’t leave it up to chance and give them a direct path.

The easiest way to do that? Use your unique Google review link.

Here’s how to find it:

1. Go to Google Business and sign in.

2. Select your business profile.

3. Look for the option that says “Ask for reviews” or “Share your review form.”

4. Copy the link – it’ll take people straight to the review window with your business name pre-filled.

Now that you have the link, put it everywhere that makes sense. The goal is to remove all friction – no one wants to hunt down your listing just to leave a nice comment.

Here are a few low-effort, high-impact places to include it:

• Email footers. Something like “Had a great experience? Leave us a review.”

• Post-purchase emails. Right after someone makes a booking, finishes a service, or completes a sale.

• Receipts and invoices. Digital or printed, it works both ways.

• SMS follow-ups. Just make sure you’ve got permission to text.

• Your website. Especially thank-you pages, contact pages, or inside your logged-in customer area.

You can even generate a QR code from that same link and use it in your physical space – at the counter, on packaging, or next to the exit. A quick scan and boom – they’re at your review page. 

The easier you make it, the more likely people are to follow through.

Read more about review generation with ethical strategies.

10 proven ways to get more Google reviews

1. Just ask, but do it right

It sounds almost too simple, but asking is still the most reliable way to get reviews. Most happy customers won’t leave one unless you nudge them. Not because they didn’t enjoy the experience – they’re just busy, and it slips their mind.

What makes a difference is how and when you ask.

Keep it short, clear, and personal

No need for a long explanation. A quick, friendly message that makes it easy for them to say yes is usually enough. Here’s a basic example you can tweak:

Hi [Name], thanks again for visiting us today! If you’ve got a moment, we’d love it if you left a quick Google review. It really helps.

[Insert your review link here]

It doesn’t need to sound fancy, just like a casual follow-up from a real person. If you can personalize it a little (like referencing what they bought or the service you provided), even better.

Ask at the right time

Timing matters more than most people think. You want to catch people when their experience is still fresh, and when they’re feeling good about it.

Some of the best moments to ask include:

• Right after a service is completed, and everything went smoothly

• Just after a positive support interaction

• When a customer says something nice in person or via email

• After someone tags you or shares your business on social media

• In a thank-you email after purchase or delivery

Be respectful of their time

You’re asking for a favor, so don’t guilt-trip or pressure them. Avoid anything that sounds like “It would mean the world to us” or “We really need your help to stay open.” Instead, just make it feel easy and optional.

If they leave a review, great! If not, they’ll still walk away with a good impression because you asked in a chill, respectful way.

2. Use Center AI to streamline the process

If you’re already juggling customer chats, emails, tickets, and everything else, manually chasing reviews probably isn’t going to happen. That’s where a little automation (and structure) can save you a ton of time without adding more to your plate.

Use Center AI to handle reputation management and build simple workflows that make review collection feel like part of your natural process, not a side project.

What you can do with it:

• Set up review requests that go out automatically after a positive support chat, closed ticket, or completed task

• Add conditions like: “Only ask if the customer gave a thumbs-up.”

• Track who was asked, who clicked, and who followed through

• Nudge your team with reminders if a review-worthy moment just happened

You can even combine it with other tools you already use, like email, SMS, or help desk platforms, so you’re not starting from scratch. It’s just another way to make sure your best moments don’t go unnoticed.

And because Center AI lives where your customer conversations already happen, it’s easier to spot the right time to ask.

So, instead of hoping someone remembers to leave a review, you’ve got a lightweight system that makes it more likely, without bugging anyone or sounding robotic.

3. Use QR codes in physical locations

Not every customer is going to get a follow-up email or text. Some might walk in, grab what they need, and be gone in a few minutes. That’s where QR codes come in handy – they’re a simple, low-effort way to ask for a review while someone’s still on-site and (hopefully) in a good mood.

The best part? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to set one up.

How to do it:

Once you’ve got your Google review link (from Step 2), you can turn it into a QR code in a few seconds using free tools like:

• qrcode-monkey.com

• qr-code-generator.com

Paste in your review link, download the QR code, and you’re good to go.

