How to get more Google reviews (without breaking Google’s rules)
Most happy customers will leave a review if you make it easy and ask at the right time. Here’s how, and what Google doesn’t allow.
Updated 29 September 2026
Ask everyone, at the right moment
Ask soon after the job is done, while it’s fresh, a day or two after, not weeks later. Ask every customer, not just the ones you think are happy.
Make it one tap
Get your review link from your Google Business Profile (“Ask for reviews”) and send it directly, so there’s no searching. A short, personal message works better than a template.
What Google doesn’t allow
Google’s rules are strict:
- Don’t offer discounts or rewards for reviews
- Don’t