How to Get More Google Reviews: A Step-by-Step Guide

When potential customers search for businesses like yours, Google reviews play a big role in who gets noticed. According to WiserReview, “Nearly 95% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase”, and most start with Google. That makes your Google review profile one of your most valuable marketing tools.

Google ranks local businesses based on review quantity, quality, and recency. So learning how to get more Google reviews will directly influence your sales. But keep in mind, these reviews must follow Google’s policies to avoid penalties or suspensions.

This guide walks you through a clear, step-by-step process to get authentic reviews and use them to grow your business. Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Setting up your profile for review success
2. Asking at the right time (immediately after service)
3. Making it effortless for customers to leave reviews
4. Guiding review content without scripting it
5. Following up once (and only once)
6. Responding to every review

Before we dive in, let’s start with why reviews matter and what to know before you begin.

Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Business

Most businesses underestimate the power of Google reviews until they see competitors dominating local search. 

Here’s why they matter and how they work for you:

Reviews Build Customer Trust and Drive Conversions

Consumers rely heavily on reviews to make purchasing decisions. According to WiserReview, 85% of users trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. 

This social proof validates your credibility and reduces perceived risk for potential customers. Higher review ratings directly correlate with increased conversion rates. Businesses with strong review profiles consistently outperform their competitors.

Reviews Improve Your Local Search Visibility

Google explicitly states that reviews impact local search rankings through what they call ‘prominence.‘ As outlined in Google’s local ranking guidelines, review quantity, quality, and recency all influence where your business appears in local search results and Google Maps.

Fresh reviews signal active engagement and current relevance. Higher rankings mean more visibility, which translates directly to more clicks and customers.

Reviews Provide Valuable Business Insights

Beyond marketing benefits, reviews offer direct feedback on what you’re doing well and where you can improve. Customers tell you exactly what matters to them, from service quality to specific features they appreciate. 

This feedback loop helps you improve your offerings. It lets you fix recurring issues and make smart, data-driven decisions that strengthen your business over time.

What You Need to Know Before Requesting Reviews

Before you start asking for reviews, it’s critical to understand Google’s policies. Google maintains strict guidelines to ensure review authenticity and protect consumers from manipulation.

Google’s Review Policy: What’s Prohibited

• No incentives – Never offer discounts, rewards, or any form of compensation in exchange for reviews
• No review gating – Don’t selectively ask only satisfied customers while avoiding unhappy ones
• No fake reviews – Reviews must come from real customers who genuinely experienced your service
• No coordinated campaigns – Bulk review requests or organized efforts to manipulate ratings violate policy
• One profile per location – Multiple profiles for the same business confuse customers and violate guidelines

Following these rules isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It protects your business reputation and builds sustainable growth through authentic customer feedback that prospects can trust.

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Business Profile for Review Success

Before you can collect reviews, you need a verified and optimized Google Business Profile. An incomplete or inconsistent profile reduces your chances of getting reviews and can delay verification by weeks.

Tips on setting up your profile:

• Use your exact legal business name – Match what’s on your business license. Google rejects names with keywords like “Best Plumbing Services” or added locations.
• Keep your business details consistent across the web – Your name, address, and phone number should match everywhere online: your website, directories, social media. Inconsistencies confuse Google and delay verification.
• Choose phone or email verification when available – These methods are instant. If you’re waiting on a postcard, don’t request another one for 14 days or you’ll restart the process.
• Upload 3-5 photos during setup – Profiles with photos get 42% more direction requests. Add images before verification completes so your profile looks active immediately.
• Fill out every section – Add business hours, services, attributes (parking, Wi-Fi, wheelchair access), and answer questions in the Q&A section. Incomplete profiles signal inactivity.
• Select the most specific primary category – Choose “Italian Restaurant” over “Restaurant” or “Emergency Plumber” over “Plumber.” Your primary category heavily impacts local rankings.

