Google reviews are the most visible social proof a local business has, and a steady flow of new reviews helps your local search ranking. But asking the wrong way can get you in trouble.
Get your direct review link. In your Google Business Profile, use the “Get more reviews” section and copy the short link Google provides. It takes customers straight to the review box — no searching required.
Ask at the right moment. The best time is right after a positive experience, when the customer says “thank you” or “that was great.” Send the link by text or email within the hour, while it’s still fresh. A direct link plus a timely ask is the single biggest lever on response rate.
Never offer anything in exchange. Google’s review policies specifically ban paid or incentivized reviews, and the FTC treats undisclosed incentives as deceptive. Getting caught can mean profile suspension and mass review removal. A neutral “please leave us a review” sign at the counter is fine; a discount-for-review offer is not.
Don’t ask everyone. Focus on customers who seem genuinely happy. A sudden flood of five-star reviews looks unnatural; a steady trickle from real customers looks authentic — and Google’s spam systems notice the difference.
Respond to every review. A thoughtful reply to positive reviews encourages more of them, and a calm, professional reply to a critical one shows future customers how you handle problems.
This fits into the bigger system in Getting a Local Business Found Online.
Sources
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