How to get more Google reviews (the right way)
Reviews are the closest thing to word of mouth on a search page. You earn them by asking at the right moment, every time.
On this page
Key takeaways
- The best time to ask for a review is right after a job goes well, while the customer is happy and paying attention.
- Ask in person, then send a direct link the same day. Make it a routine for every completed job.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, briefly and professionally.
- Never pay for reviews, offer incentives, or only ask customers you think are happy. It breaks Google’s rules and can break the law.
When a homeowner searches for your trade, your reviews are often the first thing they judge you on, before your website, before your prices. Reviews are the closest thing to word of mouth on a search page, and they’re one of the signals Google uses to decide how prominently to show local businesses.
The businesses with lots of good reviews usually aren’t doing anything clever. They just ask every customer, at the right moment, in a way that’s easy to act on.
Ask at the right moment
The best time to ask is right after the work is done and the customer has seen the result. They’re pleased, the details are fresh, and you’re standing right there. A week later, the moment has passed and your request lands in a crowded inbox.
- When the customer compliments the work, that’s your cue.
- At the final walk-through on a project.
- When a recurring customer thanks the crew.
- Right after you solve a problem for them.
Get your review link
Your Google Business Profile has a share link that takes customers straight to the review form. Find it in your profile’s tools for getting more reviews, copy it, and save it somewhere you can paste it quickly. A direct link removes the steps where customers give up: searching for your business and finding the review button.
What to say
In person
Keep it natural and short. You’re asking a favor, not making a pitch.
In person
Really glad you’re happy with it. Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It makes a big difference for a small business like ours. I’ll text you the link.
By text, the same day
Review request by text
Hi [First name], thanks again for choosing [Business name] for your [job]. If you have a minute, a quick Google review would mean a lot to us: [review link]. – [Your name]
By email
Review request by email
Hi [First name], thank you for having us out for [job]. If you were happy with the work, would you consider leaving a short review on Google? It helps neighbors find a local business they can trust. Here’s the link: [review link]. And if anything wasn’t right, reply to this email and I’ll make it right. – [Your name], [Business name]
Make it a routine, not a campaign
A burst of reviews followed by months of silence looks odd and helps less than a steady flow. Build the ask into how every job ends.
The review routine
- Crew or owner asks in person at the end of the job
- Review link goes out by text or email the same day
- One friendly reminder a few days later if they haven’t had a chance
- Reply to the review within a day or two
Reply to every review
Replies show future customers that a real person runs the business and cares about the work. Keep them short, specific, and professional.
| Review | What to write |
|---|---|
| Positive | Thank them by name, mention the job, and say you look forward to next time. |
| Mixed | Thank them, acknowledge the issue plainly, and say what you’ve done about it. |
| Negative | Stay calm, don’t argue in public, apologize for the experience, and invite them to call you directly. |
Reply to a negative review
Hi [Name], I’m sorry the [job] didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the experience we want anyone to have. I’d like to understand what happened and make it right. Please call me directly at [phone]. – [Your name], owner
What not to do
- Don’t offer discounts, gift cards, or entries into drawings for reviews.
- Don’t filter who gets asked based on whether you think they’ll be positive.
- Don’t write reviews for yourself or ask friends to review work they didn’t receive.
- Don’t buy reviews or use services that promise them.
- Don’t pressure customers or ask them to change a review.
Photos help
Customers who just saw a great before-and-after are more likely to leave a review and more likely to add a photo of their own. Good job photos make the ask easier. Reviews also work hand in hand with a complete Google Business Profile.
Common questions
How many Google reviews does a local business need?
There’s no magic number. Recent reviews and a steady flow matter, along with how you compare to competitors in your area. Focus on asking every customer consistently rather than hitting a target.
What should I do about a fake or unfair review?
Reply calmly and professionally so other customers see your side, and flag the review through your Business Profile if it breaks Google’s policies, such as a review from someone who was never a customer.
Can I remind customers who haven’t left a review?
One polite reminder a few days later is reasonable. More than that starts to feel like pressure.
Can I ask for reviews on my website instead?
You can collect testimonials anywhere, but Google reviews are what show up on your Business Profile in search and Maps. Send customers to Google for the biggest impact.
