Discover top ways to get Google reviews, from optimizing your Google Business Profile to sharing a review link and more strategies to boost your online presence.
According to a recent study, 75.5% of customers trust online testimonials like Google reviews and find them a reliable way to learn about a product or service. This simply means that gathering Google reviews boosts your credibility and authenticity, and encourages customers, especially first-time buyers, to trust your business.
However, you need a practical strategy to convince customers to submit feedback.
This article covers how to get Google reviews, including a step-by-step guide for automating the review request process.
TL;DR – How to Get Google Reviews
Can’t read the whole article right away? Here’s a quick rundown of how to get Google reviews:
- Exceed customer expectations
- Implement email and SMS campaigns
- Use QR codes and printed materials
- Engage your customers effectively
- Automate the review process
Keep reading for an in-depth review of each method, including applicable strategies.
Are you only looking for a cost-effective, hands-free way to get Google reviews?
We recommend embedding them on your website to attract visitors’ attention and direct them to your Google Business Profile.
Our SociableKIT widget has a built-in Google reviews embed code generator that creates the script to paste to your website. You can also customize the Google reviews feed, including selecting your preferred theme and font settings to make the embed stand out.
Create a SociableKIT widget and leverage your website traffic to grow your Google review count!
Why Should You Ask for Google Reviews?
Being the biggest search engine, Google is the most influential source of information and website traffic. As such, collecting positive Google reviews offers numerous incentives for your bottom line and brand image.
Let’s discuss the expected benefits below:
1. Social Proof and Trust
Google reviews enhance your website’s trust factor. In a recent study, 86% of consumers considered reviews an important factor when deciding which brands to purchase from.
Consumers also rely on Google reviews to set expectations about your products’ quality. High-quality reviews show that previous customers had a positive experience with your business, which builds social proof around your brand.
Overall, positive Google reviews offer testimonials for your services, convincing shoppers to trust your business.
2. Customer Engagement
You can boost engagement using Google reviews.
When buyers search your business on Google, they’ll likely check the reviews to understand your brand. They’ll also see your interactions with past customers, including how you handle negative feedback.
This engagement is an opportunity to interest them in your products or services and prompt them to visit your website to learn more about your business.
3. Lead Conversion
A recent survey shows that 45% of shoppers won’t complete a purchase unless a product has reviews.
As such, collecting customer feedback helps you maintain a stream of fresh Google reviews, which is effective for lead conversion.
New reviews show your business is still operational and has maintained its service quality. This encourages potential leads to visit your website to learn more about your products, increasing the chances of successful sales.
4. Create a Review Culture
Asking for customer testimonials encourages other consumers to submit their feedback, too. New customers will want to confirm or refute the testimonials.
As such, take time to respond to the reviews, including any negative customer experiences. This creates a customer feedback loop that gives insight into your customers’ preferences.
5. SEO Ranking
An estimated 76% of users who search for businesses’ near me‘ visit the stores the same day.
Google reviews boost your brand’s online visibility, including your listing for local SEO. When users search for local businesses, the search results rank relevant Google Business Profiles using the number and quality of reviews.
This means collecting high-quality Google reviews helps your business rank higher in the local listing, increasing visibility.
How to Get Positive Google Reviews by Exceeding Expectations
The best way to get positive Google reviews consistently is by exceeding your customers’ expectations.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Deliver High-Quality Products or Services
You could have the best customer service, but still receive negative feedback if your products are subpar.
As such, delivering the best-in-class products or services remains the most dependable way to gather positive Google reviews.
2. Communicate Effectively
Provide avenues for customers to reach you or raise concerns about your products or services.
This provides opportunities to address the complaints, and customers can praise you in Google reviews for going above and beyond to sort out their issues.
3. Customer Service Training
Organize sessions and workshops to train your staff on customer service.
Focus on topics like how to approach and greet clients when they connect with your business, efficiently address their doubts, and request Google reviews when the buyer journey is complete.
4. Add Unexpected Value
Overdeliver in small but meaningful ways, such as adding a surprise freebie as part of the package or including a handwritten thank-you note.
Such deeds show customers that you value them, which helps nudge them to submit a positive testimonial.