Once your profile is verified and complete, you’re ready to start gathering reviews.

Step 2: Ask at the Right Time (Immediately After Service)

Timing determines whether customers actually leave a review. Ask too late and they forget. Ask at the wrong moment and they decline. 

Here are some tips to make your request count:

• Ask within minutes of completing the service – 77% of customers will leave a review when asked, but this drops significantly after 24 hours. Strike while satisfaction is fresh and the experience is top-of-mind.
• For in-person customers, ask at checkout or exit – Hand them a QR code card or mention the review request as they’re paying or leaving. This is when they’re most satisfied and have their phone ready.

You can create your own review QR code using a free generator like QR Code Creator or any similar tool, then print it on small cards, receipts, or table signs.

• For virtual or remote clients, send immediately via email or SMS – Don’t wait until end-of-day. Send the review link in the same email thread or text conversation where you confirmed completion or delivery.
• Watch for positive signals before asking – If a customer says “This is perfect!” or “Exactly what I needed,” that’s your green light. Ask right after positive feedback, not randomly.
• If immediate isn’t possible, stay within 24-48 hours – Set a calendar reminder to follow up within this window. After 48 hours, memory fades and the likelihood of getting a review drops sharply.

Step 3: Make It Effortless for Customers to Leave Reviews

The easier you make it, the more reviews you’ll get. Remove every possible friction point between the ask and the submission. 

Start by getting your direct review link: log into your Google Business Profile, click “Read Reviews,” select “Get more reviews,” and copy your link or download the QR code.

Choose the Right Delivery Method

Match your delivery approach to how you interact with customers:

• For in-person customers: Hand them a QR code card at checkout or exit, print codes on receipts and business cards, or display them on table tents and counters. Customers can scan and review in seconds without typing a URL.
• For virtual/remote customers: Text or email the direct review link immediately after service completion. Make it clickable and mobile-friendly so they can leave a review with one tap.
• On your website: Create a dedicated reviews page displaying existing reviews with a prominent “Leave us a review” button. Add review CTAs to your homepage, contact page, and thank-you pages where visitors are already engaged.
• In email signatures: Add your review link to every team member’s signature with simple copy like “Enjoyed working with us? Leave us a quick review.” Every email becomes a review opportunity.
• In automated communications: Include the link in order confirmations, appointment reminders, and invoices. These touchpoints reach customers when your service is already top-of-mind.

Use Multiple Touchpoints

Don’t rely on a single method. Different customers respond to different touchpoints. 

Check these tips on how to combine multiple touchpoints:

• Combine in-person and digital follow-up: Hand them a QR code card at checkout, then send an email with the direct link 24 hours later. This gives them two opportunities without being pushy.
• Layer passive and active requests: Keep review buttons visible on your website (passive), add links in email signatures (passive), and make direct asks after service (active). The combination works better than any single approach.
• Space out your touchpoints: Don’t bombard customers with multiple requests in the same day. Spread them across the customer journey: initial service, follow-up email, and website presence.
• Test what works for your business: Track which methods generate the most reviews. If QR codes aren’t working but email links are, double down on what your customers prefer.

Now that customers can easily leave reviews, let’s talk about how to guide what they say without crossing Google’s policy lines.

Step 4: Guide Review Content (Without Scripting It)

Google prohibits scripting reviews, but you can gently guide customers toward helpful, detailed feedback. 

Here’s how to encourage reviews that help both future customers and your local SEO:

• Frame it as helping others, not helping you – Say “It helps others know what to expect” instead of “It helps our ranking.” Customers are more willing to help other customers than boost your SEO.
• Mention one specific detail they can include – Instead of “leave a review,” try “If you mention the kitchen remodel and that you’re in Sacramento, it really helps neighbors find us.” Be specific but don’t demand it.
• Ask for photos when there’s a visual result – Google prioritizes reviews with photos. Request them for services with tangible outcomes like home renovations, landscaping, salon services, or restaurant meals. Skip photo requests for consultation-based services where visuals might be considered as sensitive content.
• Provide 2-3 keyword examples naturally – “Feel free to mention things like ’emergency plumbing,’ ‘water heater repair,’ or your neighborhood.” Frame it as suggestions, not requirements.
• Never gatekeep or pressure specific ratings – Don’t say “If you had a great experience…” or “We’d love a 5-star review.” Ask everyone equally and let them choose their rating honestly.

