18 Ways to Get More Google Reviews (with Examples)

Let’s talk reviews real quick: 93% of people are influenced by online reviews.

Now let’s talk Google real quick: Google has 86% of the search engine market share. For context, "second place" goes to Bing at 9%.

Now let’s put the two together: Google reviews have a major, widespread influence on your business. Not to mention the fact that Google hosts 73% of all online reviews for businesses.

If you want to expand your reach across the net, improve your reputation among customers, and rank higher on Google, you need to make Google reviews a priority. 

In this post, we’re going to cover:

• The quantifiable importance of getting Google reviews
• How to get more Google reviews
• Examples and templates you can use to ask for Google reviews.

Why you need to ask for Google reviews

Getting more Google reviews benefits your business across the board, from reputation to rank and ultimately revenue. 

• Get feedback about your business: Reviews of course give you insights into what's working well that you can harness and what's not working so well that you can improve. It's a tool for evolving your business to stay aligned with customer needs.
• Rank higher on local search: Reviews are a clear local search ranking factor. The higher you rank in search results, the more customers you will attract (not to mention increased brand awareness).

• Rank higher on Google Maps: Your Google Business Profile is one and the same with your Google Maps listing. People searching for a service via Maps have very high purchase intent!
• Show up on the Local Pack: This is the Google Maps section that appears in regular search results—and it appears at the top, just below ads and above organic page results. This is another hot area that gets engagement with customers looking to buy now.

Local Pack rankings are highly influenced by quantity and quality of reviews.

• Attract more leads and customers: 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. The more reviews you have, the more trust you'll earn and the more confidence customers will have in choosing you over competitors.

In short, higher visibility and rank and a more attractive listing (those stars make a big difference) ultimately helps you to generate qualified leads for your business, which results in more sales and higher revenue.

How to get more Google reviews via text

The best way to ask for Google review is very different from channel to channel. In person, you want to sort of warm up the conversation. Via text, you should get right to the ask.

For example:

Hey Kai,

I’m so glad to hear the installation went well. If you get the chance, could you drop us a Google review? Your feedback matters and it helps more homeowners like you to find us.

Note that texting is one of the best ways to communicate with customers today. Learn more in our post about business text messaging.

How to get more Google reviews via email

Email is another channel where you should get right to the ask. You can precede the ask with a little more context than text.

Hey Paul,

Customer reviews not only help us to improve our services, but also help homeowners like you feel confident in choosing us as their [service] provider.

If you could take three minutes to write us a Google review, we would be forever indebted.

Ask in such a way that reinforces it is easy, and that they don’t have to write much.

• Would you take two minutes to write a quick Google review?
• Would you be able to write a sentence or two in a Google review for us?

Get more Google business reviews and start ranking higher

The more Google reviews you have, the higher your visibility, the greater your credibility, the more engagement you'll get, and the more leads and customers you'll attract to your business. Here is a recap of the 18 best ways to get more Google reviews for your business:

1. Claim your Google Business Profile
2. Generate a Google review link
3. Use a link shortener
4. Generate a QR code for google reviews
5. Know Google’s review solicitation policies
6. Use review request templates
7. Create a Google review page on your website
8. Display your existing Google reviews
9. Promote your Google reviews on social
10. Include a Google review widget in your footer
11. Drop a Google review link in your email signature
12. Start with a survey
13. Respond to your existing Google reviews
14. Display review plaques and decor
15. Send out thank you postcards with review requests
16. Ask for Google reviews in person
17. Ask for Google reviews via text
18. Ask for Google reviews via email