Google reviews are one of the most powerful things a small business can have. They improve your local search rankings, build trust with potential customers, and often determine whether someone calls you or your competitor.

Yet most businesses are sitting on a goldmine they never collect. They have hundreds of happy customers — and 8 reviews from 2 years ago.

Getting reviews consistently isn't about being pushy. It's about having a system.

Why Reviews Matter More Than You Think

  • 87% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business
  • 73% only consider reviews written in the last month
  • Reviews are the second most important local SEO ranking factor
  • Businesses with 4.0+ stars get 12x more clicks from the Map Pack
  • Even a 0.1-star increase in average rating can noticeably impact revenue

Step 1: Create Your Direct Review Link

The biggest friction point in getting reviews is the process itself. Most customers don't know how to leave a Google review without a direct link. Give them a frictionless path.

To get your direct review link:

  1. Sign into your Google Business Profile
  2. Click "Ask for reviews" (or find it under "Get more reviews")
  3. Copy the link it generates

This link takes customers directly to the review writing box with your business already selected. Use it everywhere.

Also create a short redirect (e.g., yourwebsite.com/review) so it's easy to remember and share.

Step 2: The Best Time to Ask

Timing is everything. The best moment to request a review is when the customer is happiest — right after a successful service or delivery.

  • Right after you complete a job and the customer is pleased
  • 2–4 hours after service completion (enough time to form an impression, close enough to still feel the satisfaction)
  • After a compliment ("You did great work!") — this is your green light: "That means a lot — if you have a minute, a Google review would really help us out. Here's the link."

The worst time: before the work is done, during a billing dispute, or weeks after they've forgotten the interaction.

Step 3: How to Ask (Scripts That Work)

The ask should be natural, not salesy. A few approaches:

In person (for service businesses):
"We really appreciate your business. If you're happy with the work, it would mean a lot if you could share a quick Google review — I'll text you the link. It takes about 60 seconds and really helps us out."

Via text (best for most service businesses):
"Hi [Name], thanks for trusting us with your [service]. We hope everything looks great! If you have a quick minute, a Google review would really help us: [link]. Thanks!"

Via email:
Subject: "How did we do, [Name]?"
"Hi [Name], it was a pleasure working with you on [project]. If you're happy with the results, we'd really appreciate a quick Google review — it helps other [city] homeowners find us. Here's the link: [link]. It only takes 60 seconds. Thank you so much!"

Step 4: Build a System (Not a One-Time Ask)

Consistency matters more than volume. Five reviews per month beats 50 in January and zero the rest of the year. Here's how to systematize it:

Option A: Manual (Works for smaller volume)

  1. Keep your review link in your phone's notes
  2. After every completed job, text the customer the link within 4 hours
  3. Set a weekly reminder to follow up on anyone who didn't respond

Option B: Automated (Works best for scale)

  • Connect your CRM to send an automatic review request email/text when a job is marked "complete"
  • Use email marketing (like Brevo) to trigger a review request 4 hours after service
  • Set up a 3-day follow-up for non-responders (one follow-up only)

Step 5: Make It Easy With Physical Touchpoints

Not everything has to be digital. Great physical review prompts:

  • Business cards with QR code — "Loved our service? Scan to leave a review"
  • Invoice footer — Add your review link or QR code to every invoice
  • Checkout counter signs (for retail/service counters)
  • Thank-you cards — Include in product packages or hand-delivered

What NOT to Do

  • ❌ Don't offer incentives — Discounts, gifts, or anything of value in exchange for reviews violates Google's policies and can get your profile suspended
  • ❌ Don't buy reviews — Fake reviews are detectable and the penalties are severe
  • ❌ Don't review-gate — Routing unhappy customers away from leaving a review (and only asking happy ones) violates Google's policies
  • ❌ Don't ask in bulk from your office — Multiple reviews from the same IP address looks suspicious
  • ❌ Don't ignore negative reviews — Every review, good or bad, deserves a response

How Many Reviews Do You Need?

There's no magic number, but here's a practical framework for Kitsap County:

  • 0–9 reviews: You look new or unestablished. Priority: get to 10 fast.
  • 10–24 reviews: Credible, but below average for competitive markets.
  • 25–49 reviews: Solid footing. Competitive in most Kitsap markets.
  • 50+ reviews: You look like the established choice. Much harder to unseat.

More important than the total: recency. A business getting 5 reviews per month outranks one that got 100 reviews two years ago.

What to Do With Good Reviews

Don't let them sit unused. Share positive reviews:

  • Screenshot and post on social media
  • Feature in email marketing
  • Add testimonials to your website
  • Use in Google Business Profile posts

And respond to every positive review — even a simple "Thank you, [Name]! It was a pleasure working with you. We look forward to helping you again." It takes 30 seconds and signals to future readers that you're engaged.

Want This Automated?

Our review management service sets up the full system — automated requests, follow-ups, response management, and monitoring. Learn how: Review Management for Small Business →

Buzz Cue — Poulsbo, WA marketing agency. We help Kitsap County businesses build reputations that sell. Let's talk →