Don’t you find it is frustrating that your new, inferior competitors manage to show up on top Google reviews above you, while your store has three reviews, 2 stars, and that too, from 2022? It’s not that customers are actively choosing them over you.They can’t tell if you’re actually good.
Here’s the thing, it’s about getting more Google reviews today. Most business owners aren’t aware, or are doing it wrong. You aren’t alone in this either. Most owners, sometimes, make it too complicated for customers to leave reviews and worse, are not bothered to reply at all to them.
After analysing feedback from hundreds of small business owners and diving deep into what actually works, we’ll show you the exact strategies that'll help you build a steady stream of authentic Google reviews. Just proven methods that real businesses use to grow their online reputation.
Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Business
Google Reviews Drive Business Results - Good or Bad
● Google has the largest online market share. Since two decades!
● 7 of 10 consumers read reviews regularly. Imagine where they are reading it more online? (hint: the world’s favourite search engine!).
● When every review shows 5-stars, 76% of customers smell something fishy. In fact, 30% refuse to buy from companies with zero negative feedback. Because real businesses have real flaws, and smart shoppers know it.
Missing More Google Reviews, Missing More Sales
Without enough reviews, you become or are invisible. Customers need social proof to make decisions. They'll choose your competitor with 50+ reviews over your superior service every time.
You will need to get more google reviews. Otherwise you’re missing out on feedback that could help you improve your business.
Reviews aren't just marketing. They're free market research that tells you exactly what customers love and what needs work.
Challenges Small Businesses Face to Get More Google Reviews
Customers Simply Forget
Most business owners don't want to hear, but we’ll still be honest and tell you.
Your customers aren't leaving reviews because they simply forget. It's not personal at all. They had a great experience, paid their bill, and moved on with their lives.
The moment they walk out your door, leaving a review drops to somewhere around priority number 847 on their mental to-do list.
This is why waiting for organic reviews is like waiting for it to rain money. This is where TrustlyR comes in handy and we will tell you about this more in later sections.
It might happen occasionally, but you can't build a business strategy around it. It’s not like the footfall you get daily either.
The gap between customer satisfaction and review action is huge.
Timing is everything.
Review Process that Has Unnecessary Friction
Even when customers want to leave a review, many don't know how. They might search for your business name, get confused about which listing is yours.
The worst is that they might give up when they can't immediately find the review section.
So putting an extra step in the process is never helpful.
Mobile users face additional challenges. What seems simple on desktop can become frustrating on a phone, especially for less tech-savvy customers who make up a significant portion of many local businesses' clientele.
5 Proven Strategies to Get More Google Reviews
1. Use the Psychology of One-on-One Requests
This is your secret weapon.
Asking customers face-to-face for a review while they're still present has success rates of 34 times or higher than emails that typically see 5-15% response rates.
The key is timing and approach.
Just don't overthink of waiting until they're walking out the door. Why not ask during the payment process or right after you've completed your service.
Try something like: “It’s so nice you had a great experience today. Would you mind taking a few seconds to leave us a quick review on Google? It really helps customers like you find us.”
Train your staff to recognize satisfied customers. They should be made comfortable in every interaction.
When someone compliments your service or says they'll definitely be back, that's your green light. The conversation is already positive, so asking for a review feels natural rather than pushy.
For service-based businesses, the sweet spot is right after you've solved their problem or delivered results they're excited about.
Their satisfaction is at its peak, and they're genuinely grateful. That's when people are most willing to take a small action to help you.
2. Make it Super Easy with QR Codes
Here's where you remove every possible barrier between your customer's good intentions and actually leaving a review.
Create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page.
It’s not very ideal to use your general Google My Business listing where they have to hunt for the review button.
You can generate these links for free using review link generators.
Once you have your direct review URL, create QR codes and put them everywhere: on business cards, receipts, table tents, or even on a small card you hand to customers after great interactions.
The beauty of this approach is that customers can scan the code while they're still with you, bookmark it, or complete the review immediately. You're eliminating the "I'll do it later" problem by making "now" the easiest option.
Some forward-thinking businesses are using NFC-enabled cards that customers just tap with their phones. It's the same concept but feels even more modern and effortless.
3. Follow-Up Strategically, Don’t Be Pushy
Email follow-ups can work, but only if you do them right. The timing sweet spot is 24-48 hours after their experience.
That is long enough that they've had time to appreciate your service, but not so long that they've forgotten about you.
Personalize these emails beyond just inserting their name.
You can easily refer to something specific about their visit. It's better not to go generic "How was your experience?" . This works better: "I hope you're enjoying your new kitchen cabinets. Would you mind sharing a quick review?"
SMS follow-ups often perform better than emails. Especially for younger customers, but use them sparingly. Text messages feel more intrusive, so save them for customers who've explicitly opted in or had particularly exceptional experiences.
4. Get Satisfied Customers Participate in Ethical Incentive Programs
Small incentives can be powerful motivators, but you need to be smart about this. Google's policies don't favor much on paying for reviews, but offering a small thank-you gesture for customers who take the time to share feedback is generally acceptable.
Think small and genuine: a free cookie with their next coffee, 5% off their next visit, or a small branded item they'll actually use. The goal is to acknowledge that leaving a review takes time and effort, and you appreciate customers who help other people discover your business.
Focus on creating value rather than transactions. Frame it as, "We appreciate customers who help others find great local businesses like ours."
5. Respond Professionally to All Reviews
Last but not the least, don't be under that impression that positive reviews are only going to make it for you, while ignoring negative reviews.
TrustlyR helps you get more customer reviews that balance negative reviews with authentic, targeted feedback from real users. Your reputation should stays strong and consistent over time. Check out TrustlyR’s customizable options when buying Google reviews.
Track which strategies work best for your business. Remember: every review represents a real person who chose your business and cared enough to help others discover what you offer. That's worth asking for and it's worth doing right.
