How to Ask for Google Reviews the Right Way

Just ask. Ask right after good work, make it one tap with a direct review link, and reply to what people write. Google says customers can leave a review by visiting a Google link or scanning a QR code, and they must be signed in to a Google Account. The one thing never to do is pay for reviews.

By Barry Scheurweghs, Sureway Marketing, Peoria, AZ

When is the best time to ask for a review?

Ask when the customer is happiest, which is usually when the job is done and they have just said thank you. Google doesn’t publish a “best time,” so this is practical advice from working with local owners, not a Google rule. A simple, honest ask works: “If you were happy with the work, a quick Google review really helps people find us.”

How do I make leaving a review easy?

Send the review link by text or email, or show a QR code at the counter or on your invoice. Google’s page on reviews says customers can leave reviews by visiting a Google link or scanning a QR code, and it points to a separate guide for creating that link. Each extra step costs you reviews, so send the link straight to the review box.

Should I reply to every review?

Replying is worth doing. Google says helpful replies can help your business stand out, and it suggests replying where you can share a useful update or answer a question instead of pasting the same thank-you every time. For a negative review, Google’s advice is to be honest, apologize when it’s appropriate, personalize the reply and respond in a timely way. Don’t share private details or argue. If it gets complicated, ask them to call you. Don’t offer deals in a reply either. If a review breaks Google’s content policies, you can flag it. More on this in how to respond to a negative review.

What can get me in trouble?

Reviews must reflect a genuine experience. Google says offering free or discounted goods or services in exchange for a review, for changing a review, or for removing a negative one is considered fake and misleading content and is strictly prohibited. That means no gift cards or discounts for reviews, and no fake reviews from friends or staff.

One more thing I can’t answer from Google’s page: it doesn’t address “review gating,” which is screening customers and only sending the happy ones to Google. I won’t tell you what Google’s rule is on that. My advice is simply to ask everyone and let the reviews be honest.

What should I do this week?

1. Find your Google review link and test it on your own phone.
2. Save a short text message you can send in 10 seconds.
3. Send it to your last five happy customers.
4. Ask the rest of your customers the same way, with no filtering.
5. Reply to every review you haven’t answered, using a few specific words from each.
6. Put a QR code at your counter or on your invoices if you see customers in person.

Quick answers

Can I offer a discount for a review?

No. Google says offering free or discounted goods or services for reviews is strictly prohibited.

Does a customer need a Google account?

Yes. Google says customers must be signed in to a Google Account to leave a review.

Can reviews help my ranking?

Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking. It doesn’t say how much.

What if I get a review that is not real?

Flag it. Google says you can flag a review you believe breaks its content policies. See our post on fake or unfair reviews.

Want a simple review habit set up? Get your free marketing report, or see how our Peoria marketing agency helps owners. Related: how to ask every customer for a review without feeling pushy.