How to Get More Reviews (Best Practices + Examples)

Online reviews are a cornerstone of modern business success. They influence customer trust, enhance search engine visibility, and significantly impact purchasing decisions.

In fact, 87% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase. These reviews also serve as honest testimonials that reassure potential customers about your business. If you’re not actively working to get more reviews, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity to grow.

This guide provides actionable strategies—complete with examples, templates, and tips—to help you gather more reviews and improve your brand’s online reputation.

Why Reviews Matter

The Impact of Reviews on Business Success

Reviews build trust among prospective customers and serve as social proof. Positive reviews can boost customer spending by up to 31% and improve local SEO rankings, driving more traffic and conversions. This creates a cycle where more reviews attract more customers, enhancing your business’s reputation. For a deeper understanding of the numbers behind this impact, check out these online reputation statistics.

Beyond numbers, reviews provide actionable insights, helping businesses gather positive feedback and address negative reviews. For instance, consistent praise for a product can inform marketing strategy, while recurring complaints can improve service processes. To fully leverage reviews, it’s crucial to implement a robust reputation management strategy.

SEO Benefits

Search engines like Google factor in the review volume and quality when ranking businesses. Positive reviews not only improve your Google Business Profile visibility but also increase your chances of appearing in the coveted local 3-pack.

Reviews often include keywords from customers directly, enhancing your business’s SEO naturally. For instance, reviews like “best vegan pizza” or “great tool for small business owners” help your business appear in relevant searches.

Building Customer Confidence

Future customers often hesitate to try a new business without awesome testimonials or reassurance. Reviews act as personal recommendations, showcasing real-life experiences.

According to research, 94% of consumers trust online reviews as much as recommendations from friends. Customers also trust businesses with a higher review volume, giving your business an edge over competitors.

Competitive Advantage

Having more reviews than competitors can set you apart in a crowded market. Customers are more likely to choose a business with a large number of positive, recent reviews. By actively encouraging reviews, you not only enhance your reputation but also create a clear edge over competitors who might not prioritize this aspect.

Imagine being a customer searching for a plumber: would you choose the business with three 5-star reviews or the one with 150?

Customer Retention

While reviews primarily attract new customers, they also contribute to customer retention. Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving.

This builds loyalty, as customers feel their opinions matter and that their concerns are addressed. Engaged customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others.

Enhancing Business Operations

Reviews also provide a unique opportunity to identify and rectify operational inefficiencies. For instance, if several reviews highlight slow service times, businesses can focus on streamlining workflows.

Similarly, frequent praise for specific staff members can inform training programs, ensuring consistent customer satisfaction across the team.

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Strategies to Get More Google Reviews

1. Face-to-Face Requests

Directly asking for reviews is highly effective, especially for local businesses with in-person customer interactions. When employees who contributed to a positive experience encourage customers to leave reviews, it fosters loyalty and builds a positive reputation.

How to Do It

Train your staff to recognize key moments during customer interactions that provide natural opportunities to ask for reviews. For example, after a customer expresses satisfaction or compliments your service, staff can say:

“We’re so glad you enjoyed your experience! If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate it if you could leave us a review on Google.”

Make the process seamless by offering a QR code on a card, receipt, or a countertop stand. Alternatively, include a printed URL for those who prefer entering links manually. You can also integrate this request into payment or checkout conversations, ensuring it feels like a natural part of the experience.

When to Use It

• Service-Based Businesses: Ideal for salons, restaurants, gyms, or other establishments with regular face-to-face interactions.

• High-Touch Interactions: Best utilized during moments of peak satisfaction, such as when a customer has received exceptional service or completed a successful transaction.

• Special Events or Celebrations: When hosting events or offering promotions, these high-energy environments are perfect opportunities to capture positive customer sentiment.

✅ Pros

• Personalized and Sincere: Customers are more likely to leave a review when they feel their opinion is genuinely valued.

• High Success Rate: A warm, direct request immediately following a positive experience often results in immediate action.

❌ Cons

• Scalability Challenges: This method is labor-intensive and less effective for businesses with large-scale operations or minimal in-person contact.

• Employee Training Required: Staff must be equipped with the confidence and skills to request reviews effectively without sounding scripted or pushy.