5. Post-Sales Follow-Up
Write personalized SMS and email messages thanking customers for doing business with you, and follow up on whether they have encountered any issues that need your attention.
End the message by requesting the customers to review your business on Google and express how much it would benefit your brand.
6. Make the Review Process Seamless
Streamline the review process so customers only spend a few minutes submitting feedback.
This is especially important where customers make repeat purchases, as it encourages them to submit fresh reviews at the end of each buyer journey.
How to Get Reviews on Google Using Email and SMS Campaigns
Email and SMS are among the most effective ways to get Google reviews because of their high open rates. In fact, according to a previous study, at least 80% of online reviews come from follow-up emails.
Use our cheat sheet below to gather Google reviews using SMS and email messaging:
Personalize the Messages
Tailor each request message to the customer to show that you care and increase the chances of a response.
For example, use a customer’s first name to establish a personal relationship and mention the specific product or service they used.
Send the Requests at the Right Time
Timing is everything when asking for a Google review, especially when approaching a first-time customer.
The right time to ask for a Google review may be after a successful purchase or after the customer compliments your offerings.
Get Customers to Opt In
Get customers’ consent to send them promotional messages or emails to ensure high open and response rates.
Add a checkbox to your checkout or booking page requesting customers to agree to receive follow-up messages for feedback and service improvement.
Express Gratitude
Always start your messages by thanking the customers for their support – choosing your products or services.
Additionally, send a short thank-you message to customers who respond to your messages and review your business on Google.
Test and Refine
Track essential metrics, including open rates, click-through rates, and actual reviews.
This should give you insight into how you can refine your messages for higher conversions (more reviews).
How to Get More Reviews Using QR Codes and Printed Materials
QR codes and printed materials are an effective way to collect Google reviews, especially from walk-in customers. You only need to place the QR code strategically and ask customers to scan it to access your GBP.
Here’s a simple guide for collecting Google reviews using a QR code:
- Generate Your Google Review Link: Go to your GBP and select ‘Ask for reviews.’ The generated URL is your Google review link.
- Create a QR Code: Use online generators like Canva and QRCode Monkey to convert the review link created in Step 1 into a QR code. Test the QR code to confirm it directs to your GBP.
- Print the QR Code: Add the code to printed materials such as sales receipts, thank-you cards, business cards, and in-store signage. Ensure the materials are visually appealing to grab customers’ attention quickly.
- Include a Call-to-Action (CTA) Statement: Craft a concise CTA to guide customers’ next steps (submit testimonials). An example would be: “Loved your experience? Leave us a quick review!”
- Incentivize the Review Process: While this is not compulsory, it is an effective way to encourage customers to submit feedback. Indicate on the printed material that customers who review your business qualify for a monthly giveaway — specify it is random and not tied to positive reviews.
- Track Performance Metrics: Link the QR code to a shortened URL with tracking to help you monitor how many scans turn into reviews.
How to Get Your Google Reviews Up with Consistent Engagement
Collecting Google reviews through customer engagement includes additional benefits like lead generation and community-building opportunities.
Below are proven methods for collecting Google reviews through consistent engagement:
- Ask for Reviews Regularly: Make asking for reviews a habit, especially after positive customer interactions or successful purchases. Aim to make the review request seamless so it feels like a routine part of your customer engagement process.
- Respond to Reviews: Spare time to respond to Google reviews regardless of the customer sentiments. Always start by thanking the customers for using your products and submitting feedback. Also, personalize your response to show you value the feedback and stimulate engagement.
- Train Your Staff: Everyone on your team should know how to ask customers for Google reviews naturally so customers don’t feel coerced. This includes knowing when not to ask for testimonials, especially when handling disgruntled customers.
- Engage Customers on Multiple Channels: Besides email and SMS, we recommend requesting Google reviews on your social media pages to reach a broader audience. Also, learn how to embed Google reviews on your website to boost engagement and direct traffic to your GBP.
Use our SociableKIT to streamline the embedding process and showcase your best customer testimonials on your website. SociableKIT is safe, so you need not worry about compromising your GBP account.
Sign up for SociableKIT and join other small business owners and brands using our widget to get more Google reviews!
