The Rundown
- Go to your Google Business Profile page and generate a shareable link to your Google review submission form.
- Turn that link into a QR code for requesting reviews in physical locations.
- Be polite, grateful, and authentic. Appeal to emotions without begging.
- Request reviews at opportune times, such as after a product has been received or an issue has been resolved.
Knowing how to request Google reviews is crucial. Checking reviews has become a universal, deeply ingrained habit that directly informs consumers’ next moves.
- 97% of consumers research reviews before making a purchase.1
- 98% of people check online reviews for local businesses.2
Those are some big numbers! One can assume the other 2-3% dwell beneath boulders.
If you don’t know how to ask for Google reviews, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to grow brand awareness, build trust, establish credibility, and increase your bottom line. Plus, reviews help you make informed decisions that keep customers coming back.
Google reviews also matter for SEO (search engine optimization). Don’t take our word for it. Here’s a quote straight from Google:
Google review count and score are factored into local search ranking: more reviews and positive ratings will probably improve a business’s local ranking.3
Across all industries, Google is the most trusted platform for people checking local business reviews.2 But it’s not just businesses targeting local demographics that need to know how to ask for Google reviews.
A strong review presence signals to Google (and Google AI properties) that your business is worth showing the world. Yes, even Google itself uses reviews to decide whether or not to support your business!
In this blog, we’re going to explore how to request Google reviews, including actionable tactics that get customers typing and effective tools that make things a little easier for everyone involved. First, let’s get your questions out of the way.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you allowed to ask for Google reviews?
Yes, not only are you allowed, but Google encourages it. Of course, you’ll need to follow Google’s best practices on how to ask for reviews.3
Is it legal to remove bad Google reviews?
While you can’t remove reviews simply because you don’t like them, you can report reviews if they violate Google’s policies. You can also reply to reviews and try to rectify the situation so the reviewer removes or edits it.
Should I ask customers to delete negative reviews?
You’re better off fixing the problem so the customer wants to remove or change the review on their own. With that said, studies have actually shown that people are skeptical of overly positive reviews, and negative reviews can lend credibility to your business.4
Are you allowed to ask for a 5-star review?
Part of knowing how to ask for Google reviews is knowing what not to do. Requesting a 5-star review goes against Google’s guidelines. Beyond the possibility of getting penalized, it’s unethical, manipulative, and, frankly, awkward.
Is it illegal to pay for 5-star reviews?
Yes, paying for reviews is illegal in the U.S. under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act.
Should I reply to Google reviews?
Yes, 88% of consumers are more likely to support a business that replies to all reviews (good and bad).5 You’ll need to verify your business before you can reply.6
How to Request Google Reviews
Requesting a review is a delicate art form that requires finesse and careful consideration. You can do more harm than good if you’re not careful. Here’s how to ask for Google reviews without alienating your customers and damaging your brand.
Keep It Simple: Create a Clear Pathway
Let’s call a spade a spade: You’re asking customers to drop what they’re doing and perform unpaid labor for you. The least you can do is make it as easy as possible!
One simple and effective way to turn customers into reviewers is to have a prominent review section on your website. Take our client, Exquisite Dentistry, for example.
On their homepage, there’s a section dedicated to reviews. Not only does it instill trust in potential patients, but it gives existing patients an obvious outlet to leave their feedback. Click the CTA button, type away, and submit. Simple and effective.
Need to strengthen your review presence? We can help.
As you determine how to ask for Google reviews directly, you’ll find that sending a link is always part of the strategy. Even if you have a review section on your website, customers don’t want to track down your site in the first place, let alone look for a specific section.
Here’s how to generate a shareable link for leaving Google reviews:
- Go directly to your Google Business Profile Manager at business.google.com.7
- On your business profile, look for a button that says “Ask for reviews.”
- Copy the review link.
Save that link! It’ll be necessary as you explore how to ask for Google reviews.
The IRL URL: Leverage QR Codes
Now that you have your shareable link, you’re almost ready to start learning how to request Google reviews. We recommend taking one more preliminary step before you start your digital panhandling: generating a QR code. Here’s a tool that makes it easy: QR Code Generator.8
A QR code allows customers to access your reviews page with a quick scan. Now, if you’re targeting mobile users, sending a link would naturally make more sense because most people don’t have two phones! In general, QR codes on digital properties are redundant.
