How to get more Google reviews without breaking Google's rules

Ask every customer for a review, not only the happy ones, while the visit is still fresh, with a link that opens Google's review form directly. Never offer anything in return and never review your own business: Google removes those reviews and can place restrictions on your profile.

Why does the number of reviews matter?

Reviews are among the first things people see when they search for "coffee near me" or "dentist in Thessaloniki". Google says openly in its tips to improve your local ranking that more reviews and positive ratings can help a business's local ranking.

There's a human reason too: to a new customer, plenty of recent reviews say more than a handful of old ones. And happy customers rarely write a review on their own. Most of them are waiting to be asked.

What does Google allow, and what does it forbid?

All of this comes from Google's content policies for Maps, which also forbid telling customers what to write. Since 2022, EU consumer protection law also treats fake reviews as an unfair commercial practice.

How do you get your review link?

1. On a computer, open your Business Profile on Google.
2. Select "Read reviews", then "Get more reviews".
3. Select "Copy" for the link, or right-click the QR code and save it as an image.

According to Google's instructions, review QR codes can currently be made only in a computer's browser, not on a phone. You make the link once and use it everywhere.

When and how should you ask for a review?

• Right after the visit. At the till, at the end of the appointment, in the message with the receipt. The fresher the experience, the easier it is to write about.
• With a link, not directions. "Search for us on Google and tap reviews" makes the journey long. The link opens the form directly.
• Ask everyone. Don't single out the happy customers. It's Google's rule, and reviews from everyone look more genuine.
• Without pressure. One request and, if you like, one polite reminder. No more.

The best moment depends on the business: at a hair salon, in front of the mirror; at a hotel, at check-out; at a restaurant, with the bill; at a gym, after the first month.

Google suggests putting your link or QR code on receipts, in thank-you emails, at the end of a chat with a customer and printed in your shop. Only message customers who gave you their phone number or email address so you could contact them.

Where should the QR code go in your shop?

Wherever customers wait a few seconds with nothing else to do: next to the till or the card reader, in the bill folder, at reception. Print it large enough to scan easily from across the counter, with a simple line above it such as "Tell us what you think on Google". Don't write "Leave us 5 stars": you're asking for an opinion, not a rating.

What should you write when you ask?

Three messages you can copy. Add your business's name and your link.

At the till, in person:

We're so glad you came in! If you have a minute, a Google review helps us a lot. Scan this QR code and write whatever you like, good or bad.

By text message, the same afternoon:

Hello from [business name]! Thanks for choosing us today. Would you tell us how it went? Your Google review helps other people find us: [link]

By email, the next day:

Subject: How did we do?

Thank you for visiting [business name]. We'd love to hear what you thought, good or bad. You can leave us a Google review here: [link]. We read every one and reply to all of them.

With Asteraki, the Growth plan sends an email like this to the customers you add, with your business's review link.

What do you do once reviews start coming in?

Reply to all of them, the good ones too. A short, personal thank-you that mentions something from the review shows future customers that you listen. For the difficult ones, see how to respond to a negative Google review, with 10 examples.

And don't worry if a negative one turns up among them. A profile with nothing but five-star reviews can look less genuine, while a calm reply to a complaint builds trust.

Common questions

Can I give a discount to anyone who leaves a review?

No. Google forbids any incentive for a review, from a discount or a gift to a free product, even if you don't ask for a good rating. Reviews written in exchange for an incentive are removed.

Can my staff leave reviews?

No. Google's policies treat reviews from current or former employees as a conflict of interest and remove them. The same goes for one person posting from several accounts.

How many reviews does a business need?

There's no magic number. A steady flow of reviews every month matters more than any target, because a review from last month tells a new customer more than one from three years ago.