How to Get More Google Reviews: A simple guide for small business owners.
Let's be honest Google reviews are kind of a big deal. 🌟
Think about the last time you tried a new restaurant, booked a tradesperson, or picked a local service. Did you check the reviews first? Of course you did. Everyone does.
Here's the good news: getting more Google reviews isn't complicated, it doesn't cost a penny, and it can make a massive difference to your business. More reviews = more trust = more customers. Simple as that.
In this guide I'm going to show you exactly how to find your Google review link, give you a copy-and-paste message template you can send to customers right now, and share my top 10 tips for making reviews roll in on autopilot. Let's crack on.
Step 1: Find Your Google Review Link
Before you can ask anyone for a review, you need your unique Google review link. Here's how to grab it in under two minutes:
Search for your business on Google (just type your business name into the search bar)
In your Google Business Profile panel on the right, scroll down and click "Ask for reviews"
Google will show you a short link — something like g.page/r/[yourcode]/review
Copy that link and save it somewhere handy — your phone's notes, a pinned message to yourself on WhatsApp, wherever works for you
💡 Can't find the 'Ask for reviews' button? You can also get to it via your Google Business Profile dashboard at business.google.com. Log in, select your business, and look for 'Get more reviews' in the Home tab.
Step 2: Your Copy-and-Paste Review Request Template
Now you've got your link, you need a message to go with it. Here are two versions, one for WhatsApp and one for email. Swap in your own details where you see the brackets.
📱 WhatsApp Version
Hey [Customer Name]! 👋
Really hope you're happy with everything, it was great working with you!
If you've got 60 seconds, it would mean the world to us if you could leave a quick Google review. It really helps other people find us! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[PASTE YOUR GOOGLE REVIEW LINK HERE]
Thanks so much — really appreciate it! 🙏
📧 Email Version
Subject: A quick favour, [Customer Name]?
Hi [Customer Name],
Thank you so much for choosing us, it was a real pleasure working with you on [job description]. I really hope you're pleased with the result!
I have a small favour to ask. Would you be willing to leave us a quick Google review? It only takes about 60 seconds but makes a huge difference in helping other local customers find us.
Just click the link below and it'll take you straight there:
👉 [PASTE YOUR GOOGLE REVIEW LINK HERE]
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your time and your support.
Warm regards, [Your Name] | [Your Business Name] | [Your Phone Number]
Here’s My Top 10 Tips for Getting More Google Reviews.
Right, you've got your link and your template, now let's make sure you're actually using them. These are the tips I give every single one of my clients, and they work.
1. Always ask. Every time. No exceptions.
This sounds obvious but most small business owners simply don't do it. Make asking for a review a non-negotiable part of every job completion. Your customers like you they just need a nudge. The worst they can say is nothing.
2. Ask at the right moment.
The golden moment is right after the job is done and the customer is buzzing. When they've just seen the finished result, when you've handed over the keys, when they've just said "it looks amazing" that's your cue. Ask right then, or send your message that same evening while the feel-good is still fresh.
3. Make it stupid easy with a direct link.
Never just say "leave us a Google review" and leave them to figure it out. Send them your link directly, it takes them straight to the review box with zero faff. The easier you make it, the more reviews you'll get.
4. Ask in person and follow up in writing.
Mention it face-to-face when you're wrapping up, then send a WhatsApp or email that same day with the link. The in-person ask builds commitment, the follow-up message makes it easy to actually do it. One without the other is only half as effective.
5. Be specific — ask for a 5-star review.
Don't be shy about this. If you've done a great job, it's absolutely fine to say "I'd love a 5-star review if you feel we've earned it." You're not being pushy, you're being clear. Customers who are happy are often relieved you've given them a steer on what to do.
6. Save your link in your phone right now.
Go and do it now. Save your Google review link in your notes app, create a shortcut on your home screen, or stick it in a saved WhatsApp message to yourself. When the moment arrives, you want to share it in seconds, not be hunting around trying to find it.
7. Add your review link everywhere.
Put it in your email signature. Add it to your invoices. Print it on your business cards. Stick a QR code on your van or in your reception. Add a call-to-action on your website. The more places it lives, the more reviews you'll pick up passively without even having to ask.
8. Respond to every single review, even the bad ones.
When you reply to reviews, it shows potential customers that you're a real, engaged business owner who cares. Respond to 5-star reviews with warmth and gratitude. Respond to critical reviews calmly and professionally, future customers are watching how you handle it. A well-handled negative review can actually build more trust than another glowing one.
9. Don't wait for a big project, reviews work for small jobs too.
A lot of business owners save the review ask for a big contract or an impressive job. Don't! Ask after every positive interaction. A quick call-out, a small design job, a half-day consult, these are all fair game. Volume of reviews matters just as much as the content of them.
10. Set yourself a weekly reminder.
At the end of every week, take 10 minutes to go back through that week's completed jobs and send review requests to anyone you haven't already asked. Consistency beats perfection, even one extra review a week adds up to 50 new reviews a year.