Timing and delivery matter, but so does following up when customers forget. Here’s how to do it without being pushy.

Step 5: Follow Up Once (and Only Once)

Most customers want to leave a review but forget. One gentle reminder works. Two feels pushy. 

Here’s how to follow up (without damaging the relationship):

• Wait exactly 24 hours before your reminder – Not 2 hours, not 3 days. Set a calendar reminder for 24 hours after your initial request. This gives them time without letting them forget completely.
• Keep your follow-up to 2 sentences max – “Hi [Name], just following up on my request for feedback. If you have 60 seconds, here’s the link: [URL]. Thanks!” Shorter is better.
• Match the channel to the relationship – Text for casual service businesses like coffee shops or salons. Email for professional services like legal or financial consulting. Phone calls only for high-touch, long-term client relationships.
• If they don’t respond after one follow-up, move on – Some people won’t leave reviews no matter what. That’s okay. Pushing harder damages trust and your reputation. Focus on the next satisfied customer.

Getting reviews is only half the strategy. How you respond to them matters just as much. Let’s look at how to handle both positive and negative feedback effectively.

Step 6: Respond to Every Review

Responding to reviews isn’t optional. According to BrightLocal, 88% of consumers would use a business that replies to all reviews vs. only 47% for businesses that don’t. Plus, Google rewards active profiles with better visibility.

Some core principles for responding to any review:

• Respond within 24-48 hours – Fast responses signal you’re active and attentive. Set up email or mobile notifications so you don’t miss new reviews.
• Personalize every response – Mention something specific they said. Avoid copy-paste templates that feel robotic.
• Naturally weave in a keyword – Reference the service and location when it fits naturally: “Thanks for trusting us with your bathroom remodel in Roseville, Sarah!”
• Keep responses brief – 2-3 sentences is enough. Thank them, acknowledge a detail, and close.

How to Respond to Positive Reviews

Positive reviews deserve genuine appreciation. 

Here are some templates you can adapt:

• For service-based businesses: “Thanks for the kind words, [Name]! We’re glad the [specific service] in [city] turned out exactly how you wanted. We appreciate your trust!”
• For repeat customers: “It’s always great working with you, [Name]! Thanks for trusting us with your [service] again. We appreciate your continued support.”
• For detailed reviews: “Thank you for the detailed feedback, [Name]! We’re so glad [specific detail they mentioned] worked well for you. Reviews like yours help neighbors know what to expect.”
• For reviews mentioning team members: “Thanks for the review, [Name]! I’ll make sure [team member name] knows you appreciated their work on your [service]. We’re lucky to have them on the team!”

How to Respond to Negative Reviews

Negative reviews are opportunities to show how you handle problems. Acknowledge, apologize, and move the conversation offline. 

Save these templates for the moments when you need to turn a negative review into a positive impression:

• For service issues: “I’m sorry to hear this, [Name]. This isn’t the experience we want for you. Can you email us at [email] or call [phone] so we can make this right? We’d like to resolve this as quickly as possible.”
• For misunderstandings: “Thanks for the feedback, [Name]. I apologize for the confusion about [specific issue]. I’d like to understand what happened and see how we can fix this. Could you reach out to us at [email]?”
• After resolving offline: “Hi [Name], we’re glad we could resolve this and that you’re satisfied with the outcome. If you feel comfortable updating your review to reflect the resolution, we’d really appreciate it. Thanks for giving us the chance to make it right.”

