How to Ask for and Improve Google Reviews

Improve Google search performance

Google reviews significantly impact a local business’s search engine optimization (SEO), affecting its visibility in search results. The more reviews a business receives—especially positive ones—the more likely it is to rank higher in Google’s search listings.

Google’s algorithm considers review quantity, rating scores, and the freshness of reviews when determining search rankings.

A business with numerous recent, high-quality reviews is more likely to appear at the top of the search results. This applies to both traditional search results and Google Maps listings, where reviews play an even bigger role in local search visibility.

For businesses relying on local customers, Google Maps and Google Business Profile listings are especially important. When someone searches for a nearby salon, restaurant, or service provider, Google displays businesses with strong review profiles more prominently.

Higher ratings and more Google Business reviews increase the chances of appearing in the "Local Pack" –– the map and business listings that show up at the top of search results.

Enhanced visibility leads to increased website traffic, inquiries, and conversion rates.

Boost reputation and credibility

In an era where online reputation can significantly impact a business, Google reviews offer immediate social proof. Consumers tend to trust peer recommendations over traditional advertising, and a high rating assures potential customers that they are making a wise choice.

Businesses that consistently receive positive reviews seem more trustworthy, while those with few reviews or low ratings may find it difficult to build customer confidence. Even a small number of strong reviews can set a business apart from its competitors and strengthen its credibility in the marketplace.

Attract new customers

Most consumers research businesses online before making a purchase. Positive Google reviews act as endorsements. When weighing options, potential customers are more likely to select a business with higher ratings and positive feedback than one with few or no reviews.

Reviews often emphasize specific features of the business—such as great service, product quality, or convenience—offering prospects valuable insights that affect their decision.

Generate more Google reviews

The internet is not just where people research companies and decide if a purchase is right for them. It’s also a popular way for customers to make their voices heard.

According to Statista, over half of global internet users aged 25-34 post reviews online. The more existing reviews a business has, the easier it becomes to attract additional reviews. Google prioritizes businesses with frequent reviews, so attracting more feedback keeps your Google profile at the top of search results.

Dos and don’ts of asking for Google reviews

Requesting reviews can feel like a big ask, but it doesn't need to. People enjoy sharing their opinions and appreciate knowing their feedback is valued. The following are some extra tips for making the process easy and adding to your number of Google reviews.

Do

• Be proactive about asking customers to write reviews. Many people are happy to share their experience when asked, but it might not occur to them if you don't bring it up.
• Give clear directions. Provide a direct link to your Google review page and simple instructions so customers can leave a review with minimal effort.
• Respond to reviews. Acknowledging positive and negative feedback shows customers that their opinions matter and encourages others to leave reviews.
• Track and analyze review performance. Monitoring trends in review volume, sentiment, and keywords helps refine your approach and improve customer experience.

Don't

• Ask at the wrong time or too frequently. Requesting reviews too soon, too often, or at inconvenient moments can annoy customers and reduce the likelihood of them leaving feedback.
• Send generic or impersonal requests. A personalized review request referencing the customer’s name or specific experience feels more genuine and increases response rates.
• Offer incentives just for positive reviews. Google’s policies prohibit offering discounts, freebies, or rewards in exchange for positive reviews, and violations can lead to penalties or review removals.

Who to ask for a Google review

The best candidates to ask for reviews of your business are those who have had a positive experience and are eager to share their feedback publicly.

By engaging with satisfied customers and involved followers, companies can build a robust review profile that enhances credibility and attracts new customers.

Customers

Your customers are the heart of your online review strategy. Whether it’s a first-time buyer delighted with their purchase or a longtime client impressed by ongoing service, these individuals are more likely to provide a glowing recommendation.

Timing is important. Requesting a review soon after a successful interaction increases the chance that the customer will follow through.

Customers who mention discovering the business through reviews trust peer recommendations and recognize their value, making customers more likely to leave a review themselves to share their feedback and help others.

Brand advocates

Loyal customers who consistently support and recommend a business are the perfect candidates for Google reviews. These individuals already believe in the brand and will likely provide thoughtful, detailed feedback.

They may be long-term clients, frequent shoppers, or those who have referred others. Since brand advocates are already enthusiastic about their positive experiences, a simple request for a review is usually sufficient to inspire them to share their thoughts.

In addition, social media users who tag, mention, or praise a business online already show brand loyalty. Engaging with these individuals and thanking them for their support can make requesting a review on Google easier.

A simple message like, “We’re so glad you had a great experience! If you have a moment, we’d love for you to share your feedback in a Google review,” can convert an enthusiastic social media mention into a valuable public endorsement.

Event attendees

If a business hosts events—workshops, networking meetups, or special promotions—attendees often leave with a strong impression of the brand.

Following up with them shortly after the event to request a review can capture their excitement and positive experience. Include a direct link to the review page in the follow-up message, making it easy for attendees to share their thoughts.

Partners and vendors

In addition to customers, business partners and vendors can also provide valuable reviews. These relationships reflect the business’s professionalism, reliability, and reputation.

A vendor who appreciates seamless transactions or a partner who values a long-term collaboration can share insights that potential customers may find reassuring. Encouraging key business contacts to leave a review helps to strengthen a well-rounded online presence.

When to make your Google review request

Timing is essential for securing quality Google reviews. Asking at the right moment increases the chances of a customer following through, while poor timing can lead to missed opportunities or less enthusiastic feedback. The following are some great times to request a review.

• After a transaction: One of the best times to ask for a review is right after a purchase or service. Customers who are satisfied with their transaction are more likely to leave positive feedback while their experience is still fresh.
• Following a positive interaction: Positive interactions—like a helpful customer service exchange or effective problem resolution—sometimes leave a lasting impression. If a customer shows gratitude or appreciation after receiving assistance, this is an ideal moment to request a review.
• When a customer expresses appreciation: If a customer willingly praises a business, it’s a great chance to ask for a review since they’re already in the mindset of supporting the business. A simple response can easily turn verbal appreciation into a written testimonial.
• After a customer refers someone: A referral is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction. Following up with a simple request for a review acknowledges their loyalty and encourages them to share their experiences publicly.
• When sending a thank-you message: Sending thank-you messages is important for businesses aiming to build long-term relationships with customers. These messages also present an ideal opportunity to request a review.
• During a follow-up call or email:Following up with customers after a purchase or service ensures their satisfaction and provides an opportunity to gather feedback. If a customer shares positive feedback during the follow-up, a business can ask them to include that information in a Google review.
• As part of a customer satisfaction survey: Many businesses use a feedback survey to assess customer satisfaction, making this an ideal moment to request a review from those who respond positively. Including a QR code or direct link to the business's Google reviews page makes the process simple.

Where to ask customers to leave a review

Making it easy for customers to leave a Google review boosts their chances of following through. By offering multiple channels for review requests, businesses can connect with customers at the most convenient moments and ensure a consistent flow of valuable feedback.

In person

When a customer expresses satisfaction after a purchase, staff members can politely ask customers directly to capture immediate satisfaction, ensuring authentic and timely feedback.

A direct, in-person request increases the chance of immediate action, especially if the customer is already engaged in conversation.

Email

Email remains one of the most effective channels for requesting reviews, especially when following up after a transaction or a customer service interaction.

A thank-you email or a post-visit follow-up can include a simple request and a direct link to the review page. Keeping the message brief, friendly, and focused increases the likelihood of higher response rates.

Automation and personalization can improve your chances of success with email review requests. Setting up automated email sequences that trigger after specific customer actions –– like finalizing a purchase or finishing a service appointment –– ensures you never miss an opportunity to ask for feedback.

Personalized emails that reference the customer's name and specific purchase or service feel more genuine and get better responses than generic mass messages.

Mailchimp can help you create professional review request templates and automate the entire process. You can segment your audience to target only satisfied customers, schedule follow-up emails at optimal times, and track which messages get the best response rates.

This approach helps businesses get more Google reviews without manually sending individual requests.

SMS and messaging apps

Text messages and messaging apps like WhatsApp offer a straightforward way to request reviews. Given that SMS open rates are high, a well-timed message with a review link can be very effective. Sending a brief, friendly request after an appointment or purchase allows customers to provide feedback from their phones easily.

SMS works well for time-sensitive review requests because most people read text messages within minutes of receiving them.

A simple message like "Thanks for visiting us today! We'd love to hear about your experience: [review link]" gets straight to the point and makes it simple for customers to leave Google reviews right from their phone.

Combining SMS with email reaches customers through their preferred communication methods. Some businesses send an initial email request, then follow up with a text message a few days later if the customer hasn't responded.

This strategy, when done thoughtfully and not too frequently, can significantly improve a business's reputation by generating more authentic customer feedback across different touchpoints.

Social media

Engaging customers on social media provides a natural opportunity to request reviews.

A business can post reminders on multiple platforms, encouraging followers to share their experiences or respond to positive comments with a direct request and a link for reviews. Social media engagement keeps these requests visible and promotes participation.

Your website

Adding a “Leave a Review" option to your website makes it easy for visitors to share their feedback.

A dedicated page or a simple call-to-action button directing users to the Google review page helps simplify the process. Businesses can also showcase positive reviews on their website to encourage new visitors to contribute their own experiences.