Example Scripts

1. After Receiving a Compliment:

   “Thank you so much for your kind words! If you enjoyed your visit, it would mean a lot to us if you could share your thoughts on Google. Here’s a QR code to make it easy!”

2. During Checkout:

   “We’re so glad you chose us today! Your feedback helps us improve and grow. If you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review. Here’s a quick link.”

3. Encouraging Repeat Customers:

   “It’s always great to see you here! If you’d like to support us further, leaving a quick review on Google would mean so much to our team.”

Pro Tip

Add a review form or QR code for customers to leave reviews instantly at the checkout. Create attractive, branded displays that align with your store’s aesthetic. Add a friendly and engaging message like:

“Loved your visit? Share your experience! Scan this QR code to leave a review.”

Position these displays strategically near cash registers, entrances, or tables where customers can easily notice and act on them.

2. Email Campaigns

Email marketing is a scalable and effective way to request customer reviews. Follow-up emails sent within 24 to 48 hours of a purchase keep the experience fresh, encouraging new customers and past customers alike to share their feedback.

How to Do It

Start by segmenting your email list based on recent purchases or services. Personalize each email by addressing the recipient by name and referencing their specific interaction with your business. Include direct links to your review platform to eliminate any friction in the process.

For example:

“Thank you for purchasing [Product Name]! We’d love to hear your feedback. Please click the button below to leave a quick review.”

Enhance the email with visually appealing elements like branded colors, star rating icons, or a clear call-to-action button such as “Leave a Review Now.” Timing is crucial—send the email within the ideal 24 to 48-hour window post-transaction to capture customers while their experience is top of mind.

When to Use It

• E-Commerce Businesses: Perfect for companies with a substantial email database, as it allows for scalable outreach to customers after every purchase.

• Post-Transaction Follow-Ups: Ideal for gathering reviews after significant touchpoints, such as product deliveries, service completions, or customer support interactions.

• Subscription Services: Use email campaigns to request reviews after a subscription milestone, such as the end of a free trial or the first month of use.

✅ Pros

• Scalable and Automated: Easily reach a large audience without manual effort, especially when using email automation tools.

• Customizable and Targeted: Emails can be tailored to include the recipient’s name, the product or service they purchased, and personalized messaging to make the request feel authentic.

❌ Cons

• Variable Open Rates: Success depends heavily on the email’s subject line, timing, and content design. Poorly crafted emails may go unopened.

• Requires an Established Email List: Effectiveness relies on having a well-maintained database of customer email addresses.

Template Examples

Subject Line Ideas:

• “How did we do? Share your thoughts!”

• “We’d love to hear from you.”

• “Your feedback matters to us!”

Template 1: Post-Purchase Review Request

Subject: How did we do?

Hi [First Name],

Thank you for purchasing [Product Name]! We’d love to hear your thoughts on your experience. Your feedback helps us improve and grow.

[Leave a Review Button]

Thanks for choosing [Business Name]!

– The [Business Name] Team

Template 2: Service Follow-Up

Subject: Share your thoughts!

Hi [First Name],

We hope you’re enjoying the results of [Service Name]. Could you take a moment to share your experience? It only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us improve.

[Leave a Review Button]

Your input means the world to us!

Template 3: Subscription Milestone

Subject: Share your thoughts!

Subject: Help us improve!

Hi [First Name],

You’ve been with [Business Name] for a month now, and we’d love to know how it’s going. Share your thoughts to help us make [Product/Service Name] even better!

[Leave a Review Button]

Pro Tips for Email Campaign Success

1. Include a direct link to your review platform in the email for quick access.

2. Optimize for Mobile: Ensure the email is mobile-friendly, as many customers will open it on their phones.

3. Test Subject Lines: A/B test different subject lines to determine which generates the highest open rates.

4. Add Value: Consider including a thank-you message or exclusive content, such as tips for using the purchased product or service, to make the email more engaging.

5. Timing Matters: Test different sending times (e.g., mornings or weekends) to identify when your audience is most responsive.

By combining these strategies, email campaigns can become a powerful tool in your review collection arsenal, providing consistent, scalable, and personalized engagement with your customers.

3. SMS Requests

SMS requests are highly effective, with a 98% open rate and 90% read within three minutes. A short, friendly message sent promptly can quickly prompt customers to share their experiences while the interaction is still fresh. This channel works especially well for satisfied customers who are likely to leave positive feedback when prompted with a short, clear message.