Where to place it:

Think about spots where people naturally pause for a second:

• On your front desk or counter

• Near the exit, so it’s the last thing they see

• Printed on receipts, thank-you cards, or flyers

• On product packaging or inside delivery bags

• Framed in the waiting area, especially if there’s a line

And don’t just stick it there with no context. Add a simple message like:

Loved your visit? Scan here to leave a quick review.

Or:

Tell us how we did – just scan and share your thoughts.

It takes about 5 seconds for someone to do, especially if the experience was solid. And the more visible (and easy) you make it, the more likely they’ll follow through.

Having multiple locations? Discover how to optimize and manage multiple listings.

4. Add review buttons to your website

Your website is one of the first places people go when checking out your business, and also one of the easiest spots to drop a quick link for reviews. If someone’s already browsing your site, it means they’re engaged. You might as well give them the option to leave feedback while they’re there.

Where to place the button or link:

You don’t need to overthink the design, just make sure the button is clear, visible, and actually works. Here are a few spots that tend to work well:

• Thank-you page after a purchase, booking, or form submission

• Contact page, especially if it includes directions or a phone number

• Footer of your site – small, but persistent

• Logged-in area if you have a customer dashboard or portal

• Confirmation emails that link back to the site (if it makes sense)

What it can look like:

Even a basic link like “Leave us a Google review” does the job. If you want to dress it up, go with something like:

⭐ Share your experience on Google
💬 Leave a quick review
📍 Help others find us – write a review

Just don’t make it feel like a pop-up or pushy ad. It should be something a happy customer notices and thinks, “Oh yeah, sure.”

Bonus tip:

If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, Wix, or Webflow, it’s pretty easy to add a button or banner that links straight to your Google review form. And if you’ve got a developer, it’s a two-minute task they won’t mind doing.

5. Automate review requests

If you’re already sending follow-up emails or messages after a purchase or service, you’re halfway there. Automating your review asks just means you won’t forget, and your customers get a gentle nudge at the right time without you having to think about it.

What it looks like in practice:

Let’s say someone makes a booking, finishes a project, or picks up an order. A day or two later, they get an email that says something like:

Thanks for choosing us, [Name]! We’d love to hear what you think.
[Leave a Google review]

It’s simple, it lands at the right moment, and it works because the experience is still fresh.

Where you can automate it:

• Email tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, Klaviyo, etc.

• CRMs that support workflows (e.g., Salesforce, Pipedrive)

• Help desk platforms after a support case is closed

• Booking systems or eCommerce tools (like Shopify, Calendly, etc.)

Many platforms let you set up triggers like “Send this email 24 hours after the order is marked as delivered” or “Send a follow-up after the service is completed.” You can plug your Google review link right into that message.

Keep it short and friendly:

No one wants to read a wall of text. All you need is a sentence or two, like:

“Hope everything went smoothly! If you’ve got a moment, we’d love a quick review.”

[Google review button or link]

You’re just giving people an easy way to share a good experience, while it’s still top of mind.

6. Use text messages if it fits your workflow

Some customers are easier to reach by text than by email, especially if you already interact with them that way. A quick SMS can feel more natural and get noticed faster. But only if you’re doing it right.

Text is personal, so treat it that way.

First things first: ask for permission

If you’re going to send review requests via SMS, make sure you’ve got the green light to text them in the first place. That usually means they’ve opted in during checkout, booking, or account setup.

Nobody wants a surprise message from a business they barely remember.

What to send:

A good text is short, polite, and gives them exactly one thing to do:

Hi [Name], thanks for your recent visit! Got a sec? We’d love a quick review – it helps others find us, too.

[Insert your review URL]

That’s it. No all-caps, no follow-ups, no guilt-tripping. Just a friendly nudge with an easy way to respond.

When to send it:

• A few hours after their appointment or order (not days later)

• During daytime hours (don’t ping people at 10 PM)

• Right after they’ve given you good feedback in person or through a survey

If you’re already using tools like Center AI, this can be added as part of your existing flow. Even some CRMs let you send automated texts with merge fields like name or service.

It shouldn’t feel like marketing. It should feel like a quick message from someone who appreciated their visit and is open to feedback.