However, QR codes are super helpful for brick-and-mortar businesses and physical products. As you decide how to ask for Google reviews, approach the QR code as an IRL URL.
You could have a sign at the front desk or checkout station that says “please leave a review” with a large QR code printed underneath it. You could put the QR code on product labels, apply a QR code sticker to mail, or drop a friendly thank you note insert with the QR code in bags or shipments. You could even commission a custom “leave a review” card to display.
The Power of Politeness and Authenticity
Okay, now that you’re equipped with your link and/or QR code, you’re ready to start chasing those sweet social blessings. The number one rule when deciding how to ask for Google reviews is to be polite.
It may seem obvious, but we’re not talking about ordinary tip-of-the-hat, how-do-you-do politeness. Beyond please and thank you, this is the time to butter up your customer without laying it on too thick.
How to request Google reviews will naturally vary based on your brand’s personality, as well as your product or service. In general, the goal is to express gratitude for their patronage without making it feel like you’re digging for social gold in their digital backyard.
Try to form a genuine connection. Reference them by name. Mention a specific product or service they bought. Thank them for their loyalty. Let them know how their support helps your business and why it means so much to you. Drop a quick personal anecdote.
Most importantly, mean it.
Knowing how to ask for Google reviews requires introspection. How would you want someone to ask you for a review? You’re a consumer, too, so what makes you tick?
Customers can spot a toadying fawner from a mile away. The best way to come across as authentic is to be authentic! Don’t beg or give a sob story. Just express true appreciation.
As a final point, a lot of businesses could use a reminder that professionalism doesn’t have to be cold, contrived, and sterile. Consumers know there are real humans behind the brand. Embrace that.
Give Them a Reason to Review
In the spirit of politeness, don’t just make a demand right off the bat. Subtlety is everything, and you don’t necessarily have to ask for a review directly. You can also try seeding the user by including your keyword in the question.
For example, your email could look like:
Hi [Customer Name]!
This is [Your Name] from [Your Business]. I’m just dropping in to make sure you’re happy with your new [Product Name/Keyword].
We’re always looking for ways to improve, so please feel free to leave your feedback.
Thank you for being part of our journey!
Choosing how to ask for Google reviews depends on the product. In this example, the incentive for the customer is that they get to feel like they’re part of improving your business. This type of approach would work great for customers who have a vested interest in the product, such as a new technology, niche hobby, or community-focused item.
The example above feels less opportunistic because you’re showing them that you value their opinion and will use it as guidance, rather than just outright asking for a review so you can get more sales.
As you learn how to request Google reviews, you’ll eventually find a format that fits your product or service. The trick is to give the customer a reason. Sure, they’re doing you a favor, but you want them to feel like they’re getting something out of it, too. Incentivizing (bribing) isn’t allowed, so you need to appeal to their emotions.
Great Customer Service Leads to Organic Reviews
Providing proactive and responsive customer service will go a long way in improving your odds of getting those elusive glowing reviews.
You can position the review request as a follow-up to make sure that they’re satisfied with their purchase, and then sneak the review request in at the end. This method is just good customer service, and getting the review request in is an added bonus.
Knowing how to ask for Google reviews means knowing when to ask for Google reviews. Asking for a review after resolving a problem is going to lead to a very different review than if you had ignored their support request. Many negative reviews are entirely avoidable. Keep your customers happy, and positive reviews will flow in naturally.
Finally, timing matters. Don’t make the customer feel like an afterthought. The best time to ask for a review is when the experience is still fresh in their mind and they still have those endorphins flowing. Make requesting a review one of your post-purchase strategies.
Our Reviews Speak for Themselves
Learning how to ask for Google reviews is a start. Our world-class digital marketing and reputation management strategies boost your brand so you can start raking in social currency that leads to real currency. Reviews matter, and ours say it all.
If you have any questions about asking for Google reviews, or if you’re ready to launch a winning campaign, let’s talk. Contact us now for a free consultation.
References:
1. https://www.semrush.com/blog/online-reputation-management/
2. https://www.semrush.com/blog/seo-statistics/
3. https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122?visit_id=638877527016379985-2654202906&rd=1
4. https://spiegel.medill.northwestern.edu/how-online-reviews-influence-sales
