Written by Dan Sagar, FoundationsAI. Updated October 2026.
To get more Google reviews, ask every customer, straight after a job they're happy with, by text with a direct link to your review page, and send one friendly reminder a few days later. Make it a routine that happens for every job rather than a favour you remember to ask now and then. Don't offer anything in return and don't only ask the customers you think are happy, because both break Google's rules and UK law.
Why it's worth the effort
When people look for a local business, your Google reviews are often the first thing they see, before your website. More recent, genuine reviews make you look busy, trusted and safe to choose. See does having more Google reviews actually help you win more work?
A simple five-step system
1. Get your review link
In your Google Business Profile, find "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews" and copy the short link. It takes customers straight to the box where they write a review.
2. Ask at the right moment
The best time is just after the job is finished and they're pleased, while it's fresh. For a tradesperson, that's when you're packing up or the same evening. For a salon or clinic, it's straight after the appointment.
3. Make it one tap
Send the link by text. Most people will leave a review on their phone, so a text with a link is far easier than an email or asking them to search for you.
4. Remind once
If they haven't left one after three days, send one short reminder. Then stop.
5. Reply to every review
Thank people for good reviews and respond calmly to bad ones. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews. See how to handle a bad review on Google.
Example messages
| When | Message |
|---|---|
| Straight after the job | "Hi Sarah, thanks for having us today. If you're happy with the new bathroom, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps a small business like ours. [link] Dan" |
| Three days later, if no review | "Hi Sarah, just a gentle nudge in case you missed my last message. A quick review would mean a lot. [link] Thanks, Dan" |
What not to do
These break Google's rules, and some break UK law too:
- Don't offer anything in return, such as a discount, a prize draw or a free service. Google removes incentivised reviews.
- Don't only ask happy customers or filter people out before they reach Google. Google calls this selectively soliciting reviews and doesn't allow it.
- Don't ask staff, family or friends to review you.
- Don't tell people what to write or which star rating to give.
- Never buy or write fake reviews. Since April 2025, UK law bans fake reviews and hidden incentivised reviews, and the Competition and Markets Authority can fine businesses up to 10% of their worldwide turnover.
Why customers who are happy still don't leave reviews
Usually because nobody asked, it wasn't easy, or they meant to and forgot. A one-tap link and one reminder fixes most of that. More in why customers don't leave reviews even when they're happy and how to ask for a review without feeling awkward.
Make it automatic
Asking every customer by hand works until you get busy. The answer is to send the request automatically when a job is marked as done, with the reminder three days later, and to stop the moment they leave a review. See how to automate Google review requests after a job.
Put your reviews to work
Reviews don't just help on Google. Use them to win more work everywhere:
- Show them on your website
- Turn your best customers into video testimonials
- Write a case study that sells your services
- Understand what customers check before they choose you
Choosing a tool? See the best tools for getting more Google reviews in the UK.
Common questions
How do I find my Google review link?
In your Google Business Profile, look for "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews" and copy the link it gives you.
Is it OK to ask customers for Google reviews?
Yes. Google is happy for you to ask, as long as you ask everyone, don't offer anything in return and don't tell people what to write.
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Google removes incentivised reviews, and in the UK hiding the fact that a review was incentivised is against the law.
How many Google reviews do I need?
There's no magic number. Aim to have more recent reviews than the businesses customers compare you with, and keep them coming every month so they stay fresh.
What's the best way to ask, text or email?
Text. Most people leave reviews on their phone, and a text with a direct link is the quickest route.
Should I reply to every review?
Yes, good and bad. It shows you care, and people deciding whether to use you read the replies.
Want it running automatically?
Book a 45-minute demo and we'll show you review requests going out by themselves after every job, with replies managed from one inbox.