How to Get Google Reviews for Your Business (the Right Way)

How to get Google reviews comes down to asking. Find your review link in your Google Business Profile, then ask every customer for a review at the moment they're happiest with your work, by text, email, a QR code or in person. Make it easy, ask everyone (not just the customers you expect to be happy), and reply to every review. Don't buy reviews or offer rewards for them: it breaks Google's rules and Australian consumer law.

Why do Google reviews for business matter?

Google reviews for businesses do two jobs. They help customers choose: most people read reviews before they call a business they don't know. They also help you show up, because reviews are part of how Google judges how well known and trusted a business is in local search.

Recent reviews matter too. A profile with steady new reviews looks active; one with its last review from years ago makes people wonder if you're still trading.

How do I get Google reviews?

1. Find your link for Google reviews

Sign in to your Google Business Profile (search your business name on Google while signed in) and look for "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews". Google gives you a short link and a QR code that open the review box directly. Save the link somewhere your whole team can use it.

2. Ask at the right moment

The ideal time to ask is straight after a good result: the job is finished, the order has arrived, or the customer has just thanked you. A request a month later gets far fewer responses.

3. Make it easy

• Text or email the link with a short, personal message
• Put the QR code on invoices, receipts and the counter
• Add the link to your email signature and thank-you emails
• Ask in person, then send the link while you're still talking

4. Ask every customer

Ask all your customers, not only the ones you think will be happy. Google doesn't allow businesses to selectively ask for positive reviews, and a few honest four star reviews make the five star ones more believable.

How do you get more Google reviews for your business?

To get more Google reviews over time, make asking part of how you finish every job:

• Add a review request to your standard follow-up text or email
• Remind staff to mention reviews at the end of each job
• Send one reminder a few days later if there's no reply, then leave it
• Reply to every review, so customers see that reviews are read

A simple message works best: "Thanks for choosing us. If you have a minute, we'd appreciate a Google review: [link]."

Can I buy Google reviews for my business?

No. Buying reviews, writing reviews for customers or posting reviews from staff breaks Google's policies, and Google can remove the reviews or restrict your profile. In Australia, fake or misleading reviews can also breach the Australian Consumer Law, and the ACCC has taken action against businesses over them.

The same applies to incentives. Don't offer discounts, gifts or prize entries in exchange for reviews, and don't ask only happy customers while steering unhappy ones elsewhere (often called review gating). The ACCC's guidance for businesses on online reviews, on its website, explains the rules.

Can I remove or turn off Google reviews for my business?

You can't turn off reviews on a Google Business Profile, and you can't delete reviews yourself. You can report a review that breaks Google's policies, such as spam, offensive content or a review from someone who wasn't a customer, and Google will assess it.

For a fair but negative review, the better response is a calm, helpful public reply. Future customers read your replies as closely as the reviews, and a good response to a complaint can win more trust than another five star review.

How do customers leave a Google review for a business?

Send customers these steps if they're unsure:

1. Open the review link, or search the business name on Google or Google Maps
2. Tap "Write a review" on the business listing
3. Sign in with a Google account if asked
4. Choose a star rating, write a few sentences and post

What we see when regional businesses ask for reviews

The businesses we work with in Mildura and across Sunraysia usually have plenty of satisfied customers but few reviews, because nobody asks. Regional customers are often happy to help a local business; they just need a reminder and a link that works on their phone.

The other gap we see is replies. Many profiles have reviews going back years with no response. Replying, even briefly, shows you're active and care about feedback. Our Google Business Profile optimisation service sets up review links, QR codes and a reply routine, and our SEO services connect your reviews with the rest of your local search work.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get reviews on Google if you're a new business?

Set up and verify your Google Business Profile first, then ask your first customers, suppliers you've worked with and anyone who has used your service. Our guide to adding your business to Google covers the set-up.

How many Google reviews does a business need?

There's no set number. What matters is having more recent, genuine reviews than the competitors customers compare you with, and a steady flow over time.

Should I reply to every Google review?

Yes. Thank people for positive reviews, and respond to negative ones calmly and helpfully. Keep customer details private in your replies.

Can staff leave Google reviews for our business?

No. Reviews from staff, owners or family are a conflict of interest under Google's policies and can mislead customers.

Where do I see my Google business reviews?

Search your business name on Google while signed in to the account that manages your profile, or open the Google Maps app. Your reviews and the option to reply appear in the profile.

Want help building a steady flow of reviews? Contact Rock Solid Marketing to talk about your Google Business Profile.