The Dos and Don'ts of Asking for Google Reviews

Have you ever wondered how some businesses have a plethora of glowing Google Reviews while others struggle to get even a handful? Google Reviews can significantly impact your online reputation and attract new customers. Yet, knowing how to effectively ask for these reviews without coming across as pushy or desperate can be challenging.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential dos and don'ts of asking for Google Reviews. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to encourage your customers to leave positive feedback, helping your business shine in the digital landscape. Ready to master the art of requesting reviews? Let’s get started.

The Dos

1. Ask at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for Google Reviews. To maximize the chances of getting a positive response, ask your customers to leave a review when their experience with your business is still fresh in their minds. This could be immediately after a purchase, following a successful service interaction, or when they express satisfaction with your product or service.

For instance, if you own a restaurant, you might ask customers to leave a review while they're still dining, perhaps offering a gentle reminder along with their bill. For service-based businesses, sending a follow-up email shortly after the service has been provided can be very effective.

2. Make It Easy

Make the process of leaving a Google Review as easy as possible for your customers. Provide clear instructions and direct links to your Google My Business review page. You can include these links in follow-up emails, thank you messages, or even on printed receipts or business cards.

Here’s a simple template you can use: “Thank you for choosing [Your Business Name]! We hope you had a great experience. We would appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your thoughts on Google. Click here to leave a review: [Insert Google Review Link]. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others find our services. Thank you!”

3. Personalize Your Request

A personalized request for a Google Review is far more likely to succeed than a generic one. Address your customers by their names and mention specific details about their interaction with your business. This personal touch shows that you genuinely care about their feedback and value their business.

For example, “Hi [Customer Name], we’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay at [Your Hotel Name]. We would be grateful if you could share your experience on Google Reviews. Your feedback helps us continually improve our services and ensures other guests have an amazing experience too. Click here to leave a review: [Insert Google Review Link]. Thank you!”



The Don'ts

1. Pressure or Incentivize

While it might be tempting to offer incentives for Google Reviews, this practice is against Google’s policies and can lead to your reviews being flagged or removed. Never pressure customers into leaving a review or offer discounts, freebies, or other incentives in exchange for a positive review. Such tactics can backfire, damaging your credibility and trustworthiness.

Instead, focus on providing excellent service and creating memorable experiences that naturally encourage customers to share their positive feedback. Genuine reviews are far more valuable and sustainable for your business in the long run.

2. Neglect Negative Reviews

Ignoring negative reviews or responding defensively can harm your reputation. Instead, view negative reviews as an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction. Respond promptly and professionally to any negative feedback, addressing the customer’s concerns and offering a solution where possible.

Apologize for any inconvenience and thank the reviewer for their feedback. This approach not only shows the reviewer that you value their opinion but also signals to potential customers that you are dedicated to providing excellent service and resolving issues.

3. Spam Your Customers

While it’s important to remind your customers to leave reviews, bombarding them with requests can be off-putting and counterproductive. Find a balance between being persistent and respectful of their time. A single follow-up email or a gentle reminder during their visit should suffice.

If you’re sending follow-up emails, consider timing them appropriately and limiting the number of requests. For example, if a customer hasn’t left a review after the first reminder, wait a few weeks before sending another gentle nudge.