How to Do It

Use an automated SMS system to send review requests shortly after a customer completes a transaction. Ensure the message is concise, includes a direct link to your review platform, and has a professional yet approachable tone.

For example:

“Hi [First Name], thank you for visiting [Business Name]. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback here: [google review link].”

Key considerations for SMS campaigns:

1. Timing: Send the SMS within 24 hours of the customer interaction for the best response rate. For hospitality or retail businesses, immediate follow-ups work well.

2. Tone: Keep the message conversational and polite, avoiding any language that feels overly salesy or demanding.

3. Link Shortening: Use shortened URLs to keep the message within the character limit while maintaining a clean look.

When to Use It

• Mobile-First Audiences: Particularly effective for industries where customers are highly engaged on mobile devices, such as restaurants, salons, gyms, or delivery services.

• High-Volume, Low-Touch Transactions: Retailers and quick-service businesses can use SMS to reach large audiences without direct staff involvement.

✅ Pros

• 📈 High Open Rates: SMS is far more likely to be read than email, ensuring your review request reaches the customer.

• ⏱️ Immediate Action: The immediacy of SMS prompts customers to act quickly, often leading to faster review submissions.

❌ Cons

• 📝 Limited Character Space: SMS messages must be brief, which can make it challenging to convey detailed instructions or include branding elements.

• ⚠️ Requires Consent: Regulations require explicit customer consent to send SMS messages, and non-compliance can lead to fines.

Example Messages

1. Standard Review Request:

   📩 “Hi [First Name]! Thanks for visiting [Business Name]. We value your feedback. Please leave us a review here: [shortened link].”

2. Personalized Follow-Up:

   📩 “Hi [First Name]! It was great to see you at [Business Name]. If you enjoyed your visit, we’d love it if you could share your experience: [shortened link]. Thank you!”

3. Post-Purchase Check-In:

   📩 “Thanks for choosing [Business Name]! How was your [Product/Service Name]? Share your thoughts here: [shortened link]. Your feedback helps us improve!”

4. Event-Based Request:

   📩 “Hi [First Name]! Thank you for attending [Event Name]. We’d love to hear your feedback: [shortened link].”

Pro Tips for SMS Success

• Personalization: Use the customer’s name and, if possible, reference their recent purchase or visit to make the message feel tailored.

• Shortened Links: Use services like Bitly or branded link shorteners to create clean, trackable URLs.

• Timing: Avoid sending messages too early in the morning or late at night to ensure a positive reception.

• Compliance: Ensure your messages comply with GDPR, CAN-SPAM, or other regional data protection laws.

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4. Automated Review Collection Tools

Automated tools make it easier to gather reviews consistently. They streamline the review process by directing happy customers to public platforms and collecting negative feedback privately. They are particularly effective for businesses seeking scalable solutions to gather customer feedback across multiple platforms and locations.

How to Do It

Set up automation tools to send review requests right after customer interactions. Tools like Review Booster by Center AI streamline the process via email, SMS, or QR codes, allowing customers to provide feedback easily.

Built-in AI helps generate review responses, saving time and directing positive reviews to public platforms while addressing negative feedback privately to protect your reputation. Discover how AI reviews can revolutionize reputation management for retailers.

When to Use It

• Scalability: Ideal for businesses with multiple locations or high customer volumes that require a hands-off approach to review management.

• Efficiency: Best for businesses aiming to save time and maintain a consistent process for gathering and analyzing feedback.

✅ Pros

• 🕒 Saves Time and Effort: Automation eliminates manual follow-ups, freeing your team to focus on other priorities.

• 🔄 Consistent Process: Ensures every customer interaction is followed up with a review request, reducing the chance of missed opportunities.

• 📈 Positive Impact on Ratings: Tools like Review Booster increase your average ratings by directing satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google Maps or TripAdvisor.

❌ Cons

• 💻 Initial Setup Required: Configuring automation tools and surveys may require technical knowledge or additional support.

• 🤝 Reduced Personal Touch: Automation lacks the human connection of manual requests.