How to Get More Google Reviews by Automating the Process
It can be hectic to send Google review requests manually, especially if you handle multiple clients daily. The easier alternative would be to automate the process so customers receive a review request as soon as they complete a purchase.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you automate your Google review request process:
- Pick an Automation Tool: Use tools like Birdeye or Podium to streamline the review request process. Prioritize key automation features, including customizable templates, review generation, sentiment analysis, and performance analytics.
- Add the Automation Tool to Your Business Account: Integrate the selected tool into your GBP and ensure you can access the reviews from a centralized dashboard.
- Customize Review Requests: Set triggers for sending review requests, such as after customers order a product or confirm receipt. Also, personalize the auto-generated review request templates so they feel authentic.
- Generate Google Review Responses: Configure the review management tool to send automated thank-you messages when customers submit feedback. This helps stimulate customer engagement and establish emotional connections that convert clients into a loyal fan base.
- Monitor and Refine: Track essential performance metrics like email and SMS open rates, click-through rates, and review rates. Use these insights to refine your review request strategy, such as personalizing the messages.
10 Best Ways to Get Google Reviews
Collecting Google reviews is a great way to enhance your brand’s online visibility and convert potential leads into customers. As such, businesses must actively seek Google reviews from their customers.
Let’s discuss 10 effective ways to grow your Google review count.
1. Embed Google Reviews on Your Website
Embedding customer feedback on your web pages helps you collect additional Google reviews in two ways:
- First, visitors who interact with past customer reviews on your website will also likely submit their testimonials.
- Second, embedded reviews often include a call to action link or button leading to a Google review form.
You can embed Google reviews on your web pages using an add-on.
Use our SociableKIT widget to display your best customer testimonials on your web pages. The widget is easy to configure and lets you customize its appearance and theme to complement your site’s intuitive design.
Create your SociableKIT Google reviews widget today.
2. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Here’s how having a complete Google My Business (GMB) profile helps you get Google reviews:
First, customers can easily identify your GMB profile when they search it on Google. They can differentiate your profile based on your business name, photos, and address.
Second, optimizing your GMB profile encourages customers to engage with your business. An updated GMB profile with fresh reviews shows that your business is active, prompting customers to submit feedback.
3. Use In-Store Signage
Leverage in-store signage to collect Google reviews from walk-in customers. You can display a QR code that customers can scan to load your Google review link.
The main advantage of collecting testimonials on your premises is that the staff can assist customers who need help with the review process.
Also, buyers can still remember most details about your products or services, which often translates to concise feedback.
4. Run SMS and Email Campaigns
SMS and email campaigns are a great way to collect Google reviews and promote your products.
Create a Google review link and share it with your customers within a few days of the purchase when their interaction with your products or services is still fresh in their minds.
You could also share new sales offers to encourage customers to return to your website. However, to avoid putting off customers, ensure the product promotion does not override the review request.
5. Add Website Pop-ups to Collect Feedback
Pop-ups are a great way to collect Google reviews from buyers who visit your website.
When customers complete a purchase, they are often excited about the product and are likely to leave a positive review.
Pop-ups also reduce the chances of customers postponing the review request for a later time.
6. Promote Your Google Reviews on Socials
Request your customers on social media to review your business on Google. You can post the review link as part of your social media bio to make it accessible.
Alternatively, publish the link as a standalone post on various social media accounts and encourage your followers to share it.
This is an effective way to get Google reviews and stimulate engagement on your social media pages.
7. Use Feedback Survey Forms
Feedback forms are an effective way to collect Google reviews and gather customer insight.
To avoid inconveniencing customers, create short survey forms that they can complete in a few minutes. You can then include a Google review link at the end of the form, requesting customers to submit their testimonials.
Customers who provide positive feedback on the survey forms will likely leave great reviews.
8. Include the Review Link in Your Email Signature
How often do you communicate with customers through email? Regularly?
Then, you can use your email signature to request customer feedback.
Adding a Google review link in your email signature is a subtle yet effective way to collect customer feedback.
Below is an example of how to ask for a Google review in your email signature:
“Did you enjoy your stay? Help others find us by submitting your Google review! [Link]”
9. Incentivize Reviews
There are various ways to incentivize your review process to motivate customers to submit feedback:
- Run a competition: Random customers win prizes for reviewing your products or services.
