How to get more Google reviewsThis guide shows you how to get more Google reviews, honestly and within the rules, with templates you can copy today. You’ll need about ten minutes and access to your Google Business Profile.
Why reviews matter
When someone searches for a service near them, Google shows a short list of local businesses with their star rating and number of reviews right beside the name. Google says the number of reviews and your overall score are among the things it considers when ranking local businesses.
Just as importantly, reviews do your selling for you. A recent, detailed review from a real customer answers the questions a new customer is too busy to ask: are you on time, are you tidy, are your prices fair, would they use you again?
- Recent reviews matter. A business with steady reviews every month looks active and trusted.
- Detailed reviews help more than “Great service!” because they mention the job, the suburb and what went well.
- Your replies are read too. They show how you treat people.
The rules first (this protects your business)
Google’s review policies and Australian Consumer Law are both strict about reviews. Breaking them can get reviews removed, your profile restricted, or worse.
Don't offer discounts, gifts or entry into a prize draw in exchange for reviews. Don't write reviews for yourself or ask staff, friends or family to. Don't buy reviews. Don't ask only your happy customers while steering unhappy ones away (“review gating”). Don't pressure people.
Ask every customer the same way, make it easy, and accept the good with the bad. Honest reviews, including the odd average one, are more believable than a wall of perfect fives.
The ACCC has published guidance for businesses on online reviews, and Google lists its rules in its Business Profile help. Both are linked on our resources page.
Step 1: Get your review link
Your review link takes customers straight to the “write a review” box, so they don’t have to search for you. It only takes a minute to find.
- Sign in to the Google account that manages your business.
Then search your business name on Google, or open the Google Business Profile app. - Find the reviews option.
In your profile, look for Ask for reviews (sometimes shown as Get more reviews or under Read reviews). - Copy the link.
Google gives you a short link (it usually starts withg.page/r/). Save it in your phone’s notes so it’s always handy. - Test it.
Open it on your phone. It should open the review box for your business.
Google moves buttons around from time to time. If you can't see “Ask for reviews”, Google's own Business Profile help has the current steps.
Step 2: The best moment to ask
The best time to ask is when the customer is happiest: right after the job is finished and they’ve seen the result. For most businesses that means:
- Trades: when you’re packing up and they’re checking the work.
- Clinics and salons: at the end of the appointment, or with your follow-up message.
- Shops and cafés: at the counter, with a QR card (Step 4).
- Online or service businesses: when you deliver, or straight after a thank-you from the client.
Ask in person first, then send the link the same day while it’s fresh. If they haven’t had a chance, one friendly reminder a few days later is fine. Don’t chase more than once.
Step 3: Copy-and-paste templates
Change the words in [brackets], then save them in your phone so you can send one in seconds.
What to say in person
Thanks so much, [Name]. Glad you're happy with it. We're a small local business and reviews really help other people find us. Would you mind leaving a quick Google review? I'll text you the link so it only takes a minute.
Text messages
Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business] today! If you have a minute, a quick Google review would really help us: [link]. Thanks, [Your name]
Hi [Name], it was great to [fix your hot water / work on your bathroom] today. We'd love to hear how we went. Here's the link to leave a Google review: [link]. Thanks again!
Hi [Name], just a quick reminder in case you missed it. If you were happy with our work, we'd really appreciate a Google review: [link]. No worries if you're busy. Thanks!
Subject: Thanks from [Business], and a quick favour Hi [Name], Thank you for choosing [Business] for [the job]. We hope you're happy with everything. We're a local business, and reviews from customers like you help other people decide who to trust. If you have a minute, we'd be grateful if you could share your experience on Google: [link] If anything wasn't right, please reply to this email and we'll make it right. Thanks, [Your name] [Business] | [Phone]
Mentioning the actual job or suburb (“your bathroom in Caringbah”) gets noticeably more replies than a generic message, and customers often mention those details in their review, which helps your local ranking too.
Step 4: Make a QR review card
Put a card on your counter, in your van or with your invoice so customers can scan straight to your review box. Business-card size, 8 to an A4 page.
Step 5: Reply to every review
Replying shows future customers you care, and it encourages more people to leave reviews. Aim to reply within a few days. Keep it short, personal and genuine, and never share private details about the customer.
Thanks so much, [Name]! It was a pleasure [doing the job] for you in [suburb]. We're glad you're happy with it, and we're here whenever you need us again.
Thanks for the great review, [Name]. We're glad you were happy with [the job]. If there's anything we could have done even better, we'd love to hear it. Just give us a call.
Thanks for your honest feedback, [Name]. We're glad [the good part], and we're sorry [the issue] wasn't up to standard. We'd like to make it right. Could you call us on [phone]?
Handling a bad review
Every business gets one eventually. A calm, professional reply often impresses future customers more than a perfect score does.
- Wait an hour before replying. Never reply angry.
- Thank them and acknowledge the problem, without arguing about details in public.
- Take it offline. Give a name and phone number so they can talk to a real person.
- Fix it if you can. Many customers update their review after a good outcome.
Hi [Name], thank you for letting us know, and I'm sorry we let you down. That's not the experience we want anyone to have. I'd like to understand what happened and put it right. Please call me directly on [phone], or email [email]. [Your name], [Business]
If a review breaks Google's rules (for example it's from someone who was never a customer, or it's abusive), you can report it from your Business Profile. Reply politely anyway, because other customers will see it while Google checks.
Turning reviews into new customers
- Show your best reviews on your website, near the top of your homepage and on your service pages. Use the customer’s first name and suburb, and keep the wording exactly as written.
- Link to your Google reviews from your website and email signature so people can see the full picture.
- Share them on social media with a thank-you to the customer.
- Learn from them. If several reviews mention the same thing, good or bad, that’s free advice about your business.
Your weekly habit (10 minutes)
Reviews come from a routine, not a one-off push. Tick these off each week, or print the 4-week tracker for your desk.
Your weekly review routine
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