The fastest way to get more Google reviews is to ask. Sounds simple, but nudging happy customers to leave a review right after the job is done is hugely effective.
And if you can’t do it in person, shoot them a text or email. Or use a tool that automates the entire process for you.
It really can be that easy, and the results are well worth it. People trust what others say. A rock-solid star rating with excellent feedback encourages those on the fence to call you or visit your site. That means more customers and a healthier bottom line.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get more Google reviews with proven tactics. We’ll also cover how many reviews you need, what to say when asking, and how to handle those inevitable bad reviews the right way.
Let’s get started!
Why Google Reviews Matter
You want to know, “How to get more Google reviews for my business.” But first, let’s get into the why.
Why do you need Google reviews in the first place? Most people check them before they buy. In fact, 96% read reviews for local businesses. If your business doesn’t have many reviews, you have a big opportunity to increase your leads.
Reviews as Social Proof and Conversion Boosters
Social proof means people trust what others say about you more than what you say about yourself.
You can explain your service, your values, your skills, and your experience. But a review from a real customer carries more weight.
That trust is everything. A flow of good reviews can push someone to choose you over a competitor. That’s what makes reviews a conversion booster.
How Many Reviews You Need to Compete (Benchmarking)
What counts as “enough” reviews depends on your industry. Here’s what the data shows:
- Review needs vary a lot. A home health care business might rank with 2 reviews. A breakfast spot may need at least 227 to compete.
- To stand out, you’ll need quite a lot. Most top businesses have between 500 and 1,500 reviews. Median ranges by category are around 50 to 300.
- Star ratings are the baseline. To compete, you need at least 4.3 to 4.5 stars. Most top businesses average between 4.8 and 4.9 stars.
- Service businesses have tougher targets. They usually need 200 to 265 reviews. This makes review management for HVAC businesses and other service companies a bit trickier.
Preparing Your Google Business Profile for Review Requests
Before you ask for reviews, get your profile ready.
Claiming and Verifying Your Listing
To get reviews, you first need to claim your Google Business Profile. This is how Google knows you’re the actual owner. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to google.com/business and sign in.
- Search for your business name and click “Manage now.”
- If your business doesn’t show, click “Add your business to Google.”
- Follow the steps to verify by postcard, phone, or email.
Getting this done is the first step if you’re wondering how to get more Google My Business reviews.
Completing Your Business Info (Hours, Photos, Services)
Make sure your business details are correct. That means hours, phone number, address, website, and services.
When your details match across platforms (like your website and directories), it signals trust. That also improves your visibility in search results.
Photos also matter. Add real, up-to-date photos of your team or work. It helps people feel like they know you before they book.
Ensuring Your Profile Is Easy to Review
If you’re trying to figure out how to get more reviews on Google My Business, start by making the process quick and painless.
Here are three ways to make it easier:
- Create a review link.
- Add a “Review Us” button to your website or email signature.
- Use a QR code on printed materials.
RELATED ARTICLE — How to See My Google Reviews
Best Ways to Ask Customers for Google Reviews
Google has a couple of tips on how to ask for reviews.
We have some, too, that show you exactly how to get more Google reviews from customers. We’ve also added templates you can customize.
In-Person Requests (Point of Sale or After Service)
Asking in person can be a natural and effective way to get more reviews. Just be sure to read the moment first. This technique works best when the customer is happy and the job has just wrapped.
Make sure the request is short and casual. If they say yes, follow up with a text or card with instructions and a link.
Email Templates to Ask for Google Reviews
If you’re wondering how to get more Google Business reviews, email is one of the easiest places to start.
To write a good review request email:
- Use their name.
- Mention what service they got.
- Add a short, direct ask.
- Include a working review link.
Here are two templates:
Email Template 1
Subject: Quick favor, [Name]?
Body: Hi [Name],
Thanks again for choosing [Business Name]. If you have a minute, would you mind sharing your experience on Google? It helps others know what to expect.
[Review link]
Email Template 2
Subject: Thanks for coming back, [Name]
Body: Hi [Name],
We really appreciate your continued support. If you’ve had a good experience, would you consider leaving a quick Google review?
[Review link]
SMS/Text Message Scripts That Convert
These days, many of us prefer text over email.
Make sure the texts you send are short and to the point, but still friendly. Include a link as well.
Try these scripts:
Text Template 1
Hi [Name], thanks again for choosing us today. If you have a minute, would you mind sharing a quick Google review? [Review link]
Text Template 2
Hi [Name], just checking in. If your experience was good, we’d love a review here: [Review link].
Text Template 3
Hey [Name], it means a lot to our team when people leave reviews. If you’d be up for it, here’s the link: [Review link].
Printed Cards or URLs on Receipts & Invoices
Printed materials can still be worth investing in. They feel professional and can contribute to a more premium experience.
Add a short review link or QR code to:
- Your receipts
- Thank-you cards
- Invoice footers
You can also create “Review Us” cards to hand out in person.
Automating Your Review Requests
You’re busy running the day-to-day. Asking for reviews can easily fall through the cracks. But reviews are too valuable to leave to chance.
When you automate your requests, nothing gets missed.