Advanced Tip: Manage Multiple Locations Strategically

If you have multiple Google Business Profile listings, don’t concentrate all reviews on one location. Uneven review distribution makes some locations look inactive or less credible, which hurts their local search visibility.

Use a rotation approach: direct Week 1 clients to your Location A profile, week 2 clients to Location B, and so on. 

For example, if you have offices in Sacramento and Roseville, alternate which review link you share based on the week or the location where service was provided.

This strategy maintains strong visibility and credibility across all locations. Each profile stays active with fresh reviews, which signals to Google that all your locations are legitimate and engaged with customers. Balanced review profiles also help each location rank competitively in its local market.

If you only have one location, skip this step and focus on the core tips above.

Make Google Reviews Part of Your Business Routine

Getting more Google reviews isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing system that requires consistency, authenticity, and compliance with Google’s policies. The businesses that dominate local search are the ones that make review generation part of their daily operations, not something they remember once a quarter.

Authenticity matters more than volume. A steady stream of genuine reviews builds sustainable growth and protects your reputation far better than shortcuts or manipulative tactics ever could.

Your Action Checklist:

• Set up your direct review link and QR code – Get your shareable link from Google Business Profile and create a QR code you can use across multiple touchpoints.
• Train your team on when and how to ask – Make sure everyone who interacts with customers knows the right timing and approach for requesting reviews.
• Create your follow-up email/SMS template – Write a brief, friendly message you can send 24 hours after service if customers haven’t left a review yet.
• Commit to responding to every review – Set up notifications and make it a daily habit to acknowledge both positive and negative feedback within 24-48 hours.
• Track your progress monthly – Monitor your review count, average rating, and response rate. Adjust your approach based on what’s working.

Start today. Every positive review strengthens your local search visibility and builds customer trust. The sooner you implement these strategies, the sooner you’ll see results.

Need help building a comprehensive local SEO strategy that goes beyond reviews? Explore how Advantagy can support your growth with expert guidance and proven systems.

How to Get More Google Reviews: A Step-by-Step Guide

When potential customers search for businesses like yours, Google reviews play a big role in who gets noticed. According to WiserReview, “Nearly 95% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase”, and most start with Google. That makes your Google review profile one of your most valuable marketing tools.

Google ranks local businesses based on review quantity, quality, and recency. So learning how to get more Google reviews will directly influence your sales. But keep in mind, these reviews must follow Google’s policies to avoid penalties or suspensions.

This guide walks you through a clear, step-by-step process to get authentic reviews and use them to grow your business. Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Setting up your profile for review success
2. Asking at the right time (immediately after service)
3. Making it effortless for customers to leave reviews
4. Guiding review content without scripting it
5. Following up once (and only once)
6. Responding to every review

Before we dive in, let’s start with why reviews matter and what to know before you begin.

Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Business

Most businesses underestimate the power of Google reviews until they see competitors dominating local search. 

Here’s why they matter and how they work for you:

Reviews Build Customer Trust and Drive Conversions

Consumers rely heavily on reviews to make purchasing decisions. According to WiserReview, 85% of users trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. 

This social proof validates your credibility and reduces perceived risk for potential customers. Higher review ratings directly correlate with increased conversion rates. Businesses with strong review profiles consistently outperform their competitors.

Reviews Improve Your Local Search Visibility

Google explicitly states that reviews impact local search rankings through what they call ‘prominence.‘ As outlined in Google’s local ranking guidelines, review quantity, quality, and recency all influence where your business appears in local search results and Google Maps.

Fresh reviews signal active engagement and current relevance. Higher rankings mean more visibility, which translates directly to more clicks and customers.

Reviews Provide Valuable Business Insights

Beyond marketing benefits, reviews offer direct feedback on what you’re doing well and where you can improve. Customers tell you exactly what matters to them, from service quality to specific features they appreciate. 

This feedback loop helps you improve your offerings. It lets you fix recurring issues and make smart, data-driven decisions that strengthen your business over time.

