13 Strategies to Boost Your Google Reviews

How to Get More Google Reviews

In today’s business world, it’s more important than ever to have a Google Business Profile with great reviews! Why? It’s a validation tool that many people use before selecting a service. I’m sure you’ve done this yourself. Most people read reviews when considering a service provider such as home improvement, health care, or when traveling and trying to find a great restaurant with yummy food. People do care what others think—especially when making a decision on where to spend their money.

For example, if I need my roof replaced, I would most likely search “roofers near me” and study the top three Google Business Profiles with the highest ratings. I would read their reviews to ensure that they have done great work in my area before requesting a quote.

Here are 13 strategies to boost your Google reviews so your business profile becomes a powerful validation tool for those considering using your services:

1. Make Sure Users Can Leave Reviews

In order for someone to leave a review, you will need to create and verify a Google Business Profile for your business. To create a profile, visit the Google Business Profile website.

2. Ask for Google Reviews in Person

The easiest way to receive a Google review is in person, directly after a service has been completed. A perfect example of this is when an HVAC technician completes maintenance at a homeowner’s house.

Upon receiving payment, it’s great for businesses to automate and create a system where, at service completion, a text and email go directly to the client asking them to rate the service. You should also have your technician or salesperson verbally mention how leaving a great review can directly impact their performance or review at the company.

3. Make It Easy to Leave a Review

Making it easy to leave a review for your business increases the likelihood that your client will actually leave one. A great way to do this is to add your Google review link as a QR code to any checkout, completion-of-service documents, or receipts, with a quick blurb to scan the QR code with their phone in order to leave a review. 

4. Avoid Buying or Faking Reviews

Absolutely do not buy or fake reviews! Google’s systems can easily detect when reviews aren’t authentic. They monitor patterns like multiple reviews from the same IP address, fake or newly created accounts, and sudden spikes in review activity. Google heavily penalizes businesses that participate in fake or paid reviews, including removing reviews, lowering rankings, or even suspending your Business Profile altogether.

5. Get Reviewed Elsewhere

Not only is Google a great validation tool, but being reviewed on other business listing platforms like Yelp or Facebook can help increase your trustworthiness and credibility within your community.

If someone sees that you have over 100 five-star reviews across multiple platforms, they’ll easily determine that your business is reputable and can be trusted!

6. Address Negative Reviews Quickly and Personally

Every now and then, you may receive a negative review. Don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world. There’s a protocol you should use to combat negative reviews, and it is not to ignore them!

After receiving a negative review, a business owner should immediately respond personally to offer a solution, apologize, and take accountability. This shows those reading your reviews that you truly care about your clients’ experiences and take responsibility for any possible mistakes.

7. Create “Leave Us a Review” Cards

Similar to a business card, creating a “Leave Us a Review” card can increase the chances that your client will leave a review. This simple branded card includes your business information, a thank-you message, and a scannable QR code. This is another item that can be added to your checkout or service completion process.

8. Create a Google Review Instruction Video

In the world of short attention spans, creating an instructional video on how to leave a Google review, and explaining how much you would appreciate it, can help boost the number of reviews on your profile.

It’s also a personal touch that helps clients feel that you genuinely care about them and your business.

9. Use QR Codes to Link to Review Pages

As mentioned before, creating a QR code that links directly to your review page will increase the likelihood of someone leaving a review. You can create a QR code using free QR code generators online.

10. Encourage Public Testimonials

Tell your clients that you appreciate any shout-outs they give your business. A perfect example of a public testimonial is on Facebook community pages when someone asks, “Does anyone know a great plumbing service they’ve used?” and someone responds with your business information along with a short blurb about how you helped them during an emergency over the holidays.

This not only helps you gain potential leads but also shows the entire community that you’re a trusted and helpful service provider.

11. Add a CTA to Your Newsletter

Just like conversions, people need multiple touches before they take action. Include a call-to-action in your monthly newsletter encouraging subscribers to leave a five-star review—with an easy, clickable button that takes them straight there. 

12. Review Partners and Other Businesses

Instead of just asking for reviews, make sure to return the favor by leaving great reviews for your partners and other businesses’ Google profiles. If they haven’t already, they’ll be more likely to leave you a great review after receiving yours! 

13. Provide Review-Worthy Service

To get great reviews, you have to provide great service! There’s a difference between getting a job done and getting it done professionally, on time, and with exceptional customer care.

Think bare minimum versus going above and beyond. Be the Chick-fil-A employee who greets you with a smile and says “my pleasure,” not the McDonald’s employee who says “here” and shoves a bag of food in your face. 

At the end of the day, getting great Google reviews isn’t just about asking for them—it’s about building trust and showing your community that your business truly delivers. At Renaissance Marketing, we manage Google Business Profiles as part of all our SEO services, making sure your profile is fully optimized to attract and convert more customers. Plus, our powerful CRM includes an automated Google review system designed to help businesses like yours consistently collect more 5-star reviews without lifting a finger.If you’re ready to boost your Google review rating and grow your business reputation, book a discovery call with Renaissance Marketing today to learn more about our SEO and review automation services!