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Google reviews can make a serious difference to your business. They influence how easily you’re found online, how potential customers perceive you, and even when someone’s deciding between you and a competitor. Here’s how to get more genuine Google reviews in different ways that are easy for both you and your customers.
Why Google reviews matter for your business
Google reviews act as social proof. When potential customers see a healthy number of recent, positive reviews, they’re more likely to trust you and take action – whether that’s visiting your shop or website, making a booking or enquiring with you. Reviews also impact your visibility in Google search results and on Google Maps, so they help you show up more often and look more credible when you do.
With Google handling over 90% of all global search queries, it’s where people go to find businesses online. And in a 2025 Square study, nearly half of Aussies said reviews influence their purchase decisions. Ultimately, more Google reviews mean more chances to win over new customers.
Setting up your Google Business Profile
Claim and verify your business listing
To improve your business’s visibility online and get more reviews, Google requires you to claim your Business Profile:
- Go to business.google.com.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Search for your business name and select it, or click Add your business to Google if it doesn’t appear.
- Follow the prompts to complete your profile with basic details about your business.
- To finish your profile creation and make it fully visible on Google Search and Maps, you’ll need to verify your business. Google might send you a postcard, email or phone call with a code.
- Once verified, you can manage your profile and start collecting reviews.
Claiming and verifying your profile is essential – not just to appear in Google search results and on Google Maps, but also to unlock the ability to manage and reply to Google reviews.
Ensure you appear on Google Maps
To collect Google reviews, your business needs to appear as a physical ‘place’ on Google Maps. If you’re not listed, customers won’t be able to leave feedback. When setting up your profile, ensure you’ve added a street address or a defined service area. Even mobile and home-based businesses can appear on the map as long as they serve a local area.
Know Google’s review solicitation policies
Google allows you to ask for reviews, but there are a few ground rules. You can’t offer discounts, gifts or incentives in exchange for a review. Requests should also be neutral, meaning you’re inviting all customers to leave feedback, not just the satisfied ones. Violating these policies can result in the removal of reviews or the suspension of your account.
Optimising your Google Business Profile
Complete and optimise your listing
A well-maintained profile helps customers feel confident in choosing your business. Here are some key things to include:
- Opening hours
- Contact details
- Service areas and delivery options
- A clear business description
- Link to your website or booking page
- Services, menus or pricing if relevant
- High-quality photos of your space, products or team
Keeping your profile up to date helps ensure people can find you online, and shows customers that you’re active and trustworthy. Read these detailed tips on how to optimise your Google Business Profile further.
Respond to existing reviews
Replying to reviews – both positive and negative – shows that you value customer feedback and take it seriously. A simple thank you goes a long way, while a thoughtful response to a negative review can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to improvement. When people see that you’re engaged, it builds trust and encourages them to leave their own feedback.
Display existing Google reviews on your website
Featuring real customer reviews on your website helps build trust with new visitors. You might embed a Google Reviews widget on your footer, or add a rotating carousel to display live reviews. Some businesses create a dedicated ‘Reviews’ or ‘Testimonials’ webpage to showcase relevant reviews. Whichever method you choose, aim to include both existing reviews and a clear call to action encouraging people to write one. It helps potential customers feel more confident and inspires happy ones to share their own experience.
How to ask for Google reviews (by channel)
In person
The best time to ask for a review in person or over the phone is during or just after a positive interaction, when the experience is still fresh. Start with a quick check-in, then casually invite them to share their feedback. Keep it conversational and sincere, not scripted or salesy. For example:
How did everything go today? That’s so great to hear – thanks for the feedback! If you’re open to it, it’d be awesome if you could share some of that in a Google review for us when you have a minute later.
Via text message
Text messages should be short, friendly and well-timed – ideally sent within a few hours of the visit/service or after a follow-up with the customer, whichever makes sense for your business. Some examples:
Hi [Name], thanks so much for visiting [Business Name] today! If you’ve got a minute, we’d love a quick Google review. Here’s the link: [Google review link]
Great to hear everything went well! If you’re happy to share your experience, a Google review would mean a lot to us. You can do it here: [Google review link]
Via email
In an email, keep your message short, clear and friendly, and make it easy to take action. For instance:
Subject line: Thanks for visiting – mind sharing your thoughts?
Hi [Name],
Thanks for stopping by [Business Name]! We’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a quick Google review. It really helps people like you discover us.
[Button or link: Leave a Review →]
Appreciate your support,
[Your Name/Team]
Or, consider sending an email campaign to past customers, thanking them for their support and including a simple request for a review.
On social media
Try these tips on how to get more reviews on Google through your social media channels:
- Post occasional reminders with your review link.
- Post a thank-you message after a busy day or event, and include a review request.
- Add a ‘Leave a Review’ link to your Instagram bio or Linktree.
- Pin a review request post to the top of your feed.
- Use Stories or Reels to show people how to leave a review.
