How to Get More Google Reviews: 15 Proven Strategies

More Google reviews mean higher rankings, more trust, and more customers. It's the simplest equation in local marketing. Yet most businesses leave review generation to chance — hoping happy customers will spontaneously leave feedback. They usually don't.

The businesses with 200, 500, or 1,000+ Google reviews didn't get there by accident. They have a system. Here are 15 strategies that actually work, ranked roughly by effectiveness.

1. Create a Direct Review Link

Your Google Business Profile has a short URL that takes customers directly to the review form — bypassing the search, the profile page, and the scroll. Find it in your Google Business Profile dashboard under "Get more reviews" or "Share review form."

This link is the foundation of everything else. Every strategy below uses it.

2. Ask in Person at the Moment of Delight

The single most effective way to get reviews is face-to-face asks at the right moment. When a customer thanks you, compliments your work, or says "that was great" — that's your window.

"Thank you so much! By the way, if you have 30 seconds, a quick Google review would really help us out. I can text you the link right now."

This personal ask converts at 5-10x the rate of email or text requests alone.

3. Send a Follow-Up Text Within 2 Hours

Timing is everything. A text message sent within 2 hours of the customer interaction converts significantly better than one sent the next day. The experience is still fresh, and the customer is still in a positive mindset.

"Hi [Name], thanks for coming in today! If you have a moment, a quick Google review means the world to us: [link] — The [Business] Team"

4. Add Review Links to Email Signatures

Every email your business sends — invoices, appointments, follow-ups, support — can include a subtle review link in the signature. "Happy with our service? Leave us a Google review!" with your direct link.

This is passive, low-effort, and generates a steady trickle of reviews over time.

5. Put a QR Code at the Point of Sale

Create a QR code that links to your Google review page and display it prominently: at the register, on the checkout counter, at the exit, or at the table. Include a simple call-to-action: "Love your experience? Scan to review us on Google!"

6. Include Review Links on Receipts and Invoices

Whether paper or digital, receipts and invoices are natural touchpoints. Add your review link at the bottom: "Thanks for your business! Tell us how we did: [link]"

7. Train Your Entire Team

If only you are asking for reviews, you're capping your potential. Every customer-facing team member should know how to ask naturally and comfortably. Role-play it in team meetings. Make it part of the service completion checklist.

The best teams make it feel natural: "If you're happy with how things turned out, a Google review would really help other people find us."

8. Respond to Every Existing Review

This might seem unrelated to getting more reviews, but it works. When potential reviewers see that you respond to every review with a personal, thoughtful comment, they're more motivated to leave their own. It signals that their review will be seen and appreciated.

Use templates as a starting point if you need help getting started with responses.

9. Create a "Review Us" Page on Your Website

Build a simple page on your website — yoursite.com/review — that thanks customers for their feedback and includes a prominent button linking to your Google review page. You can also include links to Yelp, Facebook, and other platforms. Share this URL in communications.

10. Send a Post-Service Email

After completing a service or sale, send a follow-up email that thanks the customer and includes a review request. Keep it short and personal:

"Hi Sarah, thank you for choosing us for your [service]. We hope everything exceeded expectations! If you have a quick moment, a Google review helps other customers find us and means a lot to our team: [button: Leave a Review]"

11. Use Social Media

Periodically post on your social channels asking for reviews. Share a recent positive review (with permission) and invite others to share their experience. Instagram stories, Facebook posts, and even LinkedIn can drive review activity.

12. Ask at the End of a Phone Call

If you do business over the phone, train your team to close successful calls with: "I'm glad we could help! If you have a moment, we'd love a Google review. Can I text you the link?"

13. Leverage Existing Fans

Your most loyal customers — the ones who refer friends, come back repeatedly, and sing your praises in person — are your lowest-hanging fruit. Many of them have never left a review because no one asked. Reach out personally.

14. Make It a Habit, Not a Campaign

The businesses with the most reviews don't run "review drives" once a quarter. They ask every day as part of their standard operating procedure. Consistency over intensity — 2-3 reviews per week beats 20 in one day.

Google's algorithm also favors a steady stream of reviews over sudden bursts, which can look suspicious.

15. Use a Review Management Tool

Tools like Sentinel Audit help you track your reputation score, monitor new reviews across Google, Yelp, Facebook, and other platforms, and respond quickly. The faster you respond to reviews, the more likely other customers are to leave their own.

What NOT to Do

A few important warnings:

• Never buy fake reviews. Google's detection is improving and penalties are severe. Not worth the risk.
• Never offer incentives. Discounts, freebies, or rewards in exchange for reviews violate Google's policies.
• Never review-gate. Don't send happy customers to Google and unhappy ones to an internal feedback form. Google considers this manipulation.
• Never review yourself. Self-reviews from business owners, employees, or family members get flagged and removed.

Setting a Goal

Start with a realistic target. If you currently get 2 reviews per month, aim for 6. If you get 10, aim for 20. Track your progress monthly using your reputation score.

Remember: every review is a permanent marketing asset that works for your business 24/7. The time you invest in review generation pays dividends for years.