Reviews are the most important thing for your local business. A half a start difference is often the difference between a customer choosing you or your competition.

‍

The more recent reviews you have, the more people trust your business. But getting satisfied customers to actually leave those reviews consistently is where most businesses struggle.

‍

‍

In this guide, you'll get proven templates and simple strategies to get more Google reviews without the awkward asking. Before we go into the how let's understand why reviews matter so much - it'll help you ask for them the right way.

Why Google Reviews Matter

90% of customers read reviews before visiting a business, and 88% trust them as much as personal recommendations from friends.

‍

‍

Reviews directly impact your bottom line:

• Businesses with 4.0-4.5 stars earn 28% more revenue than lower-rated competitors
• A single star increase can boost revenue by 5-9%
• Products with reviews are 270% more likely to be purchased

But reviews do more than drive sales. They make up 15% of Google's ranking criteria for local businesses, meaning more reviews help you show up higher in Google Maps and local searches. This gets you in front of customers who aren't even searching for your business by name.

‍

Here's something interesting: customers trust businesses with ratings between 3.5 to 4.5 stars more than those with perfect 5-star scores. Because real beats perfect. And when you respond to reviews - both good and bad - 89% of customers are more likely to choose your business.

When to Prompt for Google Reviews

Ask for reviews at peak satisfaction moments - right after a purchase, successful service, or positive support interaction. These are the times when customers are most likely to share their experiences.

‍

Mix these proven approaches:

• In-person requests with QR code cards at checkout
• Follow-up emails with direct review links
• SMS messages for immediate response
• Review request cards for your team to hand out

Make each request personal by using the customer's name and mentioning specific products or services they used. Keep your brand voice consistent and make leaving a review as effortless as possible for your customers.

Targeting the Right Reviewers

Begin with people where you can easily get reviews.

• Customers who consistently choose your products
• Clients actively engaging with your brand on social platforms
• Repeat customers who've had stellar experiences

Starting with your brand advocates builds momentum naturally. Their genuine enthusiasm often translates into detailed, authentic reviews that set the tone for your online presence.

Scaling Your Review Strategy Eventually, you'll want to automate review requests across your customer base. While this broader approach might occasionally surface some negative feedback, it's part of building a credible online presence.

‍

Just remember:

• Set up automated triggers after positive interactions
• Monitor feedback patterns to refine your timing
• Have a solid process for addressing negative reviews professionally

Pro tip: Consider using your CRM data to identify high-satisfaction customers for your initial review campaign. Their positive experiences can help establish a strong foundation before rolling out broader review requests.

Utilizing Multiple Channels for Review Requests

Your customers interact with your business in different ways, so your approach to asking for reviews should match. Here's how to effectively use each channel:

Email 

Email remains one of the most reliable ways to request reviews. Create personalized messages that thank customers for their business before asking for feedback. The key is keeping it simple - address them by name, remind them of their purchase, and include a direct link to your Google review page.

• Keep subject lines clear and engaging
• Send within 24-48 hours of purchase
• Include a clear call-to-action button

SMS 

Text messages get read quickly, making them perfect for review requests. Their high open rates (98%) make them particularly effective when sent shortly after a service or purchase. Keep messages brief and friendly, and always include a direct link.

• Get consent before sending texts
• Send during business hours
• Follow up only once if there's no response

In-Person Requests

Nothing beats asking in person, especially during positive interactions. Train your staff to spot the right moments - like when customers express satisfaction or during a smooth checkout process. Make it easy by having QR codes or short links ready.

Social Media Engagement

Use social platforms to build ongoing relationships that naturally lead to reviews. When customers tag your business or share positive experiences, engage with them and politely ask if they'd share their experience on Google.

• Respond promptly to mentions
• Share customer success stories
• Direct message happy customers

The most successful businesses use a mix of these channels, choosing the right one based on their customer's preferences and the type of interaction. Remember: timing and convenience are everything - make it easy for customers to leave reviews while their experience is still fresh.