What You Need to Know Before Requesting Reviews

Before you start asking for reviews, it’s critical to understand Google’s policies. Google maintains strict guidelines to ensure review authenticity and protect consumers from manipulation.

Google’s Review Policy: What’s Prohibited

• No incentives – Never offer discounts, rewards, or any form of compensation in exchange for reviews
• No review gating – Don’t selectively ask only satisfied customers while avoiding unhappy ones
• No fake reviews – Reviews must come from real customers who genuinely experienced your service
• No coordinated campaigns – Bulk review requests or organized efforts to manipulate ratings violate policy
• One profile per location – Multiple profiles for the same business confuse customers and violate guidelines

Following these rules isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It protects your business reputation and builds sustainable growth through authentic customer feedback that prospects can trust.

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Business Profile for Review Success

Before you can collect reviews, you need a verified and optimized Google Business Profile. An incomplete or inconsistent profile reduces your chances of getting reviews and can delay verification by weeks.

Tips on setting up your profile:

• Use your exact legal business name – Match what’s on your business license. Google rejects names with keywords like “Best Plumbing Services” or added locations.
• Keep your business details consistent across the web – Your name, address, and phone number should match everywhere online: your website, directories, social media. Inconsistencies confuse Google and delay verification.
• Choose phone or email verification when available – These methods are instant. If you’re waiting on a postcard, don’t request another one for 14 days or you’ll restart the process.
• Upload 3-5 photos during setup – Profiles with photos get 42% more direction requests. Add images before verification completes so your profile looks active immediately.
• Fill out every section – Add business hours, services, attributes (parking, Wi-Fi, wheelchair access), and answer questions in the Q&A section. Incomplete profiles signal inactivity.
• Select the most specific primary category – Choose “Italian Restaurant” over “Restaurant” or “Emergency Plumber” over “Plumber.” Your primary category heavily impacts local rankings.

Once your profile is verified and complete, you’re ready to start gathering reviews.

Step 2: Ask at the Right Time (Immediately After Service)

Timing determines whether customers actually leave a review. Ask too late and they forget. Ask at the wrong moment and they decline. 

Here are some tips to make your request count:

• Ask within minutes of completing the service – 77% of customers will leave a review when asked, but this drops significantly after 24 hours. Strike while satisfaction is fresh and the experience is top-of-mind.
• For in-person customers, ask at checkout or exit – Hand them a QR code card or mention the review request as they’re paying or leaving. This is when they’re most satisfied and have their phone ready.

You can create your own review QR code using a free generator like QR Code Creator or any similar tool, then print it on small cards, receipts, or table signs.

• For virtual or remote clients, send immediately via email or SMS – Don’t wait until end-of-day. Send the review link in the same email thread or text conversation where you confirmed completion or delivery.
• Watch for positive signals before asking – If a customer says “This is perfect!” or “Exactly what I needed,” that’s your green light. Ask right after positive feedback, not randomly.
• If immediate isn’t possible, stay within 24-48 hours – Set a calendar reminder to follow up within this window. After 48 hours, memory fades and the likelihood of getting a review drops sharply.

Step 3: Make It Effortless for Customers to Leave Reviews

The easier you make it, the more reviews you’ll get. Remove every possible friction point between the ask and the submission. 

Start by getting your direct review link: log into your Google Business Profile, click “Read Reviews,” select “Get more reviews,” and copy your link or download the QR code.

Choose the Right Delivery Method

Match your delivery approach to how you interact with customers:

• For in-person customers: Hand them a QR code card at checkout or exit, print codes on receipts and business cards, or display them on table tents and counters. Customers can scan and review in seconds without typing a URL.
• For virtual/remote customers: Text or email the direct review link immediately after service completion. Make it clickable and mobile-friendly so they can leave a review with one tap.
• On your website: Create a dedicated reviews page displaying existing reviews with a prominent “Leave us a review” button. Add review CTAs to your homepage, contact page, and thank-you pages where visitors are already engaged.
• In email signatures: Add your review link to every team member’s signature with simple copy like “Enjoyed working with us? Leave us a quick review.” Every email becomes a review opportunity.
• In automated communications: Include the link in order confirmations, appointment reminders, and invoices. These touchpoints reach customers when your service is already top-of-mind.

