How to Get More Google Reviews for Local SEO
Want more Google reviews to boost your local SEO? Here’s how:
- Set Up Your Google Business Profile: Verify your profile, fill out all details (name, address, hours, services), and add engaging photos and videos.
- Simplify Reviews: Create a direct review link, shorten it, or turn it into a QR code for easy sharing.
- Ask for Reviews: Request feedback after positive customer experiences. Train staff to ask politely or use automated tools like SMS or email.
- Respond to Reviews: Thank customers for positive reviews and professionally handle negative ones to build trust.
- Monitor Performance: Regularly track reviews, reply quickly, and keep your profile updated.
Quick Tip: Add review links to emails, receipts, and packaging to encourage feedback.
Google reviews don’t just improve rankings – they build trust and attract local customers. Start today!
How to Get More Google Reviews for your Local Business
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
An updated and well-maintained Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for boosting your local search visibility and gathering customer reviews.
Getting Your Profile Verified
Verification is crucial for building credibility with both Google and potential customers. Here’s how to get it done:
- Visit the Google Business Profile Manager.
- Select your business or create a new listing if needed.
- Choose a verification method – options include post, phone, or email.
- Follow Google’s instructions to complete the process.
Once your profile is verified, you’ll gain full access to manage it and respond to customer reviews directly.
Filling Out Profile Information
A detailed profile improves your chances of appearing in local search results. Pay attention to these important areas:
| Profile Element | Best Practice | How It Helps Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | Use your official, registered name | Makes it easy for customers to find you. |
| Address | Include unit or suite numbers if relevant | Ensures accurate location details. |
| Trading Hours | Keep hours up to date, including holidays | Lets customers know when you’re open. |
| Services | Clearly list your main services | Attracts relevant customer feedback. |
| Description | Add local keywords naturally | Improves local search visibility. |
We wrote a full guide explaining how to fully optimise your Google Business Profile!
Adding Photos and Videos
Photos and videos make your profile more engaging and encourage customers to leave reviews. Include:
- Exterior shots of your storefront
- Interior images of your space
- Team photos to personalise your business
- Product images or service examples
- Short videos showcasing your business
Regularly updating your visuals keeps your profile appealing and relevant. With your profile fully set up, you’ll be ready to make the review process smoother in the next section.
Simplifying the Review Process
Make it easier for customers to leave feedback and improve your local SEO efforts.
Getting Your Review Link
A direct Google review link removes obstacles for customers wanting to leave feedback. Here’s how to create one:
- Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager.
- Select your business listing.
- Click "Home" and find the "Get more reviews" card.
- Copy the review link provided.
To make it more user-friendly, shorten the link using a URL shortener. You can also use this link to generate QR codes for offline feedback collection.
Setting Up Review QR Codes
QR codes are now a common tool in Australia, especially after the rise in their use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transform your review link into a QR code to give customers a quick and simple way to leave feedback.
| QR Code Placement | Purpose | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Counter displays | Collect feedback at point-of-sale | Include a clear call-to-action. |
| Receipt stickers | Encourage post-purchase reviews | Use a QR code at least 3×3 cm in size. |
| Table tents | Get dining experience feedback | Add short, clear instructions. |
| Service vehicles | Gather on-site service reviews | Use weather-resistant materials. |
| Shop windows | Allow walk-by feedback | Ensure good lighting for visibility. |
Adding Review Links to Business Materials
Incorporate your review link across both digital and physical customer touchpoints for maximum visibility.
Digital and Physical Materials
- Email signatures and newsletters
- SMS confirmations and digital receipts
- Business cards and printed receipts
- Packaging inserts and thank-you notes
- Service completion forms
Customer Communications
- Follow-up messages after a purchase
- Appointment reminders
- Thank-you emails or texts
- Loyalty program updates
- Service completion notifications
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Getting More Customer Reviews
Improving your approach to gathering reviews can boost local search rankings and build customer trust.
When to Ask for Reviews
Timing is everything when asking for reviews. Aim to request feedback during moments when customers are most satisfied:
- After completing a project
- Following a positive service experience
- During post-purchase follow-ups
The timing depends on your business type. For retail, request reviews within 24–48 hours. For service-based businesses, wait 3–5 days.
Staff Review Request Guidelines
Your team plays a key role in securing reviews. Make sure they follow these clear guidelines:
Customer Interaction Tips
- Be genuine and approachable when engaging with customers.
- Emphasise how their feedback helps improve your business.
- Show gratitude for their time and input.
- Avoid offering incentives for reviews – it’s not ethical and may violate platform rules.
- Always respect a customer’s choice to decline.
Sample Review Request Script
"We’re always looking to improve our service. Would you mind sharing your experience on Google? Your feedback helps other local customers make informed choices."
Pair these personal interactions with automated tools to ensure consistency across all requests.