Crafting Effective Review Request Templates

The way you ask for reviews matters as much as when you ask. Here are proven templates for different channels that you can customize for your business:

Email Templates

1. Post-Purchase Satisfaction Follow-Up

2. Quick Service Feedback Request

3. After a Special Event or Promotion

4. Customer Service Interaction Follow-Up

5. After a Consultation or Meeting

6. After a Successful Resolution of a Problem

7. After a Delivery or Installation

8. Seasonal Request for Reviews

9. After a Positive Interaction via Social Media

10. For Customers Who’ve Been with You for a While

SMS Templates

Keep messages brief and friendly:

1. Post-Purchase Satisfaction

2. Service Follow-Up

3. After an Event or Promotion

4. Customer Service Interaction

5. Consultation Follow-Up

6. Post-Issue Resolution

7. Delivery or Installation

8. Seasonal Request for Reviews

9. Social Media Interaction Follow-Up

10. Loyal Customer Appreciation

In-Person Scripts

1. After a Compliment

Customer: "Your team was amazing today!"
You: "Thank you so much for saying that! We truly appreciate it. If you don’t mind, could you share those kind words in a review on [Google/Yelp]? It really helps people find us when they’re looking for services like ours."

2. During Checkout

You: "I’m glad we could help you find what you were looking for today. Is there anything else I can do for you before you go?"
Customer: "No, that’s it, thanks!"
You: "I’m really happy to hear that! If you enjoyed your experience with us, would you mind leaving us a review online? It only takes a minute and it helps us a lot."

3. When a Customer Shows Interest in a Product

You: "It looks like you’ve found something great! What’s your plan with it?"
Customer: "I’m really excited to try it out!"
You: "Awesome, I’m sure you’ll love it. If you get the chance and enjoy it, would you consider leaving a quick review on [platform]? It’d help others make their decision too!"

4. After a Successful Service

Customer: "Everything looks great, thank you!"
You: "I’m so glad to hear that! If you’re happy with our service, we’d love it if you could share your experience in a review. It helps us reach more people who might need our services."

5. After a Positive Interaction

Customer: "You’ve been so helpful, thanks!"
You: "It’s my pleasure! If you’d be willing to share how we did in a review, we’d really appreciate it. Your feedback makes a huge difference for us and for other customers!"

6. At the End of a Consultation

You: "I hope everything we discussed today was helpful. Is there anything else you need from me?"
Customer: "No, this was perfect, thank you!"
You: "I’m really glad to hear that. If you’re comfortable with it, leaving us a review would be a great way to help others who are looking for advice like you were."

7. When a Customer is Happy with a Repair or Installation

Customer: "You fixed it! It’s working great now!"
You: "That’s awesome to hear, thanks for letting us know. If you’d be willing to share your experience in a review, it would help us so much and give others confidence in our services."

8. After a Positive Experience with Staff

Customer: "The team was great! Everyone was so friendly and professional."
You: "Thank you! We really try our best to create a positive experience. If you could take a moment to leave us a review, it would mean a lot to us and help others find our services."

9. When a Customer Mentions Returning

Customer: "I’ll definitely be back soon!"
You: "That’s fantastic to hear! If you have a minute, sharing your experience online with a review would be greatly appreciated. It helps others know what they can expect."

10. During a Routine Visit or Appointment

You: "It looks like everything is in order. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"
Customer: "Nope, everything’s perfect!"
You: "Great! If you’re satisfied with the service today, would you consider leaving a review on [platform]? It helps us improve and lets other customers know about their experience."

These scripts are designed to be natural and opportunistic, helping you ask for reviews in a way that feels genuine and timely.

‍

Pro Tip: Match your request to the moment. If a customer is in a rush, give them a card with the QR code to use later. If they're waiting for something, that's your perfect window to ask.

‍

Remember: The key to getting more reviews isn't just asking - it's asking the right way, at the right time, through the right channel. Use these templates as a starting point and customize them to fit your brand voice and customer relationships.

Optimizing Your Approach for Success

A successful Google review strategy relies on maintaining seamless, respectful, and engaging customer interactions.

