Reviews are often the deciding factor when someone chooses between two businesses. They also help you show up in Google's local results. Most happy customers are willing to leave one; they just don't think of it unless you ask, and they won't go hunting for the page.
1. Ask every happy customer, at the right moment
The best time to ask is right after a good experience: when the job is finished, the meal is cleared, or the customer says thank you. A simple, personal "Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps a small business like ours" works better than any script.
2. Make it one tap
Get your review link from your Google Business Profile (look for "Ask for reviews" or "Share review form") and send it straight to the customer by text or email. Every extra step, like "search for us and find the review button", loses people.
3. Follow up once
People mean to and then forget. One friendly reminder a few days later is fine. More than that starts to feel like pressure.
4. Make it part of the routine
The businesses with hundreds of reviews aren't luckier; they ask every time. Build the ask into how you finish a job or close out a visit so it happens even on busy days.
What not to do
Google's rules for reviews are strict, and breaking them can get reviews removed or your profile restricted. In particular:
- Don't offer anything in exchange for a review: no discounts, freebies or entries into a draw.
- Don't ask only the customers you think will be happy. Google calls this selectively soliciting positive reviews, and it isn't allowed.
- Don't write reviews for yourself, or have staff, friends or family post them.
- Don't buy reviews, ever.
Respond to the reviews you get
Thank people for good reviews, and answer unhappy ones calmly with an offer to put things right. Future customers read the replies as much as the reviews; a thoughtful response to a complaint can win more trust than a five-star review.
How FullFound helps
FullFound keeps your review link one tap away, so you can send it to a happy customer in seconds from your phone.