How to get more Google reviews (without breaking the rules)
6 min read
More reviews come from asking more customers, at the right moment, with as little friction as possible. Here is what works.
1. Ask every customer, not just the happy ones
Asking only customers you expect to be happy is called review gating. It breaks Google's policies and FTC rules, and it makes your reviews look less trustworthy. Ask everyone, and give unhappy customers a private way to reach you as well.
2. Ask within hours, not weeks
Response rates drop quickly after a visit. Ask at checkout, when the job is closed, or the same evening (outside quiet hours).
3. Make it one tap
Send the direct Google review link so the customer lands on the review form, not your profile page.
4. Remind once or twice, then stop
A friendly reminder a few days later recovers many reviews. More than two or three reminders starts to annoy people.
5. Reply to every review
Thank happy customers by name and answer unhappy ones calmly with an offer to talk. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews.
What not to do
Don't offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews, don't write reviews for yourself or ask staff to, and don't buy reviews. Google removes them and can restrict your listing.