How to Get More Google Reviews

The hard truth: Your customers ARE happy with your service. They're just not leaving reviews because you're making it too hard, asking at the wrong time, or not asking at all.

This guide covers every legitimate way to increase your Google review count — from high-tech solutions like NFC tap tags to simple process changes that cost nothing.

Strategy 1: Use NFC Tap-to-Review Tags (Highest Conversion)

NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are small chips that open a URL when a customer taps their phone on them. Program them with your Google review link and place them where customers naturally pause.

Why it works: One tap. No QR scanning, no typing URLs, no remembering to do it later. The review page opens instantly on their phone.

Conversion rate: 12-18% of taps convert to completed reviews — 3-5x better than QR codes or email requests.

Strategy 2: Ask at Peak Satisfaction

Timing is everything. Don't send a review request 3 days later. Ask when the customer is happiest:

• Restaurants: After the meal, before they leave the table
• Salons: Right after revealing the new look (mirror moment)
• Contractors: At job completion, while they're admiring the work
• Dental: At checkout, when relief and gratitude are highest

Strategy 3: Make It One Step (Remove Friction)

Every extra step loses 50% of people. The chain "open email → click link → find the star rating → type review → submit" has 5 steps and loses 97% of customers.

The ideal flow: Tap phone → star rating appears → done. That's it. NFC tap tags achieve this.

Strategy 4: Train Every Employee to Ask

Give staff a simple script. It doesn't need to be complex:

The key: make it part of every transaction, not an occasional thing. Consistency wins.

Strategy 5: Respond to Every Review (Fast)

Google's algorithm favours businesses that actively engage with reviews. Respond to every review — positive and negative — within 24 hours.

• Positive reviews: Thank them by name, mention the specific service
• Negative reviews: Acknowledge, apologize, offer to make it right privately

Businesses that respond to reviews get 12% more reviews than those that don't.

Strategy 6: Use Google's Built-In Review Link

Google provides a direct review link for every business. Find it at:

1. Go to business.google.com
2. Click "Home" → "Get more reviews" → "Share review form"
3. Copy the short link

Use this link everywhere — email signatures, receipts, text messages, NFC tags, QR codes.

Strategy 7: Add Review Links to Receipts & Invoices

Every receipt and invoice is a review opportunity. Add a short line at the bottom: "Happy with our service? Leave a review: [short link]"

Strategy 8: Send a Follow-Up Email (Within 2 Hours)

If you use email, timing matters. Send the review request within 2 hours of the service, not 3 days later. Subject line: "How was your visit today?"

Strategy 9: Add a Review Button to Your Website

Put a "Leave a Review" button on your homepage, contact page, and thank-you page. Link it to your Google review URL.

Strategy 10: Use SMS (Text) Requests

Text messages have a 98% open rate vs 20% for email. Send a simple text: "Thanks for visiting! Mind leaving us a quick Google review? [link]"

Strategy 11: Create a "Review Us" Sign

Physical signage works. A simple sign near the exit: "Loved your experience? Scan or tap to review!" with a QR code and NFC tag.

Strategy 12: Leverage Social Media

Post your Google review link on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share your best reviews as social proof, then ask followers to add theirs.

Strategy 13: Add Review Requests to Appointment Reminders

If you send appointment confirmations or reminders, add a review link to the follow-up message that goes out after the appointment.

Strategy 14: Never Incentivize Reviews (It Backfires)

Do NOT offer discounts, gifts, or rewards for reviews. Google's policy prohibits incentivized reviews. If caught, Google can remove ALL your reviews — devastating for any business.

Instead, make it easy and ask sincerely. That's all you need.