7. Train your team to ask naturally

Sometimes the best moment to ask for a review happens face-to-face. And if your team is the one interacting with customers, at the front desk, in a call, during a service, then they’re in the perfect position to ask. But it only works if the ask feels natural, not scripted or awkward.

This isn’t about handing them a rehearsed pitch. It’s more like giving them permission and confidence to bring it up when the timing feels right.

Here’s what that can sound like:

“Glad everything worked out! If you have a minute later, we’d really appreciate a quick review on Google.”

“It was great working with you – feel free to leave us a review if you’ve got time.”

“If you’re happy with how it went, we’d love a review. Here’s a QR code you can scan.”

That’s it. No pressure or over-the-top enthusiasm. Just casual, clear, and respectful.

When to bring it up:

• After solving a tricky issue

• When a customer gives positive feedback in person

• At checkout, especially if they had a smooth experience

• While wrapping up a service call or visit

If you have a printed card with a QR code or a link in a follow-up message, even better. Give your team small tools to make the ask feel easier, so they’re not scrambling or forgetting.

A small heads-up:

This only works if the customer is genuinely happy. If the experience was rough or unresolved, skip the ask. People can tell when you’re fishing for praise, and it can backfire fast.

8. Include in email signatures

This one’s almost too easy to skip, but it works! Adding a simple review link to your email signature turns every message you send into a soft reminder that reviews are welcome.

It’s not an ask that interrupts anything. It’s just… there. And for some people, that’s all they need.

What it can look like:

Just drop a short line at the bottom of your email, right under your name or business info. For example:

👋 Enjoyed working with us? Leave a Google review

📝 Quick feedback helps others find us – review us here

It blends right in, and if someone’s already emailing back and forth with you, odds are they know who you are, and they trust you enough to open the link.

Where it works best:

• Customer support

• Sales

• Account management

• Booking confirmations

• Follow-up replies

Basically, if your team regularly emails customers, this is a no-brainer. You don’t need to ask every time – just make it easy to find.

And once you set it up, it runs in the background. One less thing to remember.

9. Ask in person when it makes sense

Not every review request needs to be digital. If you or your team interact with customers face-to-face, there are moments when asking in person can feel more genuine – and way more memorable.

It’s all about reading the room. If the vibe is good and the person seems happy, there’s no harm in asking.

What it can sound like:

“Glad everything worked out today! If you ever feel like leaving a review, we’d really appreciate it.”

“Thanks again for stopping by. If you’ve got a sec later, we’d love a review on Google – it helps a ton.”

“Hey, no pressure, but if you’re happy with the service, feel free to drop us a review sometime.”

It’s casual. It doesn’t assume anything. You’re just opening the door.

Pro tip: make it ridiculously easy

If you’re already asking in person, don’t make them search for your business or guess where to go. Have something ready:

• A printed card with a short link or QR code

• A little sign near the register

• A sticker or flyer that they can take with them

• A tablet at checkout (if that fits your flow)

People are way more likely to follow through if the process is simple and takes less than a minute. And honestly, many will be happy to do it – they just need a small nudge and a fast way to get there.

10. Share your review link on social media

If you’re already active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, you’ve got a perfect space to drop your review link every now and then, without it feeling random or pushy.

Social posts are a great way to reach loyal customers and casual followers who might not be on your email list or getting texts from you. And if they’ve had a good experience but just never thought to leave a review? This can be the reminder that gets them to do it.

What you can post:

• A quick thank-you to your customers, followed by your review URL

• A behind-the-scenes moment from your team, paired with a casual ask

• A story or screenshot of a recent review, inviting others to share their own

• A milestone post (“We just hit 50 reviews! Thank you!”) with a soft follow-up link

Here’s an example you can adapt:

We’ve been feeling the love lately – thanks to everyone who’s left a review 💬

If you’ve worked with us and haven’t left one yet, here’s the link. It seriously helps people find us:

[Insert your Google review link]

Where to share:

• Instagram Stories (with the link sticker)

• Facebook posts or pinned comments

• LinkedIn posts (especially for service businesses)

• Twitter/X (if your audience is still there)

• WhatsApp groups or customer communities

Just sprinkle it in every so often, especially after a good customer win or positive feedback moment. Keep it low-key, and it’ll land better.