Review Request Automation
Automation can take some of the workload off your team while ensuring timely and consistent review requests. Here’s how to set it up:
Tools to Use
- Automate SMS follow-ups
- Set up email reminders
- Enable alerts after purchases
- Send thank-you messages
- Schedule review prompts
Suggested Timing for Requests
| Business Type | First Request | Follow-up | Final Reminder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | Same day | 2 days later | 5 days later |
| Services | 3 days after | 1 week later | 2 weeks later |
| Hospitality | Within 24 hours | 48 hours later | 4 days later |
| Professional | 1 week after | 2 weeks later | 1 month later |
Review Request Channels
- Transactional emails
- SMS messages
- Notifications via mobile apps
- Alerts through customer portals
- Receipt confirmations
Pair your QR codes or review requests with chatbots or smart automation
Using smart automation can help you save time and weed out unhappy customers at scale.
This is particularly usefull if you are a brick and mortar business, with a huge client database.
It is very easy to setup automations allowing to mass email or contact your clients, requesting them to take a few minutes to fill in a “customer satisfaction” form that will weed out the unhappy (3 stars and below) client and only prompt happy customers (4 to 5 stars) to review your business on Trustpilot, Facebook or Google Business!
Managing Review Responses
Managing how you respond to reviews is just as important as collecting them.
Engaging with reviews not only helps shape your online reputation but also strengthens your local SEO.
Here’s how to handle different types of reviews effectively.
Start by reading our review response template
We created a massive guide sharing 15 Google review response templates that you can use for inspiration!
Responding to 5-Star Reviews
Always thank customers for their positive feedback, and make your response personal by referencing something specific from their review. This shows you value their input and reinforces your commitment to excellent service.
Handling Negative Reviews
Address negative feedback by acknowledging the issue, offering a sincere apology, and suggesting an offline conversation to resolve the matter. This approach demonstrates accountability and can help build trust with both the reviewer and potential customers.
Writing Professional Responses
Keep your tone warm, professional, and consistent in every response. Clear and thoughtful communication reflects your business’s values and helps maintain a positive online presence, which can benefit your local SEO.
Working with SEO Experts
After establishing effective ways to collect and respond to reviews, collaborating with SEO experts can take your strategy to the next level. These professionals can simplify review management and enhance your local search rankings by blending advanced techniques with your current efforts to strengthen your online presence.
SEO Agency Services
SEO agencies specialise in managing reviews at a higher level. They handle tasks like automating review collection, implementing reputation management plans, and fine-tuning Google Business Profiles.
By combining these efforts with broader local SEO strategies, they help businesses achieve greater visibility in local searches.
Search Scope Services
Search Scope offers reputation management services tailored to Australian businesses aiming to improve their local search performance. Their services include:
| Service Component | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Review System Setup | Automates review collection | Steady stream of positive reviews |
| Profile Optimisation | Optimises business profiles | Improved local visibility |
| Reputation Management | Manages feedback professionally | Better brand perception |
| Local SEO Integration | Aligns reviews with search factors | Higher search rankings |
We collaborate with businesses to create customised review management strategies that suit local market needs. Our targeted approach helps build a strong online reputation while addressing any negative feedback effectively.
Steps to Improve Local SEO with Reviews
Reviews and Search Rankings
Consistent, genuine reviews help Google understand your local relevance and reputation. These actions support the earlier steps discussed.
Review Collection Checklist
Use these steps to set up a system for collecting reviews:
- Verify Your Google Business Profile: Make sure your profile is verified and all details are accurate.
- Simplify the Process: Create custom review links or QR codes to make it easy for customers to leave feedback.
- Train Your Team: Provide clear instructions for staff on when and how to ask for reviews.
- Automate Requests: Use email or SMS tools to send review requests after a service is completed.
- Track Performance: Regularly review metrics like the number of reviews, average ratings, and response rates.
Once your review system is in place, keep it running smoothly with a solid long-term plan.
Long-term Review Management
A consistent review strategy requires ongoing attention. Here’s what to focus on:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check your Google Business Profile for new reviews.
- Respond Quickly: Aim to reply to reviews within a day or two.
- Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on your average rating and the pace at which you’re gaining reviews.
- Staff Training: Schedule regular sessions to improve review collection techniques.
- Keep It Fresh: Update your business details and photos regularly.
Consider working with reputation management experts to set up automated systems, making it easier to maintain your review efforts. This allows you to enjoy the SEO benefits while concentrating on your main business activities.
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Dorian Menard
https://searchscope.com.auI’m Dorian, founder of Search Scope and an SEO obsessed with ROI and lead generation. After a decade in the trenches, I’ve built and ranked digital assets for businesses across the world. I cut through the noise with data, automation, and strategies that actually convert. When I’m not scaling rankings, you’ll find me on a motorbike or setting chess traps — always planning three moves ahead.