How to get more Google reviews (without breaking the rules)

The best way to get more Google reviews is simple: ask every customer, every time, and make it one tap. Most happy customers are glad to help; they just don't think of it. Here's how to make asking a habit.

1. Get your review link

In your Google Business Profile, find Ask for reviews (or "Get more reviews"). It gives you a short link that opens the review box directly. Save it on your phone.

2. Ask at the right moment

Right after the job's done and the customer is pleased: the tree's down and the garden's tidy, the haircut's finished, the parcel's arrived. That's when people are happiest to help.

3. Make it easy

• Text or WhatsApp the link the same day, with a short thank you.
• Add it to your invoice and email signature.
• Print a QR code on cards, receipts or a sign by the till.

4. Reply to every review

Thank people by name. For a bad review, reply calmly, apologise where it's fair, and offer to put it right. Future customers read your replies as closely as the reviews.

What not to do

• Don't pay for reviews or offer discounts in exchange for them. It's against Google's rules and UK consumer law.
• Don't only ask happy customers through a filter ("review gating"). Ask everyone the same way.
• Don't write reviews for yourself, or ask friends to pretend to be customers.
• Don't buy review packages. Google removes fake reviews and can suspend profiles.

Use them on your website

With the customer's permission, copy your best reviews onto your website too. They do as much selling there as on Google.