Google Reviews: How to Get Them Without Being Annoying
- aub204
- Sep 21
- 9 min read
Google Reviews: How to Get Them Without Being Annoying
Let's be honest - asking for Google reviews feels awkward. Especially if you're British. The idea of actively asking customers to praise your work online goes against every instinct we have about not making a fuss.
But here's the reality: reviews are crucial for your business. Most people check Google reviews before choosing a plumber, restaurant, or even a solicitor. And if you've only got two reviews from 2019, potential customers are going to assume you're either new, rubbish, or not very busy.
So how do you get more reviews without feeling like a pushy salesperson? After researching what actually works (and what definitely doesn't), here's what we've learned.
Why Most Review Requests Fail
The biggest mistake we see is businesses asking for reviews at completely the wrong time. Usually right after they've finished the job, when the customer just wants to pay and leave.
Think about it from their perspective. They've just had their boiler fixed, they're relieved it's working, they want to get on with their day. The last thing they want is to be asked to write a review on the spot.
Or worse, some businesses ask before they've even finished the work properly. We've seen tradespeople ask for reviews while they're still clearing up their tools. That's not confidence - that's desperation, and customers can smell it.
The Magic Window for Review Requests
The best time to ask for a review is 2-3 days after you've completed the work. Here's why this timing works:
The customer has had time to appreciate that the job was done well
Any immediate stress about the situation has passed
The experience is still fresh in their memory
They're not feeling pressured because you're not standing right there
For restaurants and retail, it's different. The sweet spot is usually within 24 hours while the experience is still top of mind.
The Soft Ask That Actually Works
Instead of "Can you leave us a 5-star review?" try something like:
"Hi [Name], just checking everything's still working well after yesterday's repair. If you're happy with the service, we'd be really grateful if you could spare 30 seconds to leave a quick review on Google. It makes a huge difference to small businesses like ours."
Notice what this does:
Shows you care about the quality of work (checking it's still working)
Acknowledges it's only worth doing if they're actually happy
Explains why it matters without being manipulative
Makes it sound quick and easy
Make It Stupidly Easy
Don't make customers hunt around for your Google listing. Send them a direct link to your review page.
You can get this link by:
Going to your Google Business Profile
Clicking "Get more reviews"
Copying the short link Google provides
Include this in your follow-up text or email. Some businesses even put it on their invoices or business cards.
What Never to Do
Don't offer incentives for reviews. Google's policies are clear about this, and getting caught can seriously damage your rankings. No "10% off your next service for a 5-star review" nonsense.
Don't ask for specific star ratings. Asking for a "5-star review" makes it obvious you're gaming the system. Just ask for honest feedback.
Don't harass people. One polite request is enough. If they don't respond, leave it. Following up multiple times makes you look desperate and annoying.
Don't fake reviews. This should be obvious, but apparently it isn't. Getting your mates to leave fake reviews will backfire spectacularly when Google figures it out (and they will).
The Follow-Up Text That Works
Here's a template that feels natural and gets results:
"Hi [Name], hope the new kitchen tap is still working perfectly! If you were happy with our service, we'd really appreciate a quick Google review. It helps other local customers find us: [your review link]. Thanks again for choosing us!"
Keep it:
Personal (mention the specific job)
Grateful (not demanding)
Brief (no one wants to read an essay)
Easy (include the direct link)
For Different Types of Businesses
Restaurants and cafés: Ask within 24 hours via email or text. "Thanks for dining with us last night! If you enjoyed your meal, we'd love a quick review on Google."
Tradespeople: Wait 2-3 days, then follow up to check the work is still satisfactory before asking for a review.
Professional services (accountants, solicitors): Email after you've completed their case or annual work. These customers are often happy to help if asked politely.
Retail businesses: Include a note with the receipt or send a follow-up email if you have their contact details.
The Review Card Trick
Some smart businesses include a small card with every job completion or purchase:
"Enjoyed our service? We'd be grateful for a Google review!"
Then include your review link and a QR code. People can review you when it's convenient for them, not when you're pressuring them.
When Someone Leaves a Bad Review
Don't panic. Respond professionally and publicly. Address their concerns, apologise if appropriate, and explain what you've done to prevent similar issues.
Often, a professional response to criticism impresses future customers more than a dozen generic 5-star reviews. It shows you care about customer service and take feedback seriously.
The Long Game
Building a steady stream of reviews isn't about one big push. It's about making review requests a normal part of your customer service process.
Not everyone will leave a review, and that's fine. If you're getting one review for every ten customers, you're doing well. The key is being consistent and polite about asking.
Quality Over Quantity
Five detailed, thoughtful reviews are worth more than twenty that just say "good service." Encourage customers to mention specific things they appreciated - your punctuality, cleanliness, helpful advice, whatever made their experience positive.
These detailed reviews help with your Google ranking and give future customers a better sense of what to expect.
Review Responses Matter Too
Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Thank people for positive reviews and address any issues raised in negative ones.
This shows you're actively engaged with customer feedback and care about your reputation. Many potential customers read your responses as carefully as the reviews themselves.
The Bottom Line
Getting Google reviews doesn't have to feel sleazy or desperate. The secret is asking politely, making it easy, and timing it right.
Most customers are happy to help if they've had a good experience - they just need a gentle reminder and a simple way to do it.
Start with your next few customers. Send a polite follow-up message with a direct review link. You might be surprised how willing people are to help when you ask nicely.