Find out about 10 clever ways to ask for reviews (email, SMS, and more).

Responding to Google reviews (yes, it matters)

Getting reviews is half the job. What you do with them matters just as much.

When people see that you’re replying, whether the review is glowing or not-so-great, it shows that you’re paying attention and that you actually care about the experience customers are having. It makes your business feel human, which is something you can’t fake with ads or polished websites.

Plus, Google notices it too. Responding regularly tells the algorithm that your business is active and engaged, which can help your visibility over time.

How to respond to positive reviews

Short, friendly replies are all you need. Just acknowledge the review and show a bit of personality. If the customer mentioned something specific, call it out.

Example:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 “Amazing customer service and super fast delivery. Will definitely order again!”

Your reply:

“Thanks so much, Anna! We’re glad the order got to you quickly, and we’ll be here whenever you need us again.”

Or something even simpler:

“Appreciate the kind words! We’ll pass this on to the team.”

The point is to keep it warm and real. It lets future customers see that there are actual people behind the screen who give a damn.

How to respond to negative reviews

Nobody loves getting a bad review. But ignoring it doesn’t help. A thoughtful, calm response won’t just soften the blow. It also shows potential customers that you’re willing to take feedback seriously.

Even if you feel like the review was unfair, resist the urge to argue. Stick to a few basics:

• Thank them for the feedback

• Acknowledge the issue

• Offer a way to follow up (privately if needed)

Example:

⭐⭐

“Waited way too long for a response and didn’t get clear info.”

Your reply:

“Thanks for letting us know. We’re sorry the response time wasn’t what it should’ve been. We’d like to follow up and make it right – feel free to email us at [support@email.com] so we can take a closer look.”

The goal isn’t to win an argument. It’s to show you’re responsive, fair, and open to improving.

A few small tips:

• Try to reply to every review, even if it’s short

• Avoid copying and pasting the same reply over and over

• Don’t offer discounts or gifts in public replies (it can backfire)

• Keep it short and clear

What not to do when asking for reviews

There’s a right way to ask for reviews, and a few wrong ways that can undo all your hard work. If you’re trying to build trust, boost visibility, and stay on good terms with Google, here are a few habits worth avoiding:

1. Don’t buy or fake reviews

This one’s tempting for some businesses, especially early on, but it’s not worth it. Google’s gotten much better at spotting fake or spammy opinions, and they’re not shy about removing them (or flagging your profile if it becomes a pattern).

Beyond that, people can usually tell when something sounds off. A wall of generic, too-perfect reviews with no details? Doesn’t feel real. And if people stop trusting your opinions, that trust is hard to win back.

Stick with real feedback from real customers, even if it takes time to build up.

You can also read about AI reviews and AI reputation management (they’re a game-changer for retailers).

2. Don’t mass-message disengaged customers

Sending review requests to every contact you’ve ever had might sound like a fast way to collect feedback, but it usually does more harm than good. If someone hasn’t interacted with your business in months (or years), a sudden ask out of nowhere will either get ignored or, worse, trigger a bad review.

Focus on the people who’ve recently had a good experience. They’re the most likely to leave thoughtful, positive reviews, and they won’t be caught off guard when you ask.

A few filters go a long way here. If you’re using automation or CRM tools, set it up so that review requests only go to recent, engaged customers.

3. Don’t leave negative reviews unanswered

Negative reviews are tough, but silence is worse. Ignoring a bad review makes it look like you don’t care, or that it happens often enough that you’ve given up responding.

Even if the customer’s being unfair, a short, calm reply still helps. It shows that you’re listening and willing to sort things out. And for anyone else reading your opinions, it’s a signal that you take feedback seriously.

You don’t have to apologize for something that didn’t happen. Just acknowledge the comment, offer a way to follow up, and keep it professional. That’s usually all it takes to show you’re not hiding from criticism.

How to track and improve your review strategy

Once you’ve got a few opinions coming in, it helps to keep an eye on how things are going. You don’t need to obsess over it daily, but checking in regularly can help you spot patterns and improve how (and when) you ask.

Use the Google Business Profile dashboard

Your starting point is the Google Business dashboard. It gives you a clear view of how many reviews you’ve received, your average rating, and how your profile is performing overall.

Inside the dashboard, you can:

• See new and existing Google reviews

• Track how often people view or click on your listing

• Check insights like how people found your business (search vs. maps)

• Respond to opinions directly

It’s built to be pretty user-friendly, even if you’re not super into analytics.

Get a free Google Business Profile audit. Optimize your profiles now!

What to measure (without overcomplicating it):

• Recency. When was your last review? If it was months ago, time to send a few requests. A fresh Google business review looks way better to both people and browser.

• Volume. How many opinions do you have compared to others in your area? You don’t need to lead the pack, but staying in the mix helps you stay visible.

• Rating trends. Are things going up? Holding steady? Dropping? Even a string of 4-star reviews (instead of 5s) can tell you something useful.

• Review content. What are people actually saying? Any recurring themes (positive or negative) can give you a heads-up on what’s working and what needs fixing.

The goal isn’t to chase stars. It’s to stay aware, keep the momentum going, and make sure you’re collecting feedback that actually helps you grow.

FAQs about getting Google reviews

A few common questions tend to come up when businesses start focusing on reviews. Let’s run through them quickly.

How do I start getting Google reviews?

Start with your existing, happy customers. Set up your Google Business Profile, grab your direct review URL, and make it part of your everyday follow-up through email, text, or just a quick ask in person. You can also use offline methods like QR codes in your physical space.

Many businesses also place their review links in the website footer or on their Google Maps listing, so other customers can leave feedback with zero friction. Also, if you’re already using tools like Center AI, you can build that ask right into your customer communication flows, so the process feels seamless, not like an extra step.

How do I make Google reviews appear?

Once a customer leaves a review, it usually shows up on your profile within a few minutes to a few hours. Occasionally, Google holds a review for moderation if it looks spammy, but that’s rare if everything’s set up correctly.

All existing opinions are visible in the reviews section of your Google Business Profile, and you can respond to them directly from there.

How do I get reviews on a Google account?

You don’t need a special account, just a Google Business Profile. Anyone with a personal Google account (like Gmail or YouTube) can leave a review.

Keep your business information up to date so that customers leave reviews for the right location or service.

Can I get Google reviews automatically?

You can’t force them to appear, but you can automate the process of asking. Tools like Center AI or your CRM allow you to request reviews right after a completed purchase or interaction. That means more consistency and usually, more opinions.

Adding a Google review widget to your site can also help capture feedback without interrupting the experience.

Is it okay to ask more customers for online reviews?

Yes, Google’s fine with it, as long as you’re not offering discounts or bribes. Just keep the tone honest and neutral. A well-timed ask can turn one happy experience into a signal for other clients who are reading through your existing Google reviews.

Many people trust opinions as much as personal recommendations. In fact, consumers trust online reviews almost as much as a referral from a friend.

What if I get a bad Google review?

It happens. The best move is to respond. Thank them for the customer feedback, stay calm, and offer to follow up. Even if the review stays up, others will see that you’re engaged and professional.

Handling tough feedback well can actually boost trust when people come across your profile in search results.

Turn your best customers into your best marketing

Getting more Google Business reviews doesn’t have to feel like a chore. The businesses that do well with feedback aren’t chasing perfection – they’re just steady. They make it easy to leave Google reviews and don’t wait for someone to ask how they’re doing.

When your Google Business Profile is current and your Google review request process is smooth, it becomes part of your flow. And that brings in new customers, many of whom found you through local search or a quick glance at your Google Maps listing.

The best part? Your most loyal customers will often be the ones who leave the most helpful feedback. That feedback then becomes a signal for other clients who are scrolling through Google search, wondering which business stands out.

So, don’t just let your existing reviews sit there. Keep building. Keep replying. Keep making it easy to leave one more.

And if you want to stay organized without adding more to your to-do list, Center AI has you covered. You can set up a flow that automatically sends out review requests after good interactions. No need to worry about remembering who to follow up with, or when. It just happens.

Your business unique experience deserves to be shared. Make it easy for people to talk about it.