How to get more Google reviews (free link and QR code inside)

When someone searches for a plumber, a hairdresser or a café near them, Google shows a map with a few businesses, their star rating and how many reviews they have. People compare those numbers before they even open a website. More good reviews means more calls, and it’s one of the cheapest ways to grow a local business.

1. Make it one tap: get your direct review link

The biggest reason happy customers don’t leave a review is that it’s fiddly: search for you, find the profile, find the button. A direct link opens the review box straight away.

Make yours for free with our Google review link & QR code generator: search for your business, copy the link, and download a QR code you can print.

2. Ask at the right moment

The best time to ask is when the customer is happiest: right after the job is done, the problem is fixed or the meal is finished. A few ways to do it:

• In person: “Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I’ll text you the link.”
• By text or WhatsApp, the same day, with your direct link.
• On your invoice or receipt: a short line and the QR code.
• At your counter or on your van: a small printed card with the QR code.

3. What to say (copy and adapt)

Text message:

Hi Sarah, thanks again for choosing us today! If you have a minute, a quick Google review would really help our small business: [your link]. Thank you, Mike

Email after a job:

Thanks for having us out to fix your hot water system. We hope everything’s working well. If you were happy with the job, would you leave us a short review on Google? It takes about a minute and helps other people in [town] find us: [your link]

Keep it short, personal and easy. One reminder a few days later is fine; more than that gets annoying.

4. Reply to every review

Thank people for good reviews by name. For a bad review, stay calm and polite, apologise for their experience, and offer to sort it out offline (“Please call me on …”). Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews, and a calm, helpful answer to a complaint can win you more trust than another five-star review.

5. What Google doesn’t allow

Google’s rules are strict, and breaking them can get reviews removed or your profile restricted:

• No rewards for reviews: no discounts, gifts or prize draws in exchange for a review.
• No fake reviews, including from friends, family or staff pretending to be customers.
• No “review gating”: you can’t only ask the customers you think will be happy, or send unhappy ones somewhere else first.
• No buying reviews from anyone, ever.

6. Show your reviews on your website

Once you have reviews, use them: quote a few real ones on your website (with the customer’s first name or initials), add your star rating, and link to your Google profile so visitors can read them all.

Want help with your Google profile?

Your reviews live on your Google Business Profile, so it’s worth getting right: hours, photos, services and the correct website link. We can set up or tidy your profile ($79), and with our monthly content plan we post updates on it for you every week.