Online reviews are the modern word-of-mouth -- and they're often the deciding factor between a customer choosing you or a competitor. In fact, over 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business, and businesses with more positive reviews rank higher in local search results on platforms like Google.
At Fawkes Digital Marketing, we help hundreds of small businesses collect high-quality Google reviews without begging, bribing, or annoying their customers. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to get more reviews consistently -- and how we can help automate it for you. Many of these are the techniques we use -- so you're learning our secret sauce.
Why Google Reviews Matter So Much
- Boost Local SEO: Google prioritizes businesses with strong reviews in local listings.
- Build Trust Fast: New visitors feel more confident when they see others' positive experiences.
- Improve Conversion Rates: A strong review profile increases calls, clicks, and leads from your website.
The Best Ways to Get Google Reviews (That Actually Work)
Make It Easy With a Direct Google Review Link
The simpler the process, the more likely customers will leave a review. We create a custom Google review link for your business so your customers can click and review in seconds -- no searching or clicking around.
Pro Tip: Use a short, friendly message when asking for a review: "It was a pleasure serving you! If you don't mind, would you leave us a quick Google review? It really helps our business!"
QR Codes That Drive Reviews On-the-Go
Want to get reviews in person? We provide our clients with custom QR codes that link directly to their Google Review page. You can:
- Print it on receipts or flyers
- Frame it at your front counter
- Stick it on vehicles or service vans
Your customers just scan and review -- it's that easy.
Ask for Reviews via SMS (Text)
Texting has a 98% open rate. A polite, personalized SMS message with a link to your review page is a great way to see a boost.
Hand Out Business Cards
A great way to start is by having "Review Business Cards" that have a QR Code, previously mentioned, and your information that goes directly to your review site. This is a great way to show a friendly message with a 5-star iconography showing so people instantly want to.
Google Review Kiosks (On-Site Review Stations)
If your business has a physical location where customers come rather than going to see them you can put up a dedicated kiosk to ask for reviews when a customer is leaving.
Showcase Reviews on Your Website
By embedding your latest 4/5-star reviews on your website, you build trust with new visitors and remind happy customers to share their experience too. We not only display your reviews in an eye-catching way, we also include a link directly to your review page -- making it effortless to contribute.
Use Smart Review Request Software
We use intelligent review request software that lets you enter the customer's name and email, and then:
- Sends a friendly email or text asking for a review
- Sends a reminder if no review is left
- Waits a few months, and then follows up again -- so you don't miss second chances (see below on Follow-Up Email Sequences)
This "set-it-and-forget-it" system works in the background, helping you build your review profile automatically over time.
Follow-Up Email Sequences (Drip Campaigns)
With your review software setup a "drip campaign" to followup and ask for a review. Go beyond a one-off email. Set up a 3-part drip campaign:
- First request (1 day after service)
- Reminder (3 days later)
- Final friendly nudge (2 weeks later)
Employee Signature Line Requests
Add a "Leave us a review" CTA with a link in all employee email signatures. An example would be:
"Happy with your service? [Leave us a Google Review!]"
Review Gating Pages (Ethical Version)
A landing page asks: "Were you happy with our service?"
- If yes, directs them to Google.
- If no, takes them to an internal feedback form.
- Keeps negative feedback offline while improving experience.
Ask on Video
Have the business owner or staff record a 30-second video thanking the customer and kindly asking for a review with a link in the description.
Gamify It Internally
Run internal contests with staff:
- "Who gets the most reviews mentioning their name?"
- Offer gift cards or bonuses.
- This encourages employees to actively ask happy customers in person.
Include QR Codes on Invoices, Receipts, and Packaging
More on QR codes you can add your review QR code to:
- Printed receipts
- Product packaging
- Email invoices (as an image)
It catches people at the right moment — post-purchase satisfaction.
Review Highlight Reels
Showcasing a "Review of the Week" on your homepage or Instagram stories can subtly encourage others to contribute.
Tagging customers (if applicable) also increases exposure.
Segment Your Ask by Customer Type
Send different review request messages depending on the service or product purchased.
Example: For quick fixes vs. premium installs — different tones work better.
Time It Right with Automation
For services/products that take time to appreciate (like HVAC installs), delay the review ask by 5–10 days.
Automate it based on when the real value hits.
Make a Wall of Love
Create a physical or digital "Wall of Love" with printed quotes from reviews.
When customers see that others are sharing, it reinforces the habit.
Add a Review CTA in Customer Portals or Dashboards
If your client uses a customer portal or SaaS product, add a persistent "Leave a Review" link in a sidebar or settings screen.
Post it on social, email it, or embed it on the website — it's personal and builds trust.
Social Media Requests
Post positive reviews on social media and include a CTA like:
"We love hearing from happy clients! If we've helped you, drop us a review here [link to the site]."
Showcase reviews on your social page and leave a link for others to as well.
Post-Purchase Thank You Emails With Review Request
E-commerce businesses can include a review link in order confirmation or shipping emails — when the customer is still engaged.
Tips for Getting More Positive Reviews
- Ask at the right time: Right after a successful service or transaction is the best moment.
- Train your team: Make sure everyone knows how to ask customers in a natural, professional way.
- Respond to reviews: Thank every reviewer -- even the negative ones -- to show your professionalism.
- Don't offer incentives: Google's guidelines prohibit offering rewards for reviews. Instead, focus on delivering great service.
- Ask over time: Often you will get no response. Don't discard those valuable contacts. Wait a period of time with your review software and ask again.
Let Fawkes Digital Marketing Handle It For You
We've helped businesses in every industry -- from HVAC and legal to real estate and local restaurants -- collect more reviews, improve their SEO, and win more customers.
When you work with us, you get:
- A Google Review link and custom QR code
- Embedded reviews on your website with a call to action
- Automated email/text follow-ups
- Ongoing reminders and reports
Let us take the stress out of asking for reviews -- and help you build a reputation that drives real results.
Want More Reviews Without the Work?
Contact us today and ask about our Google Review Boost Package. We'll get you set up in just a few days.