Updated October 2026
How do you get more Google reviews?
The most reliable way to get more Google reviews is to ask every satisfied customer at the moment they are happiest, and send them a direct review link the same day. Businesses that ask consistently collect far more reviews than those waiting for customers to review on their own.
Why do Google reviews matter for local SEO?
Google reviews matter because Google lists review count and rating as part of a business's prominence, one of its three local ranking factors. Reviews also affect click-through: searchers compare star ratings and recent comments before calling.
When is the best time to ask for a review?
The best time to ask for a review is straight after a positive outcome: a job completed, a case settled, a treatment finished, a car collected. Ask in person, then follow up by text or email within a few hours.
How do you create a Google review link?
You create a Google review link from your Google Business Profile: search your business name on Google while signed in, choose "Ask for reviews", and copy the short link. Put it in texts, email signatures, invoices and a QR code on printed cards at reception.
What does UK law say about reviews?
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 bans fake reviews in the UK, along with commissioning them and publishing reviews in a misleading way. Its unfair commercial practice rules came into force in April 2025 and are enforced by the Competition and Markets Authority, which can fine businesses directly.
What does Google not allow?
- Incentives: discounts, prizes or payments in exchange for reviews
- Review gating: asking only customers you expect to be happy, or filtering unhappy customers away first
- Reviews from staff or family, or written on a customer's behalf
- Bulk reviews from a single location or device
How should you reply to reviews?
Reply to every review within a few days, thank the customer by name, and mention the service naturally. For negative reviews, stay calm, acknowledge the issue, avoid sharing private details, and offer to resolve it offline. Professionals bound by confidentiality, such as solicitors and dentists, should never confirm that the reviewer was a client.
Can you remove a bad Google review?
You can only remove a Google review if it breaks Google's policies, for example if it is fake, offensive, off-topic or a conflict of interest. Report it from your Business Profile; genuine negative reviews will not be removed.
Review generation is part of our local SEO service.