How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Small Business

18 hours ago

3 min read

If there's one thing that makes a customer choose you over the business down the road, it's reviews.

Before most people call a local business, they check its Google reviews. Yet many small businesses we work with have brilliant customers and only a handful of reviews to show for it. The reason is almost always the same: they're not asking.

Here's the simple system we set up for our clients.

Why Google reviews matter so much

Trust. Reviews from real people do the selling for you.
Visibility. Reviews are part of how your Google Business Profile shows up in local search.
Content. Every great review is a ready-made social media post.

When to ask

Timing is everything. Ask when your customer is happiest:

straight after you finish a job and they're admiring the result
when they thank you or pay you a compliment
when they come back for a second time
when they send you a photo or message saying how pleased they are

Tartan Social tip: if a customer compliments you by text or email, reply straight away with a thank you and your review link. It's the easiest review you'll ever get.

Make it ridiculously easy

The biggest barrier is effort. Give people a direct link that takes them straight to the review box. You can get this from your Google Business Profile.

Then put that link everywhere:

in your text and email follow-ups
on your invoices and receipts
as a QR code on a card, a sticker or your counter
on your website's contact page

Copy-and-paste scripts

After a job (text message)

"Hi [name], thanks again for choosing us. If you're happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps a small business like ours. Here's the link: [link]"

By email

"Thank you for your business, [name]! We'd love to hear what you thought. If you have two minutes, a Google review would mean the world to us: [link]"

In person

"If you're happy with everything, a Google review would really help us out. I'll text you the link so it's easy."

Reply to every review

Thank people by name and mention something specific.
Reply to negative reviews calmly and professionally. Future customers are reading your reply, not just the review.
Keep it short and human. No copy-and-paste replies.

What not to do

Don't buy reviews or post fake ones. It breaks Google's rules and can seriously damage your reputation.
Don't offer discounts or freebies in exchange for reviews. Google doesn't allow incentivised reviews.
Don't only ask happy customers. Google's policies say you shouldn't selectively ask for positive reviews, so ask everyone.

Turn reviews into content

Every good review is a social media post waiting to happen. Screenshot it, pop it on a branded background and share it with a thank you. It's one of the most powerful posts you can share. Here are more ideas in our social media post ideas for tradespeople.

Frequently asked questions

How many Google reviews does a small business need?

There's no magic number. A steady flow of recent reviews matters more than one big batch from years ago.

Can I ask customers for a Google review?

Yes, absolutely. Just don't offer anything in return, and ask all your customers, not only the happy ones.

Should I reply to Google reviews?

Yes, every single one. It shows future customers that you care.

Want your reviews working harder on social media?

At Tartan Social, we turn your reviews, photos and stories into social media that brings in customers. Done-for-you packages start from £399.

Get in touch and we'll send you 3 free fixes for your page.