How to get more Google reviews for your business

5 steps that work

1. Get your review link from your Google Business Profile
2. Ask at the right moment, just after the job is done
3. Send the link by text, so it's one tap
4. Ask everyone, not just the people you think are happy
5. Reply to every review, good or bad

A text you can copy

"Hi [name], thanks for choosing us today. If you have a minute, a Google review really helps a small business like ours: [link]. Thanks, [your name]"

Rules you can't break

• Don't offer discounts or gifts in return for reviews
• Don't only ask people you think will be positive. Google treats that as fake engagement.
• Don't write fake reviews or pay someone to
• Don't get staff or family to review you
• Don't pressure people to change a bad review

In Australia the ACCC also warns businesses about misleading reviews, so it's more than just a Google rule.

How to handle a bad review

1. Take a breath before you reply
2. Thank them and say you'll look into it
3. Take the details offline
4. Fix it if you can

Why it matters

Reviews are one of the biggest things behind Google's map results, and recent reviews count. A few new reviews a month beats a big burst once a year.

Happy customers also make great videos. See how to get video testimonials.

General advice, November 2026. Check Google's current review policy and the ACCC's guidance on online reviews for the latest rules.