1. Express Genuine Gratitude

• Craft personalized thank you messages that include customer names and specific details about their experience
• Acknowledge the time and effort customers spend providing feedback
• Ensure communications feel sincere and genuinely appreciative

2. Make Reviews Easy to Submit

• Provide crystal-clear instructions on how to leave reviews
• Include direct links or QR codes to simplify the process
• Remove complexity that might cause customers to abandon the review process
• Follow proven strategies discussed in business communities like Reddit

3. Actively Engage with Reviews

• Respond promptly to both positive and negative feedback
• Transform critical feedback into positive brand interactions through thoughtful responses
• Show dedication to customer satisfaction through consistent engagement
• Build trust by demonstrating that all feedback is valued and acknowledged

These practices help streamline the review process, demonstrate customer appreciation, and strengthen your online presence.

‍

Automating Review Requests

By automating review requests and integrating them into various customer touchpoints, you can boost the quantity and quality of the Google reviews.

‍

Utilize review automation tools: Tools like Podium, Birdeye, and Shout About Us streamline the review process by automatically sending text messages or emails with direct links to review platforms like Google.

• Example: Podium allows businesses to send review links via text, making it convenient for customers to leave feedback.

Integrate review links on your website: Add clear calls-to-action (CTAs) linking directly to your Google Business Profile's review section, or create a dedicated reviews page.

• Using QR codes on receipts or physical materials is another way to make it easier for customers to leave feedback in-store.

Centralized review management: Platforms like Birdeye offer dashboards to manage reviews from multiple platforms, including Google, Facebook, etc.

• Key features: Sentiment analysis and competitive benchmarking help businesses understand customer feedback and industry positioning.

Automation can save you from not spending time sending each customer a customized message or email one by one.

Pitfalls to Avoid in Gathering Reviews

When seeking Google reviews from your customers, it's crucial to avoid certain solicitation strategies that may backfire or potentially harm your reputation.

‍

Avoid Aggressive or Negative Solicitation Strategies

Don’t Pressure Customers

• Pressuring customers to leave reviews can backfire, leading to negative feedback and harming future business.
• Use personalized requests instead of mass emails or generic messages that may feel like spam.

Avoid Offering Incentives for Positive Reviews

• Offering rewards for positive reviews is against Google’s policies and makes reviews less genuine.
• Focus on providing an exceptional experience that motivates customers to leave positive feedback on their own.

Don’t Manipulate Reviews

• Filtering out negative reviews before they’re submitted is against Google’s guidelines and can appear dishonest.
• Reviews should reflect actual customer experiences, both positive and negative.

Don’t Threaten Legal Action Over Negative Reviews

• Threatening or publicly disputing negative reviews only escalates the situation and harms your business's reputation.
• Handle negative reviews professionally and constructively.

Avoid Review Kiosks at Your Business

• Asking customers to leave reviews while they are on-site can feel coercive and violates Google’s policies.
• Keep the review process separate from the in-person experience to avoid discomfort.

Don’t Engage in Review Swapping or Use Automation

• Practices like swapping reviews or using automated systems to generate fake reviews are violations of Google’s guidelines.
• These actions can lead to penalties, such as removal of reviews or account suspension.

Don’t Over-Solicit Reviews

• Bombarding customers with repeated requests for reviews can annoy them and lead to negative feedback.
• Limit review requests to avoid overwhelming your customers.

Never Tamper with Customer Reviews

• Altering reviews or trying to influence their content is a clear violation of Google’s terms.
• Let reviews stand as they are written by customers to maintain trust and credibility.

Turn Happy Customers Into 5-Star Reviews

Starting Today

Vanishing Google Reviews

Have you noticed your Google Business Profile review count dropping, even as new reviews come in?

You're not alone. Many local businesses worldwide are reporting the same problem, and it's understandably frustrating.

Here's what's happening and what you can do about it.

The Problem: Reviews Are Disappearing (or Being Filtered)

The reviews are not being removed but are being hidden.

‍

One user retrieved the reviews directly from their Google My Business (GMB) API and separately from Google Maps through Outscraper. According to them, all the reviews were still there.

‍

Google appears to be actively filtering or hiding reviews from Business Profiles. While Google hasn't officially commented, this likely stems from ongoing efforts to combat fake reviews and enforce their review policies. In many cases, the reviews aren't permanently deleted, but they are no longer visible to the public.

What's Happening?

