How to get reviews on your Google Business Profile? Best and worst practices

When users search online for services or products, they usually choose companies from the first page of Google Search results, often checking reviews as well. Google Business Profiles help companies appear at the top, especially when there are positive reviews. Nearly 65% of users check reviews and consider them a key factor in deciding whether to use a business's services. Positive reviews are a tangible financial benefit, so it’s important to know various ways to get them.

Why are reviews so important for business? A Google Business Profile helps develop your company online

Positive reviews and high ratings on Google boost the chances of local companies ranking higher in search results.

Here are some ways Google reviews bring in tangible benefits:

• increasing visibility and acquiring clients – a Google Business Profile makes it easier for clients to find your company on Google Maps and in search results;
• building trust and credibility – high ratings presented in the form of stars, as well as positive reviews, contribute to credibility and trust in the brand, which in turn helps attract new clients;
• improving client experience – actively responding to reviews – both positive and negative ones – demonstrates that the company is committed to maintaining service quality and building sustainable, trust-based relationships with clients;
• managing online reputation – reviews directly shape the positive perception of a business. Responding to negative ones shows the company’s commitment to building its brand.

Authentic reviews have a significant impact on purchasing decisions, while fake reviews can harm a company’s reputation. A business that handles negative reviews professionally builds trust and demonstrates care for the quality of the client experience.

Best practices for getting reviews on Google

Building trust is essential for companies looking to establish their online presence, attract clients, and maintain their loyalty. Client reviews play a crucial role in this process, as most people read them before making purchasing decisions. Google reviews provide clients with valuable information regarding service, order fulfillment, and even the products themselves.

Clients trust reviews left by other clients more than brand advertisements, viewing them as more objective and trustworthy. Positive Google reviews, along with professional responses, build client trust in the brand.

Regularly obtaining new reviews is important for business development, especially for brick-and-mortar companies.

There are numerous ways to get more comments on Google, for example through:

• directly requesting reviews from clients,
• sharing links to reviews on your website, in e-mails (including newsletters) or through SMS,
• providing excellent service, leaving the client motivated to post a review,
• placing a QR code at the cash register or on the store door directing users to your Google Business Profile with a request for a review,
• regularly updating your business profile (outdated information, such as opening hours or phone numbers, may negatively impact the client experience with your company).

However, it’s important to follow online etiquette. Avoid being pushy, suggesting what kind of reviews you expect, and make sure to respond promptly to all reviews (especially negative ones).

Worst practices for getting reviews

Getting client reviews is, as we now know, quite important. Remember, however, that there are many bad practices out there that can negatively impact a business’s trust and credibility.

What should you pay attention to in particular?

• Buying reviews or placing fake ones – avoid dishonest practices such as buying or adding fake reviews, as this can harm your company’s reputation. Reviews showing signs of dishonesty (such as excessive praise, duplicated content, or large number of reviews from anonymous users) are perceived negatively by Google algorithms. Moreover, Google may impose penalties for such unethical practices. The least serious consequence might be the removal of such reviews. However, bad practices may also result in disabling of a Google Business Profile, and even in a lawsuit against the company.
• Not seeking reviews actively – regularly obtaining user reviews (especially positive ones) boosts your company’s image. A lack of reviews means a lack of feedback about what needs improvement and what actually works. Therefore, you should include links to reviews in e-mails and on your website, and actively encourage repeat visits, for example, by sending thank-you notes for purchases.
• Limiting your reviews to just one source – obtaining reviews from just one platform might lead to a lack of diversity in the content posted by clients. Consider using various platforms (such as Google, Facebook or industry-specific websites) to increase the credibility of your reviews.
• Making it difficult for clients to post reviews – complicated forms or lengthy questionnaires might discourage clients from leaving comments. Make the process easier, for example, by posting direct links to your Google Business Profile.
• Ignoring negative reviews – this might lead clients to lose trust, and you might miss the opportunity to draw conclusions for the future. Respond to negative reviews, clarify misunderstandings and offer solutions to demonstrate care for client satisfaction and your company’s credibility.
• Failing to act on feedback from reviews – reviews are a valuable source of information for drawing constructive conclusions. These, in turn, will allow you to optimize your offer and better customize marketing activities. Implement marketing strategies based on client feedback to increase their satisfaction and loyalty.
• Not responding to positive reviews – demonstrating gratitude for reviews strengthens relationships with clients and builds loyalty.

Recap – getting Google reviews

Actively seeking reviews on your Google Business Profile helps your company stand out in search results, attract new clients, and build brand credibility. Effective ways to get reviews include asking clients directly, sharing links to comments, and regularly updating your Google Business Profile. But don’t be tempted to buy reviews, as this can lead to serious consequences.

Ensuring the authenticity of reviews and actively managing your online reputation are key to building a positive company image online. Keep in mind that as many as 91% of clients say that reviews influence their overall perception of brands.