How to get more Google reviews (without breaking the rules)
Google reviews influence your local ranking and your customers’ decision. A simple method to get more of them, reply to them and handle negative reviews.
By Léo Chuzel · Published on · 2 min read
Between two Marseille shops or two tradespeople, a customer will almost always choose the one with the most positive, recent reviews. Reviews also influence your ranking on Google Maps. Yet most businesses never ask for them. Here’s a simple, compliant method to get more.
Why reviews matter so much
- For local SEO: the number, rating and freshness of reviews are among the signals Google takes into account.
- For conversion: reviews reassure a prospect who doesn’t know you yet.
- For your image: your replies show your professionalism, including in the face of criticism.
What’s forbidden
Before talking method, the rules. Google’s rules notably forbid offering something in exchange for a review (discount, gift), asking only satisfied customers while filtering out the others, publishing fake reviews or having friends, family or employees post them. In France, fake reviews also constitute a misleading commercial practice.
The method in four steps
1. Get your review link
From your Google Business Profile area, copy the link that opens the review window directly. Shorten it if needed and create a QR code.
2. Ask at the right time
The best time is right after a successful experience: the end of a job, handing over the keys, a case won, a customer thanking you. Ask in person, simply: “If you’re happy, a Google review would really help us.”
3. Make it easy to act
- Send the link by text or email straight afterwards.
- Add it to your invoices and your email signature.
- Display the QR code at the till, on tables or at the counter.
- Add a button to your reviews on your website.
4. Make it a habit
Consistency matters more than volume. Build the review request into your process: every satisfied customer receives the link. A few reviews a month are enough to make the difference within a year.
Reply to every review
Thank positive reviewers in a personal way, avoiding copy-pasted replies. Prospects read your replies as much as the reviews themselves.
Handling a negative review
- Don’t reply in the heat of the moment: take a few hours to step back.
- Thank them for the feedback and acknowledge how the customer feels.
- Explain factually, without over-justifying or accusing.
- Offer to continue the conversation privately to find a solution.
- If the review breaks the rules (abusive language, fake customer), report it to Google.
A well-handled negative review can even build trust: it shows you take your customers seriously.
Putting your reviews to work on your website
Display your best reviews on your website, near the contact buttons. Combined with an optimised Google profile, they boost your local visibility. We build this approach into our local SEO services in Marseille.