Want help setting up a review generation system that actually works? We help UK small businesses build their online reputation without the awkwardness. Get in touch to learn more about our Google Business Profile services.Google Reviews: How to Get Them Without Being Annoying
Let's be honest - asking for Google reviews feels awkward. Especially if you're British. The idea of actively asking customers to praise your work online goes against every instinct we have about not making a fuss.
But here's the reality: reviews are crucial for your business. Most people check Google reviews before choosing a plumber, restaurant, or even a solicitor. And if you've only got two reviews from 2019, potential customers are going to assume you're either new, rubbish, or not very busy.
So how do you get more reviews without feeling like a pushy salesperson? After researching what actually works (and what definitely doesn't), here's what we've learned.
Why Most Review Requests Fail
The biggest mistake we see is businesses asking for reviews at completely the wrong time. Usually right after they've finished the job, when the customer just wants to pay and leave.
Think about it from their perspective. They've just had their boiler fixed, they're relieved it's working, they want to get on with their day. The last thing they want is to be asked to write a review on the spot.
Or worse, some businesses ask before they've even finished the work properly. We've seen tradespeople ask for reviews while they're still clearing up their tools. That's not confidence - that's desperation, and customers can smell it.
The Magic Window for Review Requests
The best time to ask for a review is 2-3 days after you've completed the work. Here's why this timing works:
The customer has had time to appreciate that the job was done well
Any immediate stress about the situation has passed
The experience is still fresh in their memory
They're not feeling pressured because you're not standing right there
For restaurants and retail, it's different. The sweet spot is usually within 24 hours while the experience is still top of mind.
The Soft Ask That Actually Works
Instead of "Can you leave us a 5-star review?" try something like:
"Hi [Name], just checking everything's still working well after yesterday's repair. If you're happy with the service, we'd be really grateful if you could spare 30 seconds to leave a quick review on Google. It makes a huge difference to small businesses like ours."
Notice what this does:
Shows you care about the quality of work (checking it's still working)
Acknowledges it's only worth doing if they're actually happy
Explains why it matters without being manipulative
Makes it sound quick and easy
Make It Stupidly Easy
Don't make customers hunt around for your Google listing. Send them a direct link to your review page.
You can get this link by:
Going to your Google Business Profile
Clicking "Get more reviews"
Copying the short link Google provides
Include this in your follow-up text or email. Some businesses even put it on their invoices or business cards.
What Never to Do
Don't offer incentives for reviews. Google's policies are clear about this, and getting caught can seriously damage your rankings. No "10% off your next service for a 5-star review" nonsense.
Don't ask for specific star ratings. Asking for a "5-star review" makes it obvious you're gaming the system. Just ask for honest feedback.
Don't harass people. One polite request is enough. If they don't respond, leave it. Following up multiple times makes you look desperate and annoying.
Don't fake reviews. This should be obvious, but apparently it isn't. Getting your mates to leave fake reviews will backfire spectacularly when Google figures it out (and they will).
The Follow-Up Text That Works
Here's a template that feels natural and gets results:
"Hi [Name], hope the new kitchen tap is still working perfectly! If you were happy with our service, we'd really appreciate a quick Google review. It helps other local customers find us: [your review link]. Thanks again for choosing us!"
Keep it:
Personal (mention the specific job)
Grateful (not demanding)
Brief (no one wants to read an essay)
Easy (include the direct link)
For Different Types of Businesses
Restaurants and cafés: Ask within 24 hours via email or text. "Thanks for dining with us last night! If you enjoyed your meal, we'd love a quick review on Google."
Tradespeople: Wait 2-3 days, then follow up to check the work is still satisfactory before asking for a review.
Professional services (accountants, solicitors): Email after you've completed their case or annual work. These customers are often happy to help if asked politely.
Retail businesses: Include a note with the receipt or send a follow-up email if you have their contact details.
The Review Card Trick
Some smart businesses include a small card with every job completion or purchase:
"Enjoyed our service? We'd be grateful for a Google review!"
Then include your review link and a QR code. People can review you when it's convenient for them, not when you're pressuring them.
When Someone Leaves a Bad Review
Don't panic. Respond professionally and publicly. Address their concerns, apologise if appropriate, and explain what you've done to prevent similar issues.
Often, a professional response to criticism impresses future customers more than a dozen generic 5-star reviews. It shows you care about customer service and take feedback seriously.
The Long Game
Building a steady stream of reviews isn't about one big push. It's about making review requests a normal part of your customer service process.
Not everyone will leave a review, and that's fine. If you're getting one review for every ten customers, you're doing well. The key is being consistent and polite about asking.
Quality Over Quantity
Five detailed, thoughtful reviews are worth more than twenty that just say "good service." Encourage customers to mention specific things they appreciated - your punctuality, cleanliness, helpful advice, whatever made their experience positive.
These detailed reviews help with your Google ranking and give future customers a better sense of what to expect.
Review Responses Matter Too
Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Thank people for positive reviews and address any issues raised in negative ones.
This shows you're actively engaged with customer feedback and care about your reputation. Many potential customers read your responses as carefully as the reviews themselves.
The Bottom Line
Getting Google reviews doesn't have to feel sleazy or desperate. The secret is asking politely, making it easy, and timing it right.
Most customers are happy to help if they've had a good experience - they just need a gentle reminder and a simple way to do it.
Start with your next few customers. Send a polite follow-up message with a direct review link. You might be surprised how willing people are to help when you ask nicely.
Want help setting up a review generation system that actually works? We help UK small businesses build their online reputation without the awkwardness. Get in touch to learn more about our Google Business Profile services.
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