Use Multiple Touchpoints

Don’t rely on a single method. Different customers respond to different touchpoints. 

Check these tips on how to combine multiple touchpoints:

• Combine in-person and digital follow-up: Hand them a QR code card at checkout, then send an email with the direct link 24 hours later. This gives them two opportunities without being pushy.
• Layer passive and active requests: Keep review buttons visible on your website (passive), add links in email signatures (passive), and make direct asks after service (active). The combination works better than any single approach.
• Space out your touchpoints: Don’t bombard customers with multiple requests in the same day. Spread them across the customer journey: initial service, follow-up email, and website presence.
• Test what works for your business: Track which methods generate the most reviews. If QR codes aren’t working but email links are, double down on what your customers prefer.

Now that customers can easily leave reviews, let’s talk about how to guide what they say without crossing Google’s policy lines.

Step 4: Guide Review Content (Without Scripting It)

Google prohibits scripting reviews, but you can gently guide customers toward helpful, detailed feedback. 

Here’s how to encourage reviews that help both future customers and your local SEO:

• Frame it as helping others, not helping you – Say “It helps others know what to expect” instead of “It helps our ranking.” Customers are more willing to help other customers than boost your SEO.
• Mention one specific detail they can include – Instead of “leave a review,” try “If you mention the kitchen remodel and that you’re in Sacramento, it really helps neighbors find us.” Be specific but don’t demand it.
• Ask for photos when there’s a visual result – Google prioritizes reviews with photos. Request them for services with tangible outcomes like home renovations, landscaping, salon services, or restaurant meals. Skip photo requests for consultation-based services where visuals might be considered as sensitive content.
• Provide 2-3 keyword examples naturally – “Feel free to mention things like ’emergency plumbing,’ ‘water heater repair,’ or your neighborhood.” Frame it as suggestions, not requirements.
• Never gatekeep or pressure specific ratings – Don’t say “If you had a great experience…” or “We’d love a 5-star review.” Ask everyone equally and let them choose their rating honestly.

Timing and delivery matter, but so does following up when customers forget. Here’s how to do it without being pushy.

Step 5: Follow Up Once (and Only Once)

Most customers want to leave a review but forget. One gentle reminder works. Two feels pushy. 

Here’s how to follow up (without damaging the relationship):

• Wait exactly 24 hours before your reminder – Not 2 hours, not 3 days. Set a calendar reminder for 24 hours after your initial request. This gives them time without letting them forget completely.
• Keep your follow-up to 2 sentences max – “Hi [Name], just following up on my request for feedback. If you have 60 seconds, here’s the link: [URL]. Thanks!” Shorter is better.
• Match the channel to the relationship – Text for casual service businesses like coffee shops or salons. Email for professional services like legal or financial consulting. Phone calls only for high-touch, long-term client relationships.
• If they don’t respond after one follow-up, move on – Some people won’t leave reviews no matter what. That’s okay. Pushing harder damages trust and your reputation. Focus on the next satisfied customer.

Getting reviews is only half the strategy. How you respond to them matters just as much. Let’s look at how to handle both positive and negative feedback effectively.

Step 6: Respond to Every Review

Responding to reviews isn’t optional. According to BrightLocal, 88% of consumers would use a business that replies to all reviews vs. only 47% for businesses that don’t. Plus, Google rewards active profiles with better visibility.

