Google reviews aren’t just stars—they’re extremely valuable for your business. AI platforms consider your online reputation before recommending or citing you, and potential clients do the same. On top of that, Google Maps and reviews appear before organic search results for local searches. That means you could be ranking #1 organically, but most people might never even see your website because they click on one of the first three Google Maps listings.
If you want to be one of those top three local listings, one of the best ways to do it is by getting more Google reviews. The thing is, clients rarely leave them on their own. Not because they don’t want to, but they just need a little nudge.
Here are 5 ideas to implement that will help get those 5-star Google reviews that you deserve.
1. Ask at the Right Time
Timing is everything. Customers are most likely to leave a review when their experience is fresh in their mind. This could be:
- Right after completing a service or delivering a product
- After a positive interaction or milestone
- When they express gratitude or satisfaction
For SEO purposes, reviews with recent timestamps and detailed, relevant content carry more weight. Sending a friendly follow-up email or text within 24–48 hours works wonders. Keep it short, thank them for their business, and include a direct link to your review page.
2. Make It Easy to Leave a Review
The easier it is, the more likely someone will leave a review.
- Include a direct link to your Google review page in emails, invoices, or newsletters
- Add a button on your website or client portal
- Use a QR code in your office, receipts, or printed materials
SEO tip: Encourage clients to mention your services or location in the review. Keywords like “Calgary web designer” or “Lethbridge jewellery store” in reviews help Google associate your business with those search terms.
3. Incentivize Without Bribing
You can encourage reviews in ways that follow Google’s guidelines:
- Offer a chance to win a monthly gift card
- Provide a small thank-you token or freebie (not tied to leaving a positive review)
- Frame it as a way for them to help you improve your business
This increases review volume without violating policies. Reviews that feel authentic and helpful have the most SEO and local search value.
For Key Creative, I’ve added an off-boarding feedback form to help me measure the success of each project. In the form, clients can choose from a selection of gifts they’d enjoy most. At the end, I include a link to my Google review page and explain how genuinely helpful reviews are in supporting and growing my business.
4. Follow Up, But Don’t Be Pushy
Many clients just forget. A polite, friendly reminder can dramatically increase your reviews.
- Send one follow-up a week or so after the first request
- Keep it personal, casual, and brief
- Remind them it only takes a few minutes
Pro tip: Automate follow-ups through your CRM or project management tool (like Tezzera or Dubsado) so you never miss a review opportunity. Each new review adds fresh content for Google, which helps local SEO and rankings.
5. Respond to Every Review
Engaging with reviews is just as important as collecting them. When potential clients see that you reply to reviews, they’re more likely to leave one themselves.
- Thank clients for positive reviews
- Address concerns in negative reviews politely
- Keep responses short, genuine, and professional
From an SEO perspective, responses add keywords and engagement signals, helping Google understand your business is active, trustworthy, and responsive.
Bonus Tip: Make Reviews Part of Your Workflow
If you want to get more Google reviews over time:
- Add asking for reviews as a task in your project management system
- Remind your team to request reviews at the right stage of a project
- Include it in onboarding or project completion checklists
Consistency matters—fresh, detailed reviews over time help boost your local rankings and credibility.
Final Thoughts
Getting more Google reviews doesn’t have to feel awkward or pushy. By asking at the right time, making it easy, following up, and responding, you’ll build an online reputation that both AI and potential clients trust.
Start implementing one or two of these strategies today, and you’ll see your review count grow—which translates to better visibility, more leads, and stronger local SEO.