Why Automated Tools Work

1. Increase Positive Reviews: Automated systems make it easier for satisfied customers to leave reviews, with studies showing a potential 18% sales increase when businesses have strong positive ratings.

2. Manage Negative Feedback: Tools like Review Booster allow customers to share negative experiences privately, giving businesses the opportunity to resolve issues before they are posted publicly.

3. Boost Brand Visibility: Direct customers to share their reviews on platforms that matter most to your business, improving your reputation and attracting new customers.

4. Personalized Feedback Surveys: Tailor surveys to highlight areas like pricing, customer service, or specific product features. This ensures feedback is both actionable and aligned with your goals.

Example Workflow with Review Booster

1. In-Store Interaction: A customer scans a QR code placed near the checkout counter to leave feedback.

2. Post-Purchase Follow-Up: An SMS or email is sent with a direct link to a survey, encouraging the customer to share their experience.

3. AI Analysis and Response: AI tools analyze the feedback, generating ready-to-publish replies and directing positive reviews to a review page like Google Maps or Yelp.

4. Feedback Management: Negative feedback is flagged for private resolution, ensuring customer concerns are addressed quickly and professionally.

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Best Practices for Requesting Reviews

1. Timing is Everything

Timing is crucial for review requests. Send them to within 24 to 48 hours of the customer interaction to capture enthusiasm. For hospitality, immediate requests after a service work best, while e-commerce businesses should follow up after delivery and product use.

Pro Tip: Use automation tools to trigger review requests based on customer activity, such as completed purchases or service bookings.

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2. Make it Easy

Simplicity is key when encouraging customers to leave reviews. The more convenient the process, the more likely customers are to follow through. Provide customers with direct links, QR codes, or embedded review forms to eliminate unnecessary steps. For example, include a QR code on receipts or packaging with the message:

“Loved your visit? Scan this to leave us a review!”

Additionally, ensure your review request messages are mobile-friendly, as most customers will engage with them on their phones.

Pro Tip: For repeat customers, consider pre-filling their name and other details on review forms to reduce effort on their part.

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3. Personalize Your Requests

Generic review requests often get ignored. Personalizing your message makes the customer feel valued and increases the likelihood of a response. Use the customer’s name and reference their recent purchase or visit. For instance:

“Hi Sarah, we hope you’re enjoying your new [Product Name]! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Click here to leave a quick review: [link].”

Adding a personal touch shows customers that their opinion truly matters and strengthens your brand’s connection with them.

Pro Tip: Train staff to personalize in-person review requests. For example, after a compliment, an employee could say:

“We’re thrilled you enjoyed the service! If you’d like to share your experience, here’s an easy link to leave us a review.”

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4. Incentivize Responsibly

While many platforms (like Google) discourage offering direct incentives for reviews, there are creative ways to encourage participation without violating policies. For example:

• Offer discounts or loyalty points for customers who complete feedback surveys (not tied to review scores).

• Highlight how reviews help improve customer experience, positioning it as a way for customers to give back.

• Organize a raffle or giveaway where leaving a review automatically enters customers into a draw for a small prize.

Pro Tip: Always disclose incentives clearly, and focus on gathering genuine feedback to maintain trust and comply with platform guidelines.

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5. Follow Up

Sometimes, customers need a gentle reminder. A follow-up message can significantly increase response rates for reviews. For instance, if a customer doesn’t respond to the initial request, send a polite reminder a few days later:

“Hi [First Name], just a quick follow-up! Your feedback helps us improve. Click here to leave a quick review: [link]. Thank you for your time!”

Don’t overdo it—limit follow-ups to one or two reminders to avoid annoying customers.

Pro Tip: Use analytics to track review requests and adjust follow-up timing based on response patterns (e.g., some audiences may respond better during weekends).

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Handling Negative Feedback

Not all reviews will be positive, and that’s okay. What matters is how you respond. Thoughtfully addressing negative feedback shows your commitment to customer satisfaction and can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates, improving your reputation.

Steps to Address Negative Feedback

1. Acknowledge the Issue
   Start by showing understanding and validating the customer’s concerns. Avoid jumping into solutions too quickly—customers want to feel heard first.
   Example:

   “We’re sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Your feedback is valuable, and we’d like to address this immediately.”

