How to get more Google reviews

The single biggest reason businesses have few reviews is that they do not ask. Happy customers rarely think of it on their own. Make asking part of how your team finishes every visit, sale or appointment.

Ask everyone, not just the people you think loved it. Google's policies do not allow businesses to select only happy customers, and a natural mix of reviews actually looks more trustworthy to readers.

Timing beats wording. Ask when the customer is feeling the benefit: as the hotel guest checks out, as the diner settles the bill, when the salon client sees the finished look, or when the car is handed back clean and fixed. A few minutes later, the moment has usually gone.

Searching for your business, finding the review button and thinking of something to say is a lot to ask. Shorten the path:

• Use a QR code that opens your Google review link directly.
• Keep the page simple: a rating, a few words, one big button.
• Offer optional draft ideas the customer can edit into their own words.

Review Scoreboard does all three, and gives every employee their own code so you can see who is asking.

"Would you mind leaving us a review?" is easy to ignore. "If I helped today, a Google review with my name really helps me" is much harder to forget. Personal QR codes let each person ask for themselves, and reviews that mention staff by name are more convincing to new customers.

Discounts, free items, prize draws and paid review services all break Google's rules. Reviews can be removed and your profile can be restricted. Do not write reviews for customers or ask staff and family to post them. Honest reviews from real customers are the only kind worth having.

Reply to new reviews within a few days. Thank people by name, and answer criticism calmly with an offer to put things right. Then keep the team engaged: a friendly employee review leaderboard keeps asking top of mind, week after week.

Want ideas for your industry? Read our guides for hotels, restaurants, salons and clinics.