- Appeal to their empathy: Pledge to donate to charity for every collected review.
- Establish a partnership: Feature customer reviews on in-store signage and social media posts.
- Exclusive access: Offer sales discounts or early access to new products in exchange for reviews.
10. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Keeping your customers happy is the surest way to collect positive Google reviews, as they rarely forget their experience with your business or products.
Customer service encompasses many things, including product quality, technical support, after-sales services, and how your business handles customer complaints.
Providing excellent customer service means you can request your clients to rate your business or even post user-generated content as part of their review.
How to Get QR Code For Google Review
QR codes offer a simple way to share your Google review link with your customers.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to create a Google review QR code:
- Log in to your GMB dashboard.
- If you own several businesses, select the one for which you want to create a QR code and scroll to the ‘Get more reviews’ section.
- Click the ‘Share review form’ button and copy the review link.
- Paste the review link on your preferred online QR code generator to create a scannable code.
- Customize the QR code and share it with your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s answer additional questions you might have about gathering Google reviews:
What Is the Best Time to Ask for a Google Review?
The best time to ask for a Google review is after customers complete their buyer journeys. This usually varies depending on the service or product types.
For example, a restaurant’s buyer journey is over a few minutes after a customer finishes their meal. This is different from SaaS products, as you must allow the client at least a few weeks of hands-on experience with the software before they can submit feedback.
How Often Should I Ask Customers for Reviews?
There is no one-size-fits-all when considering how often to request client feedback. Instead, it depends on factors like the nature of the product and how long it takes to experience its benefits.
For example, a restaurant can request customers to review its meals before leaving the premises. However, requesting a review every time a repeat client comes to your restaurant for the same meal is inadvisable, as it would be considered pestering.
In contrast, a company selling heavy machinery might have to wait up to six months to allow the client enough time to interact with the equipment. The company can then request follow-up feedback yearly to show that its products are reliable and durable.
Can You Ask Every Customer for a Google Review?
Yes. You can ask every customer for a Google review. In fact, Google prohibits soliciting reviews only from happy customers to avoid skewing the ratings and misguiding new clients.
However, for disgruntled customers, we recommend addressing their concerns before asking for feedback to increase the chances of positive reviews.
Are There Any Google Guidelines for Asking for Reviews?
Yes. Google has strict guidelines for requesting reviews from customers.
Let’s outline them below:
- Be honest and encourage customers to provide objective feedback.
- Ask for reviews from a representative customer pool.
- Do not generate fake reviews.
- Respect customers’ privacy and comply with data protection policies.
Do Incentives for Google Reviews Violate Google’s Policy?
Yes. Offering incentives in exchange for reviews violates Google’s policy. However, this only applies where the incentive is tied to a customer submitting a positive testimonial.
A simple workaround is running a reward system where one lucky reviewer wins a discount coupon regardless of the submitted feedback.
How Long Do Google Reviews Take to Show Up?
Google reviews show up almost immediately after submission. However, they may take up to a few hours, and sometimes days, if they need a manual review and approval.
What Should I Do If I Receive a Negative Google Review?
The best way to handle a negative review is by responding to the disgruntled customer. It shows you care for your customers, which can attract potential buyers to your business.
Below are some tips for handling negative reviews:
- Respond to the review promptly.
- Express gratitude to the customer for disclosing their negative experience.
- Be empathetic and apologize for the unfortunate events.
- Offer a remedy to undo or alleviate the situation.
- Request the client to reach out through official channels for effective follow-up.
Conclusion – How to Get Reviews on Google
As a business owner, you must set up a Google Business Profile and gather reviews to establish authenticity and enhance your brand reach.
Collecting Google reviews also builds customer confidence, encouraging clients to purchase your products or services.
Take the first step and embed customer testimonials on your site. Use our Google reviews widget to make the integration seamless. You don’t need coding knowledge to set up the add-on.
Our SociableKIT widget bypasses the coding step, simplifying the process even for users who aren’t tech-savvy. Also, you can curate the Google review feed to show positive testimonials first, so you create a strong impression on website visitors.
Create a SociableKIT widget today and leverage your website traffic to gather more Google reviews!