Tools that make it easier to collect reviews
Generate and share a Google review link
To get a direct link for customers to leave a review:
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
- Go to Read Reviews > Get more reviews.
- Copy the link provided.
You can use a free URL shortener like Bitly or TinyURL to turn a long, clunky link into something short and clean like ‘bit.ly/YourBizReview’. Include this link in emails, on social media, in printed materials and anywhere else you connect with customers.
Create and display QR codes
QR codes make it easy for customers to scan and leave a review on the spot. You can use them on receipts, signage at your counter, or flyers near the exit. Generate a QR code from your profile, then print and display your code in high-traffic areas. You can even include it on packaging or loyalty cards.
To generate a QR code for customers to leave a review:
- In your Google Business Profile, go to Read Reviews > Get more reviews.
- Right-click the QR code provided.
- Select Save image as… to download the QR code.
Strategic touchpoints to request reviews
Use feedback surveys as a warm-up
Short feedback surveys are a great way to find out how people felt about their experience. If someone leaves great feedback, you can follow up with a review request. It’s a softer, more targeted approach that feels natural and customer-friendly.
Send thank-you postcards with a review request
Add a personal touch by sending a thank-you postcard after a visit or service, ideally within a week. Include a short note and your Google review link or QR code. If you have time, a handwritten note goes a long way.
Include review links in your email signature
Adding a simple line like ‘Leave us a Google review’ to your email signature helps you ask for reviews passively. Link the text directly to your review page. Over time, it becomes a subtle but consistent reminder for every contact you email.
Create ‘leave us a review’ cards
Keep small, wallet-sized cards at your counter or hand them out with each sale. Include your business name, a brief thank-you message and a friendly call to action, along with your review link or QR code.
Train your team to ask for reviews
Your staff are on the front lines of customer interaction, so they’re often best placed to spot great moments with customers. Train and empower them to ask for reviews when it feels natural, such as after a compliment or successful service. Provide simple scripts and opportunities to practise so they feel confident bringing it up.
Use templates to streamline review requests
Templates save time and keep your messaging consistent. Below are examples you can adapt to suit your tone of voice and brand personality.
- In-person:
How did everything go today? That’s so great to hear – thanks for the feedback! If you’re open to it, it’d be awesome if you could share some of that in a Google review for us when you have a minute later. - Email:
Hi [Name], thanks for stopping by [Business Name]! We’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave us a quick Google review. It really helps people like you discover us. [Button or link: Leave a Review →] - SMS:
Hi [Name], thanks so much for visiting [Business Name] today! If you’ve got a minute, we’d love a quick Google review. Here’s the link: [short URL] - Review card:
Thanks for your support! Do you have a minute to leave us a quick Google review? Just scan the QR code or visit the link below. [QR code] [short URL]
Encourage reviews from vendors and partners
Don’t forget the people you do business with – like suppliers, contractors or collaborators. If you’ve built strong relationships and worked together successfully, consider asking if they’d be open to leaving a review about your professionalism, reliability or service. A quick email or casual request is all it takes.
Promote positive reviews across channels
Share top reviews on social media
Here are some ideas to repurpose reviews on your socials:
- Turn quotes into branded graphics.
- Create short video testimonials.
- Record a short Reel reacting to a great review.
- Share reviews in Stories with fun animations or emojis.
- Highlight your top review of the week.
Use review decor in your store
Incorporate your best reviews into your physical space. You could frame standout quotes near the register, add window decals with your Google star rating, or create a ‘What Our Customers Say’ poster or pinboard. These act as visual proof that real people love your business – and inspire others to join in.
Other ways to get more online reviews
With your Google Business Profile complete, continue exploring other ways to get more online customer reviews and further build your reputation. Claim your business listing on Yelp, Tripadvisor, Trustpilot or other review platforms relevant to your industry.
If you sell with Square, you can turn on Square Feedback to collect private customer comments after a sale and follow up with customers who might be open to leaving a public review. Regularly reviewing feedback helps you spot trends and improve the customer experience, which can lead to even more positive reviews and sustained growth.
FAQs
Can you purchase Google reviews?
No. Buying reviews is against Google’s policies and could get your account suspended or your reviews removed. Stick to authentic, voluntary feedback from real customers.
Can you delete bad Google reviews?
You can flag reviews that are fake, abusive or violate Google’s guidelines. But if the review is genuine – even if it’s negative – you can’t remove it. The best approach is to respond professionally and try to resolve the issue.
Where do Google reviews display?
Google reviews appear in your Google Business Profile, Google Maps listings and in Google Search results when people look up your business. A strong review presence can improve both visibility and trust.
What are the steps on how to get more Google reviews for my business?
- Start by setting up a complete and up-to-date Google Business Profile.
- Make it easy for customers to leave a review by sharing links and QR codes at key touchpoints.
- Ask for reviews at the right moments and encourage your team to get involved.
- Finally, showcase great reviews across your website, social media and in-store displays to inspire other customers to share their own experiences.
