How To Ask Your Clients For Google Reviews (Without Being Annoying)

Google reviews can make or break your local business. In Australia, 87% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase decision, and 77% specifically check Google reviews when browsing for local services. Yet most business owners either ignore reviews entirely or ask for them in ways that feel pushy, desperate, or downright illegal.

Here’s the truth: asking for Google reviews isn’t about begging customers for favours. It’s about creating a systematic approach that generates authentic feedback while boosting your Google maps and local SEO rankings. Done right, it’s one of the most powerful growth levers available to Australian businesses.

This guide will show you exactly how to request reviews ethically, legally, and effectively—without sounding like a used car salesman.

Why Google Reviews Are Non-Negotiable for Australian Businesses

The Local SEO Connection

Google reviews directly impact your local search rankings. The algorithm considers review quantity, quality, velocity, and diversity when determining which businesses appear in the coveted “Local Pack” and Google Maps results.

A business with 50 recent, positive reviews will consistently outrank competitors with fewer or older reviews. It is a critical ranking factor for your business!

Trust and Social Proof

Australian consumers are sceptical. They’ve been burned by flashy marketing and empty promises. Reviews provide the social proof needed to convert browsers into buyers. A potential customer is far more likely to trust “Sarah from Fremantle” saying your plumbing service saved her weekend than your own marketing claims.

The Legal Landscape

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has prosecuted businesses for fake reviews, with penalties reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Google’s own guidelines prohibit incentivised reviews. This isn’t just about ethics—it’s about keeping your business out of legal trouble.

When and Who to Ask for Reviews

Timing Is Everything

The best time to ask for a review is immediately after a positive interaction when the experience is fresh and the customer is genuinely satisfied. This might be:

• Right after completing a service call
• When a customer thanks you or compliments your work
• After resolving a customer service issue successfully
• During the final walkthrough of a project

Don’t wait weeks or months. Customer satisfaction has a short half-life. You need to have a system in place to make requests and build more reviews to your profile.

Target the Right Customers

Not every customer should be asked for a review. Focus on:

• Loyal customers who’ve used your service multiple times
• Satisfied customers who’ve given positive feedback
• Repeat clients who clearly value your work
• Customers who’ve referred others to your business

Avoid asking customers who:

• Had service issues (even if resolved)
• Seemed neutral or indifferent about the experience
• Are naturally negative or difficult to please

The Right Way to Ask: Methods That Actually Work

1. In-Person Requests (Most Effective)

Face-to-face requests have the highest conversion rate because they’re personal and immediate. Here’s a script that works:

“I really appreciate your business, [Name]. Would you mind taking two minutes to leave a quick review on Google? It helps other local families find us when they need [your service]. I can send you a direct link right now if that’s easier.”

Key elements:

• Personal acknowledgment
• Specific time commitment (two minutes)
• Benefit to community (helps others)
• Immediate action offer

2. Email Follow-Up Template

Send this within 24-48 hours of service completion:

Subject: Thanks for choosing [Business Name] – Quick favour?

Hi [Name],

Thanks for trusting us with your [specific service] yesterday. It was great working with you.

If you have two minutes, would you mind sharing your experience on Google? Your feedback helps other Perth families find reliable [service type] when they need it.

[Leave a Google Review – Click Here]

If you weren’t completely satisfied, please reply to this email instead. We’d rather fix any issues directly than have you share a negative experience.

Cheers,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]

3. SMS/Text Message Requests

For mobile-first customers, SMS can be incredibly effective:

“Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business] today. Would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It takes 2 minutes and helps other locals find us: [short link]. Cheers!”

Keep it under 160 characters and use a URL shortener for the review link.

4. QR Codes for Physical Locations

Create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page. Display it on:

• Service completion cards
• Business cards
• Receipts
• Vehicle signage
• Shop counters

Include text like: “Scan to share your experience on Google”

5. Website and Email Signature Integration

Add a subtle “Review Us on Google” button to your website footer and email signature. Don’t make it pushy—just accessible for customers who want to leave feedback.

How to Create Your Direct Google Review Link

Step 1: Access Your Google Business Profile

1. Go to business.google.com
2. Sign in to your Google Business Profile Manager
3. Navigate to the “Home” tab and click on your business
4. In the search results dedicated to your business listing, look for the reviews dedicated section

Step 2: Generate Your Review Link

1. Look for the “Get more reviews” card
2. Click “Share review form”
3. Copy the provided URL

Step 3: Shorten and Customise

Use a URL shortener like bit.ly to create a memorable link:

• Long: https://g.page/r/CbVGBGGGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG/review
• Short: bit.ly/reviewmybusiness

Mobile Instructions (iPhone)

1. Open the Google My Business app
2. Tap “Customers” at the bottom
3. Tap “Get more reviews”
4. Tap “Share review form”
5. Choose how to share (SMS, email, etc.)

