How to Increase Google My Business Reviews

More Google reviews can change everything for your local business, acting as powerful social proof that turns searchers into customers. Fortunately, getting a steady stream of them doesn't require complex marketing schemes or a huge budget. This guide breaks down simple, actionable strategies you can start using today to ethically increase your Google reviews and grow your business.

Why Google Reviews Are a Game-Changer

Before we get into the "how," let's quickly touch on the "why." Google reviews are more than just star ratings, they are a fundamental pillar of modern local marketing. First, they have a direct impact on your local search ranking. Businesses with a higher volume of positive, recent reviews tend to show up more prominently in the Google "Map Pack" - that coveted block of listings at the top of local search results. When a potential customer searches for "pizza near me" or "best hair salon in Austin," businesses with stronger review profiles are more likely to get the click.

Second, reviews are the ultimate form of social proof. According to industry research, the vast majority of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Each five-star review is a vote of confidence, telling new customers that you are trustworthy, reliable, and deliver on your promises. A strong collection of reviews builds a brand reputation that attracts customers before they've even visited your website.

Remove the Friction: Make Leaving a Review Simple

The single biggest barrier to getting more reviews is friction. If a customer has to search for your business, find the "write a review" button, and navigate Google's interface, they are far less likely to follow through, even if they had a great experience. Your job is to make it as easy as clicking a single link.

Step 1: Get Your Direct Review Link

Google provides a unique link that takes customers directly to the review pop-up for your business. Sharing this specific link removes all the extra steps. Here's how to find it:

1. Log in to your Google Business Profile Manager. If you manage multiple locations, select the correct one.
2. On the main dashboard, you'll see a card or button that says "Get more reviews" or "Ask for reviews."
3. Click it. A pop-up will appear with your unique, shareable link. Copy it.

This link is your most valuable asset in this process. Save it somewhere easily accessible - a sticky note on your desktop, a notes app, or a team messaging channel.

Step 2: Turn Your Link into a QR Code

For businesses with a physical location, a QR code is a fantastic, touch-free way to prompt reviews. Customers can scan it with their phone camera and go directly to your review page. You can create a QR code for free using dozens of online generators - just paste your Google review link into one of them.

Once you have your QR code, think about all the physical touchpoints where a happy customer might see it. Here are some ideas:

• On the bottom of receipts
• On business cards or dedicated "review us" cards
• On signs at your checkout counter or front desk
• On table tents at a restaurant or cafe
• Inside product packaging for e-commerce orders
• As a sticker on a takeaway bag or coffee cup

Perfect Your Timing: When and How to Ask

Simply having a link or QR code isn't enough, you need to ask. But timing is everything. The goal is to ask when the customer's positive experience is still top-of-mind.

The Golden Moments to Ask for a Review

Look for moments of peak customer satisfaction. These are the best times to make your request:

• Immediately after a service is finished. A stylist who just finished a great haircut or a contractor who just completed a project should have their link ready.
• When a customer gives you a compliment. If someone says, "This is the best latte I've ever had!" or "You all did such a great job," that is your cue. A simple, "That's so great to hear! We'd be so grateful if you could share that on Google" can work wonders.
• In a follow-up email or SMS. A day or two after a purchase or appointment, a gentle, automated follow-up can be very effective.
• Just after a repeat purchase. A returning customer is a fan of your business. This is a perfect, low-pressure time to ask for their feedback.

Scripts and Templates That Sound Human

How you ask matters just as much as when. Avoid corporate, robotic language. Be genuine, friendly, and brief.

Email Template:

Subject: Quick question about your experience

Hi [Customer Name],

Thanks so much for choosing us for [your recent haircut / your marketing service]. We hope everything was fantastic!

If you have a minute, we'd love it if you could share your experience on Google. Your feedback not only helps us but also helps other people discover our small business.

Here's the link: [Your Direct Review Link]

Thank you again!

