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How to get more Google reviews
A short, free guide for local businesses. No pushy tactics, just what works.
Why reviews matter
Reviews are one of the first things people check before they pick a local business. They also help you show up in Google Maps and local search.
Most happy customers never leave one. Not because they do not want to. Nobody asked them.
Here is what works.
Seven steps
- Ask at the right momentAsk just after the job is done, when the customer is pleased. A day later is fine. A month later is too late.
- Remember that people need an accountTo leave a Google or Facebook review, your customer has to be signed in. Some people do not have an account, or cannot remember their password, so they give up. It is the most common reason a happy customer never leaves one. Tell them up front, and send the link to their phone so it is quick.
- Make it easySend a direct link to your review page. Every extra click loses people. If they have to search for you, most will not bother.
- Ask in person, then follow upA quick "would you mind leaving us a review?" works well. Follow it with a text or email containing the link.
- Reply to every reviewSay thank you. Keep it short and genuine. For a poor review, stay calm, be polite and offer to put it right. Future customers read your replies.
- Do not buy reviews or offer rewardsGoogle can remove them. It can also hurt your profile. Honest reviews from real customers are what count.
- Make it a habitA steady trickle beats a burst of reviews followed by silence. Ask every customer, every time.
Want it done for you?
Trustist does not need an account. Your customer taps your link or scans your QR code and can leave a review in under 30 seconds. Trustist gives you the link and the QR code, and you use them however suits your business. You can also give your customer the choice to leave their review on other platforms, such as Google. That is entirely your choice. It works for any business, and I am happy to show you how.
Find out more about our services: Trustist Reviews and Google Business Profile optimisation.
Straight answers
Do customers need an account to leave a Google review?
Yes. A Google account is needed to leave a Google review, and a Facebook account for Facebook. Trustist does not need an account.
How many Google reviews do I need?
There is no magic number. A steady flow of recent, genuine reviews matters more than a big total from long ago.
Can I ask customers for reviews?
Yes. Asking is fine. Offering rewards in return for reviews is not allowed.