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How to Get More Google Reviews (The Right Way)

By the Top the Map team · Updated October 23, 2026

Most happy customers will leave a review if you ask at the right moment and make it easy. Most never think to do it on their own. Here's a simple routine any small business can run.

1. Get your direct review link

Google gives every profile a short link that opens the review box directly. Find it in your Business Profile under "Ask for reviews." That link is the whole system: everything below is just about getting it in front of customers.

2. Ask at the right moment

The best time is right after a good experience, while it's fresh:

• A dentist or chiropractor: at checkout, or in the follow-up text that evening
• A tattoo shop or med spa: when the client is admiring the result
• A painter or contractor: at the final walkthrough

3. Make it one tap

Put the link where customers already are:

• A text the same day. Short and personal works best: "Thanks for coming in today! If you have a minute, a quick Google review really helps us: [link]"
• A QR code sign at the front desk or checkout
• Your email signature and receipts
• Your website, on the contact page

4. Ask everyone, not just happy customers

Only sending the link to people you think will leave five stars is called review gating, and Google doesn't allow it. Ask everyone the same way. A few honest four-star reviews also make your five-star ones more believable.

5. Reply to every review

A short, real reply shows future customers you're paying attention. Thank people by name, mention something specific when you can, and keep it professional.

For negative reviews, stay calm, don't argue in public, and offer to make it right offline. Health businesses should never confirm someone is a patient or mention treatment in a reply.

6. What not to do

• Don't pay for reviews or buy them from a service
• Don't offer discounts, gifts or entries in a drawing in exchange for a review
• Don't write reviews for customers or post them yourself
• Don't have staff, friends or family review the business
• Don't ask everyone to review on the same day from the same Wi-Fi

Google can remove reviews and restrict or suspend profiles for these, and the FTC can fine businesses for fake or bought reviews.

7. Make it a habit, not a campaign

A steady trickle of new reviews looks more natural and does more for you than a burst of 30 in one week followed by nothing. Pick one way of asking and do it with every customer.

Quick answers

Can I offer a discount for a Google review?

No. Google doesn't allow incentives of any kind in exchange for reviews, even if you don't ask for a positive one.

Can I delete a bad review?

Only Google can remove a review, and only if it breaks Google's rules, like spam, hate speech or a review about a different business. You can report those from your profile.

How many Google reviews do I need?

There's no magic number. Look at the businesses in the top three on the map for your main search, and aim to match or beat their count and how recent their reviews are.