Google reviews are like gold dust for small businesses. Here are some ways to get more in reviews in 2026 and beyond.
Strike while the iron is hot
Ask for a review the same day. Provided you’ve gone above and beyond with customer service, the customer is likely feeling happy/relieved/content that a job has been fulfilled. That dopamine hit we all get from ticking a job off our list? They will get that too – and it will be all the sweeter if you’ve treated them well in the process.
Send them a link to your reviews within hours of the transaction.
NB: Google does not like companies asking for reviews in person anymore, so send them a WhatsApp or email once the job is done.
Get the reviews link from your google business profile
Make your life easier, copy the link on your google business profile that says “ask for reviews” and save it on your phone. Share it with clients via WhatsApp every time you’ve finished a job.
Where can I get a link for my google reviews?
Google “my business” > click your GMB profile > Ask for reviews > copy link.
Mention how important reviews are during the job
Unless your customer is also a business owner, chances are they won’t appreciate how valuable online reviews really are. Bring it up in conversation to prepare them for a review request down the road.
“Most of my work comes through recommendations and Google reviews.”
It will feel much more natural this way.
Make your review request personal
Any old business can say “we’d really like a review, here’s the link, thanks so much.” But that kind of message is a bit dismissive.
Instead, personalise your request based on the job completed/product sold. Make it warm, friendly and complimentary.
“Dear XXXX, thank you so much for having our team over to complete XXXX work for you. We really enjoyed visiting your premises and value your opinion. It would mean so much to us if you could share your experience via our google reviews [link]. If you need anything more please ask, we would be very happy to help.”
Or
“I’m so pleased we’ve got that sorted for you. If you’re happy with the service, would you mind leaving me a quick Google review? It really helps small businesses like mine and only takes a minute.”
Go above and beyond
Companies that go above and beyond tend to get more reviews. Look for ways you can include extra TLC in a service or product without going over-time.
Good examples include:
- Being fast to reply to questions/calls/texts/emails
- Clean and organised workspace/van/office/etc
- A sunny disposition, friendliness and positive language in conversation
- Keeping to appointment times
- Being organised and timely with emails/invoices/paperwork
- Working quickly or finishing a job earlier than expected
- Remembering the client’s booking history
- Little freebies in packaging
- Extra advice at the end of a job
Some of you might be saying “Catherine, those are the bare minimum, I already do them”, and to you I would say congratulations! You have no idea how many companies don’t bother with these basic traits.
They will make you stand out. Keep being reliable and treat every customer like your life depends on it. It will help people already consider giving you a 5 star review long before you ask.
Some businesses get fewer reviews
Through no fault of their own, some companies get fewer reviews. Businesses where the service is confidential, like a business consultant or counsellor will likely have a lower rate of return with reviews. This is because people are worried about exposing their own perceived “weaknesses” online.
Noone likes to advertise that they have been struggling in one or more areas of their life or work. It’s stiff upper lip behaviour, and totally valid. Privacy matters.
Regardless of this, stay positive and keep asking for google reviews. They will come eventually. There are plenty of more outgoing people who break the stigma and are happy to talk openly about their experiences.
Ask for a review a second time
So many businesses ask for a review and then give up. You can ask again. People have busy lives and forget all about google reviews. It’s not important to them. Customers have no idea just how valuable google reviews are to small businesses. There’s no way to explain it without sounding desperate so play it cool and just casually ask again.
You could say:
Hello XXXX I was doing a similar job to your house today and just wanted to check in and ask if everything is okay with the finished XXXXX? If you have a minute, we’d still really appreciate a Google review. Here’s the link.
Leave it a week or two before sending a second review request. People don’t like to be chased up about admin. However, if they said at the time of purchase that they would leave a review, there is no harm in asking again.
Google reviews policy changes
Google recently changes their policy on Google reviews and how they can be obtained. They have done this in order to ensure customers/users get a totally honest and transparent experience online.
Make sure you do not breach these policies, or your account could be suspended/reviews removed.
- Employee Mentions: Pressuring or asking customers to mention specific staff members by name is prohibited. Google penalises “coached” or templated reviews.
- On-Site “Pressure” or coercion: Forcing, incentivising, or providing company devices for customers to leave reviews while still on the premises (e.g., using in-store tablets or your business Wi-Fi) is banned.
- Review Gating: Pre-screening customers to only request reviews from those likely to leave positive feedback.
- Scripted reviews: Do not give your customer keywords to mention in their review, Google are now hot on anything that sounds “scripted” or polished.
- Incentives: Offering discounts, freebies, cash, or loyalty points in exchange for a review. This has always been a no-no but they’re doubling down on it.
Best Practices for Compliance:
- Safe Timing: Send open-ended email or SMS requests hours after a service is completed, allowing the customer to review from their home IP or GPS location.
- Equal Requests: Send review requests to all customers, regardless of their expected sentiment.
- Authenticity: Encourage customers to describe their experience in their own words, rather than coaching them on what to say.
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About the Author
Catherine Jarvis Clothier is a digital marketer and online presence specialist living and working in Kent, UK. She has worked in unusual UK businesses for over 10 years across the South of England, particularly in automotive and therapy-based enterprises. Catherine specialises in social media, SEO and web design. She can be contacted here for online business consultations.
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