WHY REVIEWS MATTER
Google reviews are one of the biggest factors in local ranking. More reviews = higher in search results. It's that simple.
But it's not just about ranking. Reviews are social proof. People trust other customers more than they trust your marketing. Five good reviews can be the difference between getting the call or losing it to your competitor.
Most businesses know this. Most businesses still don't ask for reviews. That's your opportunity.
HOW TO ASK
The biggest mistake is not asking at all. The second biggest is being weird about it.
Just ask. Directly. No need to overthink it.
In person: "If you're happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a Google review? It really helps." That's it. Most people will say yes.
By text or email: "Thanks for choosing us! If you've got 30 seconds, a Google review would be hugely appreciated. Here's the link: [your review link]"
Keep it casual. Don't grovel. Don't beg. Just ask like you're asking a mate for a favour. Because you are.
WHEN TO ASK
Timing matters. Ask when they're happiest with you.
Tradies: Right after the job's done. When they've just seen the finished work and they're stoked about it.
Restaurants/cafes: After their meal, when they compliment the food. Or the next day via email while it's still fresh.
Retail: At checkout, or in the follow-up email you send after purchase.
Service businesses: After a successful outcome. Not during the stressful bit, after you've solved their problem.
Don't wait a month. Strike while the positive experience is top of mind.
MAKE IT EASY
The easier you make it, the more reviews you'll get. That means sending them a direct link.
Don't tell them to "Google us and leave a review." They won't. Too many steps. They'll forget.
Get your Google review link. It looks like this: https://g.page/r/YOUR-BUSINESS-ID/review
You can find it in your Google Business Profile. Under "Get more reviews" or "Ask for reviews." Copy that link. Save it. Use it every time.
Send it via text, email, whatever. One click, they're on your review page. That's the difference between 10% of people following through and 50%.
If you haven't set up your Google Business Profile yet, here's how to do it.
RESPONDING TO REVIEWS
Reply to every review. Good ones, bad ones, all of them.
Good reviews: "Thanks so much! Really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review." Keep it short, genuine, personal. Don't copy-paste the same response to everyone.
Bad reviews: Stay calm. Apologise if you stuffed up. Offer to make it right. Don't argue. Don't get defensive. Just acknowledge it and try to fix it.
Even if the bad review is total rubbish and the person's being unreasonable, respond professionally. Future customers are watching how you handle criticism.
Google also watches. Businesses that engage with reviews rank higher. It shows you care.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Don't buy fake reviews. Google will catch you eventually. They're smarter than you think. And when they do, your business gets penalised or removed entirely. Not worth it.
Don't offer incentives. "Leave a review and get 10% off" — that's against Google's terms. They'll remove the reviews. Just don't.
Don't only ask happy customers. I know it's tempting. But Google looks for patterns. If every review is 5 stars from the same week, they'll get suspicious. Natural reviews come in at different times, different ratings.
Don't write reviews yourself. Not from your own account, not from your mate's account, not from a fake account. Google knows. They track IP addresses, device IDs, behaviour patterns. You will get caught.
Just ask real customers for real reviews. That's it.
DEALING WITH BAD REVIEWS
You will get bad reviews eventually. Everyone does. Don't panic.
If it's legitimate criticism, own it. "We're sorry we didn't meet your expectations. We've taken your feedback on board and we'd love a chance to make it right. Please contact us at [number]."
If it's completely false or abusive, you can report it to Google. They won't remove it just because you don't like it, but they will remove reviews that violate their policies (spam, fake, offensive content).
The best defence against bad reviews? More good reviews. Ten 5-star reviews and one 3-star review? You're still at 4.7. That's fine. Perfect scores look fake anyway.
HOW MANY DO YOU NEED?
More is always better, but you don't need hundreds to see results.
5 reviews gets you on the board. 10 reviews gets you competitive. 20+ reviews and you're ahead of most local businesses in regional Victoria.
After that, it's about consistency. Keep getting 2-3 reviews a month. Show Google you're active, customers are happy, business is flowing.
Compare that to your competitors. If they've got 12 reviews and you've got 25, you're winning. Even if your rating is slightly lower.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Getting Google reviews isn't complicated. Ask every happy customer. Make it easy with a direct link. Reply to every review you get.
Do that consistently for a few months and you'll have more reviews than 90% of your competitors.
And more reviews = higher ranking = more customers finding you. It's a cycle that feeds itself.
Need help setting this up properly? I can sort out your Google Business Profile and show you exactly how to get more reviews. Chat with me here →