by The Computing Australia Group | How to Increase Google
Reviews for Your Business
Today’s consumers rely heavily on online reviews to determine which businesses they trust and which they avoid. In an age where digital reputation influences nearly every purchasing decision, Google reviews have become one of the most powerful assets a business can leverage.
Here’s a statistic you can’t ignore: 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and nearly 90% read reviews before contacting a business. For local companies, this means Google reviews directly impact your visibility, your conversions, and ultimately, your revenue.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Google reviews-what they are, why they matter, and the most effective strategies to increase them consistently and ethically.
What Is a Google Review?
A Google Review is a voluntary and unpaid review left by a customer on your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Customers can rate their experience using a 1–5 star scale and add written feedback describing their interaction with your business.
These reviews appear:
- In Google Search results
- On Google Maps
- In your Business Profile panel
- In “local pack” search results
Why Are Google Reviews Important?
Google reviews are more than just testimonials-they’re an essential component of digital trust-building and local SEO.
1. They Influence Buying Decisions
Online shoppers make decisions based on trust. When potential customers see a collection of positive reviews, it creates confidence in your business.
2. They Serve as Social Proof
People trust what other consumers say, even more than what your marketing claims. Verified, public reviews add credibility and authenticity.
3. They Impact Your Google Search Rankings
Google considers reviews as a local ranking factor, meaning:
- More reviews
- Higher-quality reviews
- Consistent, recent reviews
…all contribute to better placement in search results.
4. They Provide Valuable Customer Feedback
Reviews give you a free, ongoing stream of insights about your:
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Customer service
- Product satisfaction
- Areas for improvement
5. They Increase Customer Engagement
Responding to reviews-both positive and negative-shows that you care. This builds strong relationships and turns one-time buyers into loyal supporters.
How to Increase Google Reviews for Your Business
The key to consistently generating Google reviews is to make the process simple, accessible, frequent, and natural. Below are effective strategies used by top businesses.
1. Set Up and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Before customers can leave reviews, you need a fully verified and complete Google Business Profile (GBP).
Steps:
1. Go to Google Business Profile Manager
2. Claim your business listing
3. Verify your ownership (mail, phone, or email)
4. Fill in all details including hours, address, description, and services
5. Add high-quality photos and videos
An incomplete profile results in fewer views-which means fewer reviews.
Pro Tip:
Choose categories carefully. They help Google understand what searches your business should appear in.
2. Ask Customers Directly-At the Right Moment
Simply put: If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Most satisfied customers are happy to leave a review-they just need to be prompted.
When to ask:
- After a successful service completion
- During checkout
- After a positive in-person interaction
- When a customer thanks you for great service
- After problem resolution
Don’t hesitate to guide them:
Explain how to leave a review by:
- Searching your business name on Google
- Clicking "Write a review"
- Selecting a star rating and adding comments
A quick explanation reduces hesitation and increases conversions.
3. Send Follow-Up Emails and SMS Review Requests
Customers often forget to leave reviews-even when they intend to. A follow-up message can solve this.
Best practices for review request emails:
- Keep it short and friendly
- Personalise it with the customer’s name
- Thank them for choosing your business
- Add a direct link to your review page
- Send within 24–48 hours of the interaction
For SMS, make sure you’ve obtained permission to text customers. SMS review requests typically have higher response rates.
4. Create and Share a Direct Google Review Link
Make it incredibly easy to leave a review by offering a direct link that goes straight to your review form.
How to create your custom Google Review link:
1. Go to Google Business Profile Manager
2. Under your profile, look for “Get more reviews”
3. Copy the short review link
4. Use this link everywhere
If needed, use this base URL pairing with your Place ID:
Share the link via:
- Email signatures
- SMS
- Receipts
- Digital invoices
- WhatsApp messages
- Website footers
- Social media posts
5. Add Review Links to Your Website
Your website is the ideal location to promote reviews. You can add:
- A “Leave us a review” link in the footer
- A dedicated review page
- A pop-up or slide-in requesting a Google review
- A banner on service pages
- Review widgets showing real customer feedback
Displaying existing reviews also inspires new ones.