What to Say: Industry-Specific Scripts

For Trades and Home Services

“Thanks for letting us take care of your [plumbing/electrical/renovation] today. If you’re happy with the work, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It helps other homeowners in [suburb] find reliable tradies when they need them. I can text you the link right now.”

For Professional Services

“I hope you’re pleased with how we handled your [legal matter/accounting/consulting]. If you felt we provided good value, would you consider sharing your experience on Google? It really helps other business owners find quality [service type] locally.”

For Retail and Hospitality

“Thanks for dining with us tonight! If you enjoyed your experience, we’d love if you could leave a quick Google review. It helps other families discover great local restaurants. Here’s the link: [URL]”

There are more advanced techniques that reputation management companies like ours leverage, such as framing the request into a customer satisfaction survey in order to weed out the negatives experiences using a form. This allows to only request reviews to clients who have experienced a positive experience.

Legal and Ethical Guidelines: Don’t Get Burned

What You CAN Do

• Ask satisfied customers for honest reviews
• Provide direct links to make the process easier
• Respond to all reviews professionally
• Follow up once if they don’t respond

What You CANNOT Do

• Offer discounts, gifts, or incentives for reviews
• Write fake reviews or ask friends/family to write them
• Only ask happy customers while ignoring unhappy ones
• Edit or influence the content of reviews

ACCC Compliance

The ACCC has prosecuted businesses for fake reviews with penalties up to $1.1 million for corporations. Google can also suspend your business listing permanently. Always keep requests voluntary and genuine.

Common Mistakes That Kill Results

1. Making It Complicated

Don’t send customers on a treasure hunt. Provide direct links, clear instructions, and immediate assistance if needed.

2. Asking at the Wrong Time

Never ask for reviews during payment processing, when customers are stressed, or before the service is complete.

3. Ignoring Negative Reviews

Respond to every review—positive and negative. Show potential customers you care about feedback and resolve issues professionally. We have a post showing you how to respond to reviews.

4. Being Too Pushy

One polite request is enough. Multiple follow-ups feel desperate and can damage relationships.

5. Selective Solicitation

Don’t only ask happy customers. This creates an artificial pattern that Google can detect and penalise.

Turning Reviews Into a Growth Engine

If you want to dominate your local Google Maps rankings, you need a growth engine focused on review generation!

Create a System, Not a One-Off

Build review requests into your standard operating procedures:

• Train staff on when and how to ask
• Set up automated email sequences
• Create physical prompts (QR codes, cards)
• Track response rates and optimise

Monitor and Respond

Set up Google alerts or use dedicated tools to monitor new reviews and respond within 24 hours. Thank customers for positive reviews and address concerns in negative ones professionally.

Leverage Reviews in Marketing

• Feature standout reviews on your website
• Include review snippets in email marketing
• Share positive reviews on social media
• Use review insights to improve service delivery

What to Do With Negative Reviews

Handling negative reviews is more important than dealing with positive ones.

Respond Publicly and Professionally

“Thanks for your feedback, [Name]. I’m sorry your experience didn’t meet our standards. I’d like to discuss this further and make it right. Please call me directly at [phone] or email [email] so we can resolve this.”

Take the Conversation Offline

Don’t argue publicly. Offer to resolve issues privately while showing other customers you care about service quality.

Learn and Improve

Use negative feedback to identify genuine business improvements. Sometimes the harshest critics provide the most valuable insights.

Tools and Resources

Review Management Tools

• Google My Business app for mobile responses
• Hootsuite for social media review monitoring
• Local SEO tools like BrightLocal for review tracking

QR Code Generators

• QR-code-generator.com
• qrcode-monkey.com
• Google’s own QR code generator

URL Shorteners

• bit.ly
• tinyurl.com
• Google’s goo.gl (discontinued but existing links still work)

The Bottom Line: Make It Systematic

Most Australian businesses either ignore reviews entirely or ask for them sporadically. By implementing a consistent, ethical review collection system, you’ll outrank competitors while building genuine trust with potential customers. New reviews will greatly benefit your local SEO campaign, which is why you cannot sleep on it.

Remember: every review is an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, both in the original service delivery and in how you respond to feedback. Used correctly, Google reviews become a powerful marketing asset that works 24/7 to attract new customers and build your reputation.

The businesses that dominate local search results aren’t necessarily the best—they’re the ones that systematically collect and leverage customer feedback. Start today, make it a habit, and watch your online presence grow.