Cheers,
The team at [Your Business Name]

SMS Template:

Hey [Customer Name]! Thanks for stopping by [Your Business Name] today. Glad we could help with [service/product]. If you have 30 seconds, please leave us a review on Google, it would mean a lot: [Your Shortened Link]

Use Your Digital Footprint to Your Advantage

Your existing digital channels - your website, email list, and social media profiles - are perfect platforms for generating reviews without ever speaking to a customer face-to-face.

Ask Your Email List (Carefully)

You can send review requests to your email list, but it's best to be strategic. Instead of a blast to everyone, use your email marketing software to segment your audience. Create a segment of customers who have made a purchase in the last 30-60 days. This ensures your request is relevant and targeted to people who have recently interacted with your brand.

Turn Social Media Followers into Reviewers

Social media is a great place to solicit reviews in a more communal, less direct way. Instead of just posting, "Review us!" try creating content that encourages feedback and shows appreciation.

• Showcase a Positive Review. Create a simple, branded graphic featuring a quote from a recent 5-star review. In the caption, thank that customer by their first name (if appropriate) and let others know they can share their own experiences via the link in your bio. This not only encourages new reviews but also validates your business with social proof.
• Post a Photo of Your Team. Share a picture of your team working and write a caption about your commitment to customer satisfaction. End with a friendly call-to-action like, "The kind words you share in Google Reviews are the fuel that keeps our team going. We'd love to hear about your recent experience!" and place the link in your bio.

Adding your review link directly into your "link in bio" makes it accessible anytime someone visits your profile.

Don't Just Collect Reviews - Engage with Them

Replying to reviews is one of the most underrated strategies. It signals to Google that your business profile is active and well-managed, and it shows potential customers you value feedback. Make it a goal to reply to every review, good or bad.

Replying to Positive Reviews

This is the fun part! Don't just give a generic "Thanks!" Be personal and specific.

• Thank the customer by name.
• Mention something specific from their review (e.g., "We're so glad you enjoyed the vanilla cold brew!").
• Invite them back. ("We can't wait to see you again soon!")

Responding to Negative Reviews Professionally

Negative reviews happen to everyone. How you handle them separates great businesses from the rest. The key is to respond quickly, professionally, and without getting defensive.

1. Acknowledge and Apologize. Start by saying you're sorry they had a poor experience, even if you don't think you were at fault. "Janet, we're sorry to hear that your visit didn't meet your expectations."
2. Take Responsibility, Don't Make Excuses. Avoid explaining why something went wrong. Focus on the customer's feeling.
3. Move the Conversation Offline. Provide a direct way for them to connect with you privately to resolve the issue. "We'd like to learn more and make this right. Please email our manager, Dave, directly at dave@yourbusiness.com."

This shows everyone reading that you take issues seriously and are proactive about fixing them.

What to Avoid: Stay Within Google's Guidelines

While gathering reviews is important, doing it the wrong way can get your profile flagged. Here are a few simple rules to follow:

• Don't Incentivize Reviews. Google's policy prohibits offering rewards (like discounts, gift cards, or free items) in exchange for a review. Doing so can lead to review removal.
• Don't "Review Gate." This means selectively asking only happy customers for reviews while directing unhappy customers to a private feedback form. You must give all customers the same opportunity to leave a review.
• Never Buy Fake Reviews. This is a major violation that can get your Business Profile suspended. Stick to earning real reviews from real customers.

Final Thoughts

Accumulating a high volume of positive Google reviews boils down to a simple, consistent process. Make it incredibly easy for customers to leave feedback by sharing a direct link, ask at the right moment when their positive experience is fresh, and then publicly engage with every review to show you're listening.

A huge part of this strategy involves using your social media channels to not only ask for reviews but also to showcase the amazing ones you receive, which builds a cycle of social proof. We built Postbase because we know managing all of that social content - from creating and scheduling posts that share rave reviews to engaging with supportive DMs and comments - can feel like a full-time job. Our platform simplifies that entire process by bringing your visual content calendar, multi-platform scheduler, and unified inbox into one clean place, giving you back the time to focus on running the business that earns those great reviews in the first place.