6. Create a “Review Us” Page on Your Website
A dedicated page improves visibility and increases conversions.
This page should include:
- A clear CTA
- A step-by-step guide on leaving a review
- Screenshots or icons for guidance
- Customer testimonials
- A direct review link
Example CTA:
“Love our service? Help others discover us-leave a Google review!”
7. Promote Google Reviews on Social Media
Your social channels are perfect for encouraging customers to leave reviews.
Ideas:
- Post a “review reminder” graphic
- Add a review link to your bio
- Share customer testimonials and encourage others to contribute
- Create Instagram Stories featuring reviews
- Run a “Review of the Month” highlight
You cannot incentivise reviews with gifts or rewards, but you can encourage engagement.
8. Use QR Codes for Easy Access
QR codes make it effortless for customers to access your review link.
Place QR codes on:
- Business cards
- Brochures
- Menus
- In-store signage
- Packaging
- Vehicle decals
- Event booths
Scanning a QR code eliminates obstacles and drastically boosts review numbers.
9. Automate Review Requests Through Your CRM or POS System
Many CRM and POS tools include automated review request flows.
Automation allows you to:
- Send review invitations immediately
- Trigger requests after specific actions
- Follow up with reminders
- Manage reviews across platforms
Popular tools include:
- HubSpot
- Zoho
- Podium
- Birdeye
- Mailchimp
- Square
- ServiceM8
Automation keeps your reviews consistent-without manual effort.
10. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
The most effective way to increase positive Google reviews is to deliver consistently exceptional service.
- Listen actively
- Resolve issues quickly
- Communicate clearly
- Show empathy
- Go the extra mile
- Keep your promises
- Deliver consistent value
Happy customers naturally want to share their positive experiences.
11. Respond to Every Review-Positive or Negative
Responding shows that you care and builds trust among future customers.
For positive reviews:
Thank them and personalise your message.
For negative reviews:
- Stay calm
- Acknowledge their concerns
- Apologise if appropriate
- Offer to resolve the issue offline
- Avoid being defensive
- Once resolved, ask politely if they'd consider updating their review
Handling criticism professionally can turn a bad situation into a loyalty-building opportunity.
12. Flag and Remove Fake or Malicious Reviews
If you spot a review that is:
- Fake
- Malicious
- Competitor-generated
- Spam
- Irrelevant
You can report it to Google for removal.
Steps:
1. Click the three dots on the review
2. Select “Report review”
3. Choose the reason
4. Submit
Follow up through Google Business Profile support if needed.
Customer’s feedback is vital for the relevancy of any business. Even in this highly digitalised era, it isn’t always easy to generate a steady flow of reviews. However, we hope the above guide on how to increase Google reviews will help you with the process and boost your business numbers. If you have any queries regarding Google reviews or if you need assistance with review generation, our team at Perth is here to help. Contact us or email us at sales@computingaustralia.group for swift and efficient digital solutions.
Jargon Buster
CTA – Call-to-action (CTA) is an element (textual or visual) on a website that prompts a visitor to do an action.GMB – Google My Business (GMB) is a Google directory that lists the local businesses and helps in managing business profiles across Google search and Google Maps
FAQ
Do Google reviews really affect my search ranking?
How many Google reviews do I need for my business?
There’s no magic number, but consistency is more important than volume. A small business with 40 genuine, recent reviews is often more trusted than a business with 200 reviews from years ago. Aim to collect reviews regularly so your profile always looks active and up to date.
Can I offer rewards or discounts in exchange for Google reviews?
You should avoid directly incentivising reviews with discounts, gifts or rewards. This can violate Google’s policies and may damage trust if customers feel pressured. Instead, focus on delivering a great experience and politely asking for honest, voluntary feedback.
How do I create a direct link to my Google review page?
You can generate a review link from your Google Business Profile by using the “Get more reviews” option, or by using your Place ID with the review URL format. Once you have it, add that link to emails, SMS, receipts, your website and social media so customers only need one click to start writing a review.
How often should I ask for Google reviews?
You should ask continuously but naturally. Make requesting reviews part of your standard customer journey-after purchases, completed services or support interactions. As long as the requests are polite, relevant and not spammy, regular asking is not a problem.
