How to Collect More Google Reviews: Getting Your First Review
Reading Time: 5 minutes Google reviews establish trust, improve local SEO rankings, and increase conversions. Businesses that collect positive Google reviews are more likely to attract new customers.
This guide covers actionable strategies to help you collect more Google reviews effectively.
Getting Your First Google Review: 8 Things
Here are eight things to help you collect your first Google review. And build momentum to pass that initial threshold of 100 reviews.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Before asking for reviews, ensure your Google Business Profile is fully optimized.
This includes verifying your business, adding accurate contact details, posting high-quality photos, and writing a compelling business description.
A complete and well-maintained profile makes it easier for customers to leave reviews, improves visibility in local searches, and assures customers that they found the right profile to leave a review.
Need help optimizing your profile? We offer a monthly optimization and management service.
2. Ask Customers Directly (the Right Way)
Many customers are willing to leave reviews but may need a reminder.
Train your team to ask for reviews at the right time: after a positive experience. Use a friendly and direct approach without being overly pushy.
Whether in person, via email, or over the phone, a simple request can significantly increase your review count.
We created the LocalReviews app to help automate the process. This invitation-only platform will increase positive reviews and make it easier on your team to consistently request feedback.
3. Make It Easy to Leave a Review
Customers are more likely to leave a review when the process is simple.
Provide a direct Google review link, display QR codes in-store, and add review requests to receipts or invoices.
The fewer steps involved, the higher the chances of getting more reviews.
4. Leverage Email and SMS Follow-Ups
A well-timed follow-up can be the difference between getting a review or being forgotten.
Send automated yet personalized messages within 24-48 hours of a purchase or service.
Include a direct link to your Google Reviews page and keep the request short and polite.
5. Utilize Social Media and Website Prompts
Your website and social media channels can be powerful tools for encouraging reviews.
Share positive customer experiences and highlight recent reviews to inspire others. Adding a simple CTA, like “Love our service? Leave us a review!” on your website and social posts can prompt action.
6. Incentivize Reviews (Without Violating Google’s Policies)
While offering incentives for reviews is against Google’s guidelines, you can still encourage feedback naturally.
Provide exceptional service, publicly call out top reviewers, and create a culture where happy customers want to share their experiences.
When a company over-delivers, even in small ways, they can employ the principle of reciprocity, prompting happy clients to share their positive experiences.
7. Respond to All Reviews (Good & Bad)
Engagement matters. Thank customers for their positive reviews to show appreciation and encourage others to leave feedback.
For negative reviews, respond professionally and offer solutions. Handling criticism well demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.
8. Monitor and Improve Your Review Strategy
Consistently track your reviews using Google Business Profile Insights.
Identify trends, adjust your approach, and use reputation management tools to streamline the process. Regularly improving your strategy ensures a steady flow of fresh reviews.
FAQ About Collecting More Google Reviews
Here are some common questions about generating more Google reviews.
How important are Google reviews for local ranking?
Google reviews play a foundational role in local SEO rankings. Reviews help Google assess a business’s credibility, relevance, and trustworthiness.
A high volume of positive reviews signals to Google that your business is reputable, which can improve your visibility in local search results and Google Maps.
Additionally, reviews with relevant keywords can enhance your local search rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Businesses with frequent, positive reviews rank higher than competitors with fewer or lower-rated reviews.
How do I get more 5-star Google reviews?
To get more 5-star reviews, focus on delivering exceptional customer service and actively requesting feedback from satisfied customers.
Make it easy for them by providing a direct review link via email, text, or QR codes on receipts and business cards. Responding to existing reviews also encourages engagement and trust.
How do I get my Google review rating higher?
Improving your rating requires accumulating more positive reviews while addressing negative feedback professionally.
Employing a reputation management service and a local reviews app can dramatically affect your overall rating.
Provide outstanding service, request reviews from happy customers, and respond to all reviews to show engagement.
If you receive a negative review, acknowledge it, resolve the issue, and ask the customer if they’d be willing to update their feedback.
Can bad Google reviews be removed?
Google only removes reviews that violate its policies, such as fake reviews, spam, or inappropriate content.
If a review is unfair, spam, or inaccurate, you can flag it for review by Google, but removal is not guaranteed.
The best approach is to respond professionally, attempt to resolve the issue, and encourage more positive reviews to outweigh the negative ones.
A Word of Caution
While reviews are gold for rankings, not all businesses can request them. Some professional associations, like in mental health, prohibit the solicitation of or response to online reviews.
Here’s what the College of Alberta Psychologists says about reviews.
CAP’s Standards of Practice prohibits the use of testimonials of current or previous clients, in any form, even when such testimonials are offered and
not solicited. Furthermore, psychologists are to refrain from participating in online rating/review programs when possible (note, some sites may not
allow the psychologist to remove testimonials).
Now that you have a flow of new Google reviews, how will you manage them all? Next, check out our guide to managing reviews on Google Business Profile.
Building a strong Google review rating takes consistency and effort, but the benefits are worth it. Implementing these strategies will improve your online reputation, attract more customers, and boost your local SEO.
Start applying these tactics today to collect more Google reviews. And watch your business grow.
