This is an essential goal for any business! Generating a consistent flow of reviews is one of the most powerful and easiest ways to boost your local SEO and build customer trust.
1. Create and Share Your Direct Review Link
The single biggest barrier is making customers search for your business and then hunt for the review button. You need to eliminate all friction.
Action: Log into your Google Business Profile and get the direct share link Google provides (often under "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews").
Ease: This link takes customers straight to the star rating and comment box—it's a one-click process.
Bonus: Use a free tool to turn that long link into a memorable, short URL (like a bit.ly/YourBizReview).
2. Ask at the "Moment of Delight" (Timing)
The best time to ask for a review is immediately after a customer expresses satisfaction or right after the service is successfully completed.
Action: Train your staff to verbally ask, "I'm so glad we could help you today! Would you mind sharing that quick feedback on Google? It really helps other customers find us."
Ease: The positive experience is fresh in their mind, making them much more likely to say yes.
Bonus: If you run a service business, ask right after the problem is solved; if you run a shop, ask right at checkout.
3. Automate the Request via Text/Email
Don't rely solely on verbal asks. Integrate the request into your post-service communication for consistent follow-up.
Action: Send a short, personalized text message or email 1-2 days after service completion. Include the direct review link (from Step 1).
Ease: This is fast for the customer to open and click. Text messages, in particular, have very high open rates.
Template Example: "Hi [Name], thanks for choosing us! If you have a minute, we'd love your quick feedback on Google: [Direct Link] 🙏"
4. Use QR Codes in Your Physical Space
For brick-and-mortar or mobile businesses, make the ask visual and effortless with a phone scan.
Action: Generate a QR code that links directly to your Google review page. Print it on:
Table-top tents or checkout counter signs.
Business cards or take-home inserts.
The bottom of your receipt or invoice.
Ease: Customers simply open their phone camera and scan—no typing required.
5. Reply to EVERY Review (Good and Bad)
Showing that you value the feedback—both positive and negative—encourages future customers to leave their own review.
Action: Set a weekly reminder to check your Google Business Profile and respond to every review.
Ease: A simple "Thank you, [Name]! We appreciate your business in [City]!" takes 30 seconds and shows you are active and engaged.
Bonus: For negative reviews, reply professionally, offer to resolve the issue privately, and show future customers that you care about service recovery.