Short answer
To get more Google reviews, ask every customer soon after the job. Use a direct review link or QR code. In published local SEO tests, rankings tended to improve at around 10 reviews and could slip after a few weeks without new ones. And 68% of consumers want at least 4 stars (BrightLocal 2026). Never pay, offer discounts or pick and choose who you ask. Google’s rules ban all three.
- Ask every customer the same way. Picking only the ones you expect to be pleased breaks Google’s rules.
- Use your direct review link or a QR code. One tap beats “search for us”.
- Aim for a steady few each month. Long gaps can hurt rankings.
- Reply to every review, good and bad, in your own words.
Make it about you. I’m a…
Jumps to the part that matters most for you. Nothing is hidden.
Step 1: how do you get your review link?
Every verified Google Business Profile has a short review link that opens the review box directly, and you’ll find it under “Ask for reviews” in your profile tools. Google’s own tips to get more reviews show where it lives.
- Find your link and QR code
- 1
Sign in
Sign in to the Google account that manages your Business Profile.
- 2
Open your profile
Search your business name on Google or open Google Maps. Your profile tools show at the top.
- 3
Ask for reviews
Choose “Ask for reviews” (it may say “Get more reviews”). Copy the link, or download the QR code.
- 4
Put it everywhere
Add it to invoices, receipts, your email signature, job sheets and the van.
Want a printable QR code? Use our free Google review link and QR generator.
Step 2: when should you ask?
The best time to ask for a Google review is within a day or two of the job, while the good work is fresh. Send one gentle reminder 5 to 7 days later, then leave it. Ask every customer, not just the ones you think are happy.
| Business | When to ask |
|---|---|
| Tradie | When the job is signed off, or with the invoice |
| Café or restaurant | A QR code on the receipt or a table card. No pressure at the counter. |
| Sole trader | At handover, or after the final session |
| Professional services | When the job or matter is wrapped up |
Step 3: what to say
A good review request is short, friendly and sounds like you, and it never tells people what to write.
By text
“Hi Sam, thanks for having us out today. If you’ve got a minute, a Google review really helps a small local business: [link]. Cheers, Mike”
By email
“Thanks again for choosing us. If you have two minutes, we’d love an honest Google review: [link]. Feedback of any kind is welcome, including what we could do better.”
In person
“Glad it’s all sorted. We’re a small local business, so Google reviews make a big difference. I’ll text you the link. No pressure at all.”
What can’t you do? Google’s review rules
Google bans paying for reviews, offering anything in return for them, reviewing yourself, and asking only the customers you expect to be pleased. These rules sit in Google’s Maps user-generated content policy.
| Practice | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Asking every customer for a review | Yes |
| Offering a discount, freebie or prize draw for a review | No |
| Asking only customers you expect to be pleased, or sending unhappy ones to a private form first (“review gating”) | No |
| Reviews from you, your staff or your family | No |
| Paying anyone for reviews | No |
| Telling customers what to write or which keywords to use | Avoid. It doesn’t help rankings and looks fake. |
| Replying to reviews | Yes, and recommended |
Based on Google’s policies for Maps user-contributed content, as of Oct 2026. Keyword finding: published local SEO review-text test.
Why it matters
Google says it uses automated systems to catch fake and incentivised reviews. Breaking the rules can get reviews removed or your profile restricted. One bad shortcut can undo years of genuine reviews.
Should you reply to every review?
Yes, reply to every review, good and bad, in your own words. BrightLocal’s 2026 Local Consumer Review Survey found 80% of consumers favour businesses that reply to all reviews. Half are put off by replies that sound templated.
For a good review, thank them by name and mention the job naturally. “Thanks Aroha, great to get your deck finished before summer.”
For a bad review, stay calm. Thank them, own what’s fair, say what you’ve done, and offer to talk directly. Never argue in public. You can flag a review only if it breaks Google’s rules, such as fake, offensive or off-topic content.
Why don’t some reviews show?
Some Google reviews don’t show because Google filters ones that look suspicious, such as a sudden burst from brand-new accounts. Some take a while to appear. Others vanish if the reviewer deletes them or their account, or if Google finds a policy problem.
There’s little you can do about filtered reviews, beyond contacting Google support. That’s one more reason to collect reviews steadily. In published local SEO tests, rankings tended to improve at around 10 reviews and could slip after a few weeks without new ones. A few a month beats a big burst.
Where Web Smart HQ fits
Every website Web Smart HQ builds includes Google Business Profile setup, so your review link is ready once the profile is verified. We never buy, write or swap reviews, for us or for clients.
You can read our own Google reviews, word for word, on our reviews page. Want more help with reviews and your map ranking? See our local SEO and Google Business Profile pages, or our prices.