9 Effective Ways to Get More Google Reviews for Your Small Business

In today’s digital-first world, Google reviews are one of the most powerful tools to grow your local business. Not only do they build trust with potential customers, but they also significantly impact your visibility on Google. The more positive reviews your business receives, the more likely you are to rank higher in search results, bringing in new customers.

If you’ve been wondering how to increase Google reviews for your small business, we’ve got you covered. Below are 9 in-depth strategies to help you generate more reviews, including how to use NFC technology to streamline the process for your customers.

1. Claim and Optimise Your Google My Business Profile

Before you start collecting reviews, your business needs to be easily found online. If you haven’t already, claim your Google My Business profile. This listing helps your business appear in local search results and makes it easier for customers to leave reviews. Here’s what you should do:

• Claim your profile: Head to Google My Business and follow the steps to claim or create your business listing.

• Complete all business details: Ensure your business name, address, phone number, website, and operating hours are accurate.

• Add high-quality photos: Include images of your storefront, products, or services to make your profile more engaging.

• Use relevant keywords: Describe your business using keywords that people might search for (e.g., “bakery in Manchester” or “plumber in London”). This helps Google associate your profile with relevant search queries.

2. Ask for Reviews In-Person After a Positive Interaction

The best time to ask for a review is when the customer has just had a great experience with your business. Asking in person shows sincerity, and customers are more likely to respond to a genuine request. Follow these steps:

• Make it natural: Train your team to ask for reviews after they’ve had a positive interaction with customers. For example, “If you enjoyed your visit, we’d really appreciate a Google review!”

• Ask at the right time: Timing matters. The moment a customer leaves happy, they are most likely to respond positively to your request.

3. Follow Up with an Email or Text

Sometimes, customers are in a hurry and forget to leave a review. A simple follow-up email or text can make all the difference:

• Send a thank you email: Within 24 hours, send a polite email or text thanking the customer for their business and including a direct link to your Google review page.

• Make it easy: Include a call-to-action like “It would mean the world to us if you left a quick review on Google! Click here to share your feedback.”

4. Use NFC Stands to Make Review Collection Effortless

Introducing NFC (Near Field Communication) stands, a game-changing tool for collecting Google reviews seamlessly. This technology allows your customers to leave reviews with just a simple tap of their phone.

• How it works: Place an NFC stand at your checkout counter or give your staff a portable, credit-card-sized NFC tag. Customers can tap their phone on the NFC device, and it will automatically open your Google review page.

• Why it’s effective: This method eliminates the friction of finding your business on Google or typing out a URL. One tap, and they’re ready to leave a review.

• Perfect for high-traffic areas: Ideal for businesses with lots of foot traffic or direct customer interactions.

👉 Want to make review collection even easier? Check out our Google Review NFC stands and start generating more reviews today!

5. Display Review Prompts in Your Store

Remind your customers to leave a review by placing prompts around your store. This creates visual cues and encourages them to take action.

• Use signs with QR codes: Print signs with a QR code that links directly to your Google review page. Place them near your cash register or waiting areas.

• Keep it simple: A sign that says “Loved your experience? Leave us a review!” can be enough to prompt action.

6. Promote Google Reviews on Social Media

Your social media platforms are a great place to encourage more Google reviews. Use them to reach out to your followers and remind them to share their feedback.

• Highlight great reviews: Showcase your best Google reviews in social media posts. This not only promotes your reputation but also encourages others to leave their own reviews.

• Run review campaigns: Periodically remind your followers to leave reviews after a visit. For example, post something like “We’d love to hear your feedback! Leave us a review on Google after your next visit.”

7. Respond to All Reviews

Responding to reviews shows that you value customer feedback, no matter if it’s positive or negative. This engagement helps build trust and can encourage others to leave reviews knowing their opinions are heard.

• Respond promptly: Try to respond to reviews within a few days, especially for negative ones where resolution may be needed.

• Be professional: A simple thank you for positive reviews and a calm, helpful response to negative ones can greatly improve your online reputation.

8. Incentivise Reviews with Non-Monetary Rewards

While Google doesn’t allow businesses to pay for reviews, you can still offer small, non-monetary incentives to encourage feedback:

• Offer a free sample or discount: Customers who leave a review could get a small discount on their next purchase or a free sample.

• Create a raffle: Enter customers who leave reviews into a raffle for a larger prize. It’s a great way to incentivise reviews without breaking any rules.

9. Train Your Staff to Ask for Reviews

Your staff is your frontline for customer interactions, and they can play a key role in generating more reviews:

• Train your team: Ensure your employees know when and how to ask for reviews. Make it part of their routine to ask customers to leave feedback.

• Equip them with NFC cards: Give your staff the portable NFC cards so they can easily direct customers to your review page after a positive interaction.

Start Collecting Google Reviews Today

Collecting Google reviews doesn’t have to be difficult. By implementing these 9 strategies, from asking in person to leveraging NFC technology, you can start building a solid foundation of customer feedback that boosts your business’s visibility and reputation.

Ready to make review collection even easier? Check out our NFC stands and start generating more reviews with just a tap!