It's suspected that a recent update to Google's review algorithm is more aggressively flagging reviews. This could be due to various factors, including:

• Suspicious Activity: Patterns that suggest fake or incentivized reviews.
• Policy Violations: Reviews that violate Google's content guidelines (e.g., offensive language, personal information).
• Technical Glitches: Some issues may simply be bugs in Google's system.

Google has addressed the issue and is working on a fix. 

What You Can Do Right Now

Document Everything: Keep records of your review count, Case IDs, and any communication with Google.

Follow Google’s Review Recovery Process:

• Open Google Chrome and visit: support.google.com/business/gethelp.

• Ensure that you are logged into the right Google account connected to your business listing.

• In the "Which business do you need help with?" box, select your business listing (if you have more than one). 

• In the “Tell us what we can help with” type “Google Reviews Missing” and click “Next.”

• Then a new section opens up, in there choose “Review Missing.” and click on “Next Step”

• Click “Next Step” under "Resources."

• In "Contact options," choose your preferred language and select “Email.”

‍

• Fill in the required details: name, email, phone number, Business Profile ID, missing reviews count, timeframe, and reviewer names (if available). Describe the issue thoroughly.

• Submit your request and keep track of your case ID.
• Follow up with Google every few days for updates.
• If no resolution occurs within two weeks, reply to Google’s email stating that the issue remains unresolved.
• Google will escalate the issue to a specialist—continue following up until a resolution is reached.

What Not to Do (Crucial!)

• Never Buy Reviews: This violates Google's policies and can lead to penalties.
• Don't Offer Incentives: Offering discounts or rewards for reviews is also prohibited.
• Avoid Fake Accounts: Creating fake accounts to leave reviews is easily detected and harmful.

General Good Practices:

• Encourage Genuine Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave honest reviews.
• Make It Easy: Provide clear instructions and links to your Google Business Profile.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with both positive and negative reviews to show you value customer feedback.
• Monitor Your Profile: Regularly check your review count and address any issues promptly.

Losing Google reviews is a serious concern, but it's often a temporary issue. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting your reviews restored and protect your online reputation.

We'll continue to update this article as more information becomes available.

‍

Let's get those reviews back for free!

Book a Call

Why Google My Business Matters for Local Traffic

When someone needs a service in your area, the first thing they do is pull out their phone and search on Google. That split-second decision could mean the difference between them walking into your business or your competitor's.

‍

If you want customers to always choose you, setting up your Google My Business (GMB) profile should be one of the first things on your checklist. It’s completely free and an incredibly effective way to boost your online visibility and attract potential customers.

‍

In this blog, we will explain how you can optimize your GMB profile to drive more local traffic to your business. 

Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile for Success

In order to give your GMB profile maximal visibility, you need to fill out all the necessary sections and make it as engaging as possible for someone scrolling through it.

‍

‍

1. Complete Every Section of Your Profile 

Provide accurate and up-to-date information in all fields, including business name, address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, and products or services offered.

‍

Select the most relevant primary and secondary categories and write a compelling business description that highlights your unique value proposition and also includes a bunch of local keywords.

2. Add Engaging Photos and Videos

Upload high-quality images of your storefront or office, products/services, and staff members.

‍

Include videos like virtual tours of your business, product demos, and customer testimonials to further engage potential customers looking at your profile.

‍

Enhancing Your Visibility through Local SEO

You can create a lasting impression in the minds of local customers with a mix of uniformity, keyword targeting, and updating specific business details. 

1. Ensure NAP Consistency 

Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should be identical across all online platforms, including your website, Google My Business profile, and other online directories (Yelp, Facebook, and other industry-specific listings).

‍

Inconsistent NAP can confuse both customers and search engines like Google, ultimately hurting your local rankings.

2. Optimize for Relevant Local Keywords

Conduct local keyword research to identify the most common terms your target audience uses when searching for businesses like yours. 

‍

Blend these keywords into your business description, products/services, posts, responses to reviews, etc.

‍

Spend some time actually looking for relevant keywords instead of keyword stuffing with AI, and keep it authentic to the reader with a human touch.

3. Set Accurate Business Hours

Keep your hours of operation updated, including regular opening and closing times, holidays, and temporary closures.