Some core principles for responding to any review:

• Respond within 24-48 hours – Fast responses signal you’re active and attentive. Set up email or mobile notifications so you don’t miss new reviews.
• Personalize every response – Mention something specific they said. Avoid copy-paste templates that feel robotic.
• Naturally weave in a keyword – Reference the service and location when it fits naturally: “Thanks for trusting us with your bathroom remodel in Roseville, Sarah!”
• Keep responses brief – 2-3 sentences is enough. Thank them, acknowledge a detail, and close.

How to Respond to Positive Reviews

Positive reviews deserve genuine appreciation. 

Here are some templates you can adapt:

• For service-based businesses: “Thanks for the kind words, [Name]! We’re glad the [specific service] in [city] turned out exactly how you wanted. We appreciate your trust!”
• For repeat customers: “It’s always great working with you, [Name]! Thanks for trusting us with your [service] again. We appreciate your continued support.”
• For detailed reviews: “Thank you for the detailed feedback, [Name]! We’re so glad [specific detail they mentioned] worked well for you. Reviews like yours help neighbors know what to expect.”
• For reviews mentioning team members: “Thanks for the review, [Name]! I’ll make sure [team member name] knows you appreciated their work on your [service]. We’re lucky to have them on the team!”

How to Respond to Negative Reviews

Negative reviews are opportunities to show how you handle problems. Acknowledge, apologize, and move the conversation offline. 

Save these templates for the moments when you need to turn a negative review into a positive impression:

• For service issues: “I’m sorry to hear this, [Name]. This isn’t the experience we want for you. Can you email us at [email] or call [phone] so we can make this right? We’d like to resolve this as quickly as possible.”
• For misunderstandings: “Thanks for the feedback, [Name]. I apologize for the confusion about [specific issue]. I’d like to understand what happened and see how we can fix this. Could you reach out to us at [email]?”
• After resolving offline: “Hi [Name], we’re glad we could resolve this and that you’re satisfied with the outcome. If you feel comfortable updating your review to reflect the resolution, we’d really appreciate it. Thanks for giving us the chance to make it right.”

Advanced Tip: Manage Multiple Locations Strategically

If you have multiple Google Business Profile listings, don’t concentrate all reviews on one location. Uneven review distribution makes some locations look inactive or less credible, which hurts their local search visibility.

Use a rotation approach: direct Week 1 clients to your Location A profile, week 2 clients to Location B, and so on. 

For example, if you have offices in Sacramento and Roseville, alternate which review link you share based on the week or the location where service was provided.

This strategy maintains strong visibility and credibility across all locations. Each profile stays active with fresh reviews, which signals to Google that all your locations are legitimate and engaged with customers. Balanced review profiles also help each location rank competitively in its local market.

If you only have one location, skip this step and focus on the core tips above.

Make Google Reviews Part of Your Business Routine

Getting more Google reviews isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing system that requires consistency, authenticity, and compliance with Google’s policies. The businesses that dominate local search are the ones that make review generation part of their daily operations, not something they remember once a quarter.

Authenticity matters more than volume. A steady stream of genuine reviews builds sustainable growth and protects your reputation far better than shortcuts or manipulative tactics ever could.

Your Action Checklist:

• Set up your direct review link and QR code – Get your shareable link from Google Business Profile and create a QR code you can use across multiple touchpoints.
• Train your team on when and how to ask – Make sure everyone who interacts with customers knows the right timing and approach for requesting reviews.
• Create your follow-up email/SMS template – Write a brief, friendly message you can send 24 hours after service if customers haven’t left a review yet.
• Commit to responding to every review – Set up notifications and make it a daily habit to acknowledge both positive and negative feedback within 24-48 hours.
• Track your progress monthly – Monitor your review count, average rating, and response rate. Adjust your approach based on what’s working.

Start today. Every positive review strengthens your local search visibility and builds customer trust. The sooner you implement these strategies, the sooner you’ll see results.

Need help building a comprehensive local SEO strategy that goes beyond reviews? Explore how Advantagy can support your growth with expert guidance and proven systems.