Boost your Small Business: How to get more google reviews

Struggling to get more Google reviews for your small business? Here’s what I’ve learned that will change the game!

What I’ve Learned About Getting More Google Reviews for My Business

Over the years, I’ve realized that Google reviews are way more than just a few words on a page—they’re a lifeline for small businesses like mine. When I first started, I had no idea how much of an impact a positive review could have. But as I dug deeper, I discovered that these reviews weren’t just nice to have—they were essential for attracting new customers, building trust, and even boosting my visibility in local searches. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way about getting more Google reviews and why they matter so much.

Why Google Reviews Matter (More Than I Thought!)

When I first started focusing on my online presence, I thought, "How important can reviews really be?" Well, I was wrong! It turns out, Google reviews are one of the first things potential customers check before deciding to visit a business. Think about it—how often do you look up reviews before trying a new restaurant or service? Pretty much every time, right?

I learned that 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. That blew my mind! Positive reviews can make someone choose my business over a competitor, and I realized that if I could gather more good reviews, it would directly impact my bottom line.

The Magic of Reviews for Local SEO

Another thing I didn’t know at first was how much Google reviews can boost my local SEO. The more reviews I got, the more often my business started popping up in local searches. It’s like Google started seeing me as a trustworthy business in the community. That meant I didn’t have to spend as much on ads because customers could find me through simple searches like “best [service] near me.”

How I Actually Got More Google Reviews

Here’s what worked for me—no gimmicks, just simple actions that made a big difference!

1. Delivering Great Customer Service Is Key

I learned quickly that if I wanted more reviews, I had to give people a reason to leave them. It’s all about those "wow" moments. You know, when a customer walks away feeling like they had an amazing experience with you? Those are the people who are most likely to share their experience in a review.

So, I made sure my team and I were always friendly, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile. When someone left the store or hung up the phone happy, I’d say something like, “Hey, if you had a great experience, we’d love it if you shared that in a Google review!” It felt natural and not pushy, and guess what? It worked! Doing this drastically helped me decrease my negative reviews.

2. Following Up with Email Requests

Another thing I did was send out follow-up emails to customers. I kept it short and sweet, just thanking them for their business and asking if they’d mind leaving a review. At first, I thought people might ignore these emails, but I was surprised! Many people are happy to help out a small business if you make it easy for them.

A little pro tip I learned: Including a direct link to my Google review page in the email made all the difference. When I took out the guesswork, I saw a lot more reviews come in.

3. Make It Easy for Customers to Leave a Review

One of the best things I did was create a direct link to my Google reviews page. Instead of making people search for my business and then figure out how to leave a review, I just gave them the link directly. I added it to my website, my email signature, and even printed it on little cards to hand out in person.

I was amazed at how much more willing people were to leave a review when they didn’t have to dig around for the link. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.

4. Responding to Reviews (Yes, Even the Bad Ones)

When I first started getting reviews, I wasn’t sure how to handle the negative ones. It’s not easy seeing a less-than-glowing review of your business, right? But I learned that how you respond can make all the difference. Instead of ignoring or arguing with negative reviews, I started responding with empathy and offering solutions.

This did two things: it showed the unhappy customer that I cared, and it showed everyone else reading the reviews that I was committed to making things right. And believe it or not, some of those negative reviewers even updated their reviews after I reached out!

The Tools That Made My Life Easier

Managing reviews manually was a lot of work, especially when I started getting more of them. So, I found a few tools that helped a ton. Platforms like Lookhin4 and Podium made it easier to request reviews and stay on top of new ones. They let me automate some of the requests, which saved me time and made the whole process a lot smoother.

What I Wish I Knew Sooner

Looking back, there are a few things I wish I’d done from the start:

• Ask in Person: If a customer is raving about your business in person, that’s the perfect time to ask them for a review! I didn’t realize how effective a simple “Hey, we’d love it if you could leave us a review!” could be until I started doing it.

• Be Consistent: At first, I only asked for reviews occasionally. But when I made it a regular part of my routine, I started seeing results much faster.

• Celebrate Every Review: I used to focus only on the 5-star reviews, but I learned to appreciate every bit of feedback. Even a 4-star review is a sign that someone took the time to share their experience.

My Biggest Takeaway: It’s About Building Relationships

What I’ve learned more than anything else is that getting Google reviews is all about building relationships with your customers. When you focus on making people feel valued and appreciated, the reviews follow naturally. It’s not just about the stars and rankings—it’s about showing people that you care about their experience.

Now, every time I see a new review come in, I know it’s a reflection of the connection I’ve made with my customers. And that makes all the difference! So, if you’re looking to boost your reviews, start by focusing on the little things that make a big impact. It worked for me, and I’m sure it can work for you too! 🌟