‍

Incorrect hours can lead to false expectations, leaving customers frustrated and prompting them to leave negative reviews.

‍

Use Reviews to Build Trust and Engagement

Authentic customer reviews serve as a testament to the quality of your work. It is the voice of your customers that increases trust across a larger base of potential customers.

‍

‍

1. Proactively Request Reviews

Ask satisfied customers to leave a review on your GMB profile either in person after a positive interaction or via an email/text message post-purchase. 

‍

Make leaving a review as easy as possible by creating a direct link to your GMB review page and providing clear, concise instructions. 

2. Respond to All Reviews, Positive or Negative

Thank customers who leave positive reviews by showing your appreciation for their business and valuable feedback in the form of genuinely heartfelt replies.

‍

Address negative reviews constructively by acknowledging the customer's concerns and offering to make things right. If things escalate, take the conversation offline to cool things down.

‍

Responding to these reviews, regardless of their nature, shows you value feedback and are committed to customer satisfaction.

‍

Utilizing Google My Business Features for Engagement

GMB provides more than enough features that you can use to increase customer outreach and induce a positive sentiment toward your business. 

1. Create Engaging Google Posts

Share updates, announce the launch of new products/services, promote sales or special offers, and showcase upcoming events. Highlight customer stories directly on your GMB profile with regular posts. 

‍

Posts can include text, photos, videos, and call-to-action buttons. 

2. Your Q&A Section is a Goldmine

Identify the most commonly asked questions customers have about your business and post these questions and their answers in the Q&A section of your GMB profile.

Upvote the most helpful answers to increase their visibility.
‍

By seeding it with frequently asked questions, you can save time answering repetitive inquiries, ensure accurate information is provided, and highlight your key selling points and differentiators.

3. Enable Messaging for Direct Communication

Turn on the messaging feature in your GMB dashboard—your direct line to ready-to-buy customers. This simple GMB feature lets local customers instantly book appointments and get answers about your services—right when they're most interested. 
‍

Turn on notifications and assign dedicated staff to promptly respond to incoming messages. 

‍

When someone finds your business, make it easy for them to become your next customer with one-click messaging. 

‍

Making Data-Driven Improvements with GMB Insights

Google My Business also provides you with a lot of insights (backed by crystal clear data) to analyze your online presence and accordingly make tweaks to further improve your overall standing on the internet.

‍

1. Track Customer Actions on Your Listing

Track insights to identify the gap in your funnel. Analyzing how customers interact with your GMB profile. 

‍

Look for these key metrics:

- Direct searches for your business name
- Discovery searches for your products/services.
- Clicks to your website
- Requests for directions
- Phone calls
- Messages
- Bookings  

‍

For example, if you notice a high number of direction requests but low actual visits, it could indicate issues with your listed address or pin location. Ensuring your address is accurate and easy to locate can help translate more of those searches into real foot traffic.

2. Assess Search Query and Conversion Data 

See which search terms your business appears for. Track both discovery queries that display your listing and direct queries that drive visits to your website or location.
‍

Boost your listing’s performance with high-converting keywords in your business description, products/services, and posts.
‍
Top it all with monitoring search terms over time to adapt to shifting customer needs and preferences.

3. Regularly Audit Your Performance

Use GMB insights along with other analytics tools (for example, Google Analytics) to continually evaluate your business listing's performance.
‍

Look for trends, opportunities, and areas needing attention, like changes in search volume/query type, spikes/dips in customer actions, and differences in performance across locations (for multi-location businesses).
‍

Make data-driven optimizations to your listing by adjusting keywords and categories, refining your description and products/services, and updating photos and posts.

‍

Bringing It All Together 

Your GMB profile is the digital storefront that turns searches into sales. This is where your potential customers meet you for the first time.

‍

Strategic optimization and activity management on your GMB profile can yield exponential growth for your business. Gushwork makes it easy—our dedicated SEO managers (exclusively assigned to you) handle everything. Whether you want to set up Google My Business from scratch or optimize your existing profile, our end-to-end service ensures your business stands out when local customers are searching for you.

‍

Grow your Local Business with AI-Assisted SEO!

Explore Plans & Pricing