2. Take Responsibility
   Acknowledge your part in the situation, even if the issue was minor. Avoid being defensive or dismissive, as this can escalate dissatisfaction.
   Example:

   “We understand that our service didn’t meet your expectations. We take full responsibility for this and are committed to making it right.”

3. Offer a Resolution
   Present a clear path to resolve the issue, such as a refund, replacement, or follow-up service. Make the process as seamless as possible for the customer.
   Example:

   “We’d like to make this right. Please contact us directly at [contact info], and we’ll work on resolving the issue to your satisfaction.”

4. Follow Up
   After resolving the problem, follow up to ensure the customer is satisfied with the outcome. Politely ask if they’d consider updating their review or providing private feedback on their revised experience.
   Example:

   “Thank you for giving us the chance to make things right. We hope we’ve resolved your concerns to your satisfaction. If so, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could update your review to reflect your new experience.”

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✅ Tips for Success

• Respond Promptly: Time is critical. A quick response can diffuse anger and demonstrate your commitment to resolving issues.

• Stay Respectful: Keep your tone courteous and professional, even if the review feels unfair or harsh.

• Avoid Public Arguments: Take the discussion offline whenever possible to prevent public disputes.

Dealing with a tough review? Sometimes, removing it may be an option if it violates guidelines. If you’re unsure how to delete a Google review, our step-by-step guide explains everything—from identifying policy violations to alternative methods if the review remains. Take control of your online presence and protect your reputation effectively.

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Take Control with Center AI’s Review Response Manager

Handling reviews, especially negative ones, across multiple platforms and locations can be time-consuming. This is where Center AI’s Review Response Manager becomes invaluable.

1. All Reviews in One Place
   With Center AI, you can view and respond to reviews from all your locations in a single dashboard. This streamlined approach saves you time and ensures no review goes unnoticed, helping you stay proactive in managing customer relationships.

2. Advanced Filters for Efficiency
   Locate specific reviews quickly using advanced filters. Search by location, date range, or sentiment (positive or negative reviews) to prioritize your responses and focus on the most critical feedback.

3. Signal Your Engagement to Google
   Regularly responding to reviews signals to Google’s algorithm that you actively maintain your listings. This can boost your local SEO rankings, attracting more customers to your business.

4. Build Customer Trust
   Consistently engaging with reviews—both positive and negative—builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction. By addressing concerns effectively, you improve your reputation and foster loyalty. Not sure how to respond? Use these how to reply to Google reviews templates to craft thoughtful and effective responses.

Dealing with Negative or Fake Reviews?

Not all reviews are fair or genuine, and sometimes businesses face harmful, fake reviews that violate platform guidelines. If you’re unsure how to address such situations, check out our step-by-step guide on how to delete a Google review. It explains the process for identifying reviews that breach Google’s policies and the actions you can take if removal is denied. Protect your business’s reputation by managing unfair reviews effectively.

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Analyzing Reviews for Deeper Insights

Advanced Metrics to Track

To truly capitalize on the value of reviews, analyze them regularly to extract actionable insights. Key metrics include:

1. Sentiment Analysis: Use AI tools to gauge overall customer sentiment and identify areas of concern. Honest reviews can be a valuable source of truth about the state of your company.

2. Keyword Frequency: Discover common themes by analyzing recurring words or phrases in reviews (e.g., “fast delivery,” “friendly staff”).

3. Platform-Specific Performance: Compare feedback across platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook page to understand audience preferences.

Acting on Feedback

Take a proactive approach by addressing trends revealed in reviews:

• Low Ratings on a Specific Platform: Investigate operational or experience issues that may differ across locations.

• Recurring Negative Comments: Implement targeted improvements to address common complaints.

• Highlighting Strengths: Promote frequently praised aspects in your marketing materials to attract more customers.

With Customer Review Insights by Center AI, you can visualize trends, track performance, and manage reviews across platforms seamlessly.

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Conclusion

By actively working to get more reviews and handling the existing reviews you’re building trust, improving your online reputation, and creating a competitive edge. Whether through email campaigns, SMS requests, social media channels, or tools like Review Booster, make it easy for customers to leave reviews and watch your business grow.

Start today by implementing these strategies and watch your business grow. With the right approach, you can turn both positive and negative reviews into one of your most powerful marketing assets.

Check out the top reputation management tools to streamline the process.