How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Business (and What to Do if They’re Negative)

In today’s digital-first world, Google Reviews have become a cornerstone of online reputation. For local and service-based businesses, especially, reviews can influence whether a potential customer clicks on your website or moves on to a competitor. But how do you actually get more Google Reviews—and how should you handle the occasional negative one?

In today’s blog, we’ll delve into how to get more Google Reviews for your business and talk about how to properly deal with the negative ones so that you can stay in Google’s good books.

Why Google Reviews Matter

So, there are three major benefits of having Google Reviews:

1. Boost Local SEO: Google favours businesses with a high quantity and quality of reviews in local search results.
2. Social Proof: 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions.
3. Customer Feedback Loop: Reviews help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement.

How to Get Google Reviews for Your Business

Here are the steps you need to take to make sure that you get Google Reviews for your business.

1. Make It Easy for Customers to Leave a Review

Create a Custom Google Review Link: Go to Google Business Profile, search for your business, and copy the “Write a Review” link. Use this URL everywhere—email, text messages, receipts, your website, etc.

QR Code It: Generate a QR code that links directly to your review page. Put it on your receipts, packaging, front desk signage, or event banners. There are a lot of QR code generation websites out there. We like https://qrfy.com/ but you can choose whatever works.

2. Know When and How to Ask

Best Times to Ask: Immediately after a successful purchase or service, when a customer compliments your service (strike while the iron’s hot!), and at the end of a support chat or resolution.

What to Say: Avoid robotic or overly generic requests. Use warm, personalized language. Here are a few templates you can tweak:

• In person or over the phone: “We’re so glad you enjoyed our service today! It would really help us if you could leave a quick Google review—it only takes a minute, and it helps others find us too.”
• In an email or SMS: “Hi [First Name], thanks again for choosing [Your Business Name]! Would you mind sharing your experience in a quick Google review? It really helps small businesses like ours thrive. 👉 [Insert Review Link]”
• On receipts or thank-you notes: “Loved your experience? Let others know! Leave us a review at [shortened URL].”

3. Incentivize Without Violating Guidelines

Google’s policy prohibits offering money or discounts for reviews. But you can:

• Run a general monthly giveaway (no review required, just encouraging engagement).
• Promote a “Review Wall of Fame” on your website or in-store.
• Offer exclusive content or tips via a follow-up email sequence for all engaged customers, reviewers included.

4. Train Your Team

If you have staff interacting with customers, make review collection part of the process. Role-play how to naturally bring it up without sounding pushy. Keep the tone light and appreciative.

5. Respond to Every Review—Yes, Even the Bad Ones

For Positive Reviews

Acknowledge them and personalize your response.

Example: Thanks, Sarah! We’re so happy you loved your experience with us. See you again soon!

For Negative Reviews

Even negative reviews can boost credibility when handled well—consumers often trust businesses more when they see how you deal with adversity.

• Stay calm: Never get defensive.
• Acknowledge the issue: Show empathy.
• Offer to resolve offline: Invite them to contact you directly.

Example Response: Hi John, we’re really sorry to hear about your experience. This is not the standard we aim for. Please contact us at [email/phone] so we can make it right. We appreciate your feedback—it helps us improve.

6. Monitor and Optimize

Use tools like:

• Google Business Profile Dashboard
• Whitespark or GatherUp
• Email marketing CRMs with automation

Track your review count, rating trends, and customer feedback themes. Adjust your approach accordingly.

7. Make It Part of Your Customer Journey

Embed review collection into your processes:

• After-delivery emails
• Appointment reminders
• Post-event follow-ups
• Chatbots or live chat prompts

Reinforce that reviews are not just helpful—they’re a key part of how your business grows and serves the community.

Final Thoughts

Getting more Google Reviews isn’t about being pushy—it’s about being intentional. Make it easy, make it timely, and make it genuine. A strong review strategy boosts your visibility, builds trust, and ultimately drives more sales.

For even more advice on Google Reviews to help you get more customers for your business, reach out to the team at Numero Uno Web Solutions today!