Receipts and invoices

Including a review request on receipts or invoices guarantees that every customer interaction presents an opportunity for feedback. Since many customers check their receipts for confirmation or expense tracking, this offers another opportunity for engagement.

Multiple touchpoints for review requests increase the likelihood of customers leaving feedback, helping to build credibility, improve search rankings, and attract new customers.

How to ask for Google reviews

Requesting Google reviews is most effective when done strategically and naturally. A well-crafted approach increases customers' likelihood of responding and providing valuable feedback. Here’s what businesses should consider when asking for reviews.

Create a business profile

Before requesting reviews, ensure your business is on Google. A verified Google Business Profile enables customers to leave reviews and helps new potential customers find and trust your business more easily.

To boost credibility, keep your profile updated with accurate hours, photos, and essential details.

Keep requests natural and conversational

A request for a review should never come across as forced or scripted.

Whether you ask in person, through email, or via text message, keep the request casual and friendly to boost the chances of receiving a positive response. Customers are more likely to leave a review when the request feels genuine, rather than like a marketing tool.

Use a clear and direct call to action

A good review request features a clear call to action (CTA) that makes it easy for customers to respond.

Instead of saying, “We’d love a review,” include a direct link and a specific prompt like, “We’d greatly appreciate feedback on our service. Click here to leave a quick review.” Streamlining the process minimizes friction and boosts response rates.

Keep review requests concise

Customers find it easier to leave a review when the request is brief and straightforward. Lengthy explanations or excessive details can feel overwhelming. A simple message expressing gratitude and including a review link is usually sufficient to prompt action.

Personalize review requests

Personalized messages enhance engagement. Incorporating the customer’s name and mentioning their specific experience or recent purchase makes the request feel more significant.

How to improve your Google reviews

Getting customers to leave reviews is only part of the equation. What matters most is the quality and authenticity of those reviews, which directly impact your visibility in local search results and influence future customers.

As a business owner or marketer, focusing on earning more positive reviews through genuine customer satisfaction creates a sustainable strategy that benefits your reputation long-term. Here are a few ways to improve your Google reviews:

Deliver consistently great service

The foundation of a strong review profile is consistently excellent customer experiences. When you deliver quality service every time, customers naturally want to share their positive experiences, and you won't have to work as hard to get legitimate reviews.

Respond to all reviews promptly

Engaging with every review — positive and negative — shows customers you value their feedback and pay attention to what people say about your business. Quick responses demonstrate professionalism and can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates.

Be careful of any fake reviews, which can happen for any number of reasons, from competitors trying to damage your business's reputation to spam bots and even people who were never actually customers. Luckily, you can report fake reviews through Google's system to maintain the integrity of your profile.

Resolve issues quickly and follow up

When problems arise, addressing them fast and thoroughly can prevent negative reviews or even convert them into positive ones. Following up with past customers after resolving an issue gives you a chance to reach back out and invite them to share their updated experience.

Use customer feedback to drive improvements

Reviews reveal what's working and what needs attention in your business. Existing customers provide valuable insights through their feedback, so use this information to make real changes that improve the customer experience and generate more genuine reviews over time.

Monitor common themes in reviews

Pay attention to recurring topics in your reviews, whether positive or negative. Patterns in customer feedback show you what to emphasize in your marketing and operations, helping you understand what matters most to the people who choose your business.

Train employees on customer experience best practices

Your team directly influences how many reviews you receive and what those reviews say. Training staff on delivering exceptional service, handling complaints professionally, and appropriately asking customers to leave reviews creates a culture that naturally generates positive feedback and strengthens your online presence.

Bringing your Google review strategy together

Getting reviews is simple: ask people who had a good experience, catch them at the right time, and don't make them work for it.

From email and SMS to in-person requests and social media engagement, reaching customers through their preferred channels at the right moments makes all the difference in generating authentic, positive reviews that boost your local search visibility and attract new business.

Managing all these moving parts doesn't have to be complicated. Mailchimp offers the tools you need to automate review requests, segment your audience to target satisfied customers, and track performance across email and SMS campaigns.

With features like automated customer journeys, personalized messaging, and multi-channel marketing capabilities, you can create a review generation system that runs smoothly in the background while you focus on delivering the excellent service that earns those reviews in the first place.

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Key Takeaways

• Timing and personalization make Google review requests more effective: Asking at the right moment—after a positive experience, transaction, or referral—while keeping requests natural and personalized increases the likelihood of receiving meaningful reviews.
• Providing a seamless review process improves response rates: Clear instructions, direct links, and multiple request channels (in person, email, SMS, social media) make it easy for customers to leave a review without friction.
• Ethical and strategic review management strengthens online reputation: Proactively gathering, responding to, and analyzing reviews while avoiding incentives or spammy tactics helps maintain credibility and boosts search rankings.

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