Timing Your Requests After Positive Interactions
Good timing makes all the difference. The best moment to ask is when the customer is still feeling good about the experience. That’s when they’re most likely to respond.
Here are a few good times to trigger a review request:
- Right after a successful service visit
- When a job is completed on time or early
- After a customer thanks you or gives verbal praise
- When someone rebooks or makes a second purchase
Here’s what to avoid:
- Right after a refund or complaint
- When the service was delayed or didn’t go well
- If you sense they’re rushed or frustrated
- Before they’ve had a chance to use the product or service
Using pulsem.me to Trigger Follow-Ups
pulseM was made for home services businesses like yours that need reviews to stand out and convert. The platform sends review requests automatically, so you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to follow up.
When a job is marked as complete, pulseM sends a message to the customer asking for a review. This makes it easy for them to respond while the experience is still fresh.
There’s more too:
- You can set up custom messages.
- It works on desktop and mobile.
- You get notified when someone leaves a review.
- Two-way messaging lets you reply or follow up in real time.
Integrating with CRM or Booking Systems for Automation
Asking how to get more customer reviews on Google? Automation is one of the most reliable ways to do it.
Linking your review system with your customer relationship management (CRM) or booking tool can save time and prevent errors. Every completed job or appointment can automatically trigger a review request.
To get started:
- Choose software that connects with your CRM or scheduler.
- Set rules: when a job is marked complete, send a review request.
- Customize the message so it matches your brand voice.
- Test the flow before going live.
How to Handle Negative Reviews (So They Don’t Hurt Your Score)
If you want to know how to get more reviews on Google Business, responding is part of it, even when the review is not so nice.
Getting a bad review can sting, but how you respond can flip the experience from negative to positive. A notable 46% of local consumers say they care whether a business replies to reviews too.
Timely, Professional Reply Templates
Don’t argue. Don’t explain too much. And don’t write like you’re on the defensive. A long reply full of blame or backstory only makes things worse.
Instead, thank them for the feedback. Apologize that their experience didn’t go well. Then try to move the conversation offline.
Here are two reply templates you can use:
Negative Review Response Template 1
Hi [Name],
We’re sorry to hear this. That’s not the experience we aim to give. We appreciate your feedback and would like to learn more. Please reach out to us at [phone or email].
Negative Review Response Template 2
Hi [Name],
Thanks for sharing your experience. We’re disappointed to hear this and want to understand what happened. Please contact us on [phone or email] so we can follow up with you one-on-one.
Turning Negative Feedback Into Improvement
Bad reviews aren’t fun, but they can shine a light on areas ready for improvement.
To use feedback well, be proactive:
- Keep track of what customers are saying.
- Look for patterns in complaints.
- Share the information with your team during training or meetings.
When to Escalate Internally or Offline
Some situations can’t be solved with a comment. If a review includes serious claims (like safety concerns or staff behavior), take these steps:
- Review all the facts, including staff notes or job logs.
- Talk to your team privately to get their side of the story.
- Reach out to the customer if appropriate.
- Document how it was handled.
RELATED ARTICLE — How to Respond to a Review on Google
FAQs About Getting More Google Reviews
You might have a few questions about how to get more Google reviews for your business. Here are the answers.
Can I offer incentives for Google reviews?
No. Google’s rules don’t allow rewards or discounts in exchange for reviews. Instead, ask kindly and make the process as easy as possible.
How often should I ask for reviews?
Ask after each job or sale, while the experience is still fresh. If someone says no, don’t follow up again.
How do I send a direct link to my Google review form?
First, search for your business on Google. Next, click on your business listing and open the reviews section. This is where people read and write reviews.
Now, copy the web address from your browser. That link should take people straight to your review page, but test it first.
What is a good review request script?
A good script is friendly and to the point. For example: “Thanks again for choosing us. If you have a minute, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? Always include your review link.
Do stars matter more than quantity?
You need both. A high star rating nurtures trust. But people also look at how many reviews you have.
How do I fix errors or fake reviews?
Flag fake reviews through your Google Business dashboard. Choose the reason and submit it for review. If needed, contact Google Support.
How long does it take for new reviews to affect rankings?
Google updates rankings often, but it may take a few days for new reviews to have an impact. To get more reviews on Google My Business, stay active on your page and request reviews regularly.
Can pulsem.me automate review requests?
Yes. pulseM sends review requests automatically after a job is done. It connects with your booking system or CRM too.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Getting more reviews doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s what to do now.
Quick Google Review Request Checklist
Use this list to make sure you’re ready to ask for reviews:
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile.
- Save your direct review link.
- Add your link to texts, emails, and receipts.
- Ask right after a job or positive interaction.
- Reply to all reviews, good and bad.
Monthly Review Growth Plan
Consistency is key. Set small goals you can build on over time. Here’s your growth plan:
- Week 1: Send review requests to all new customers.
- Week 2: Research customer retention software to make the process easier.
- Week 3: Respond to all new reviews.
- Week 4: Track how many new reviews you’ve gotten.
How to Get Started with pulsem.me to Track & Grow Reviews
pulseM makes it easy to keep your review process running in the background.
- Visit pulsem.me and explore the features.
- Request a demo to see it in action.
- Set up integration with your booking system or CRM.
Start now and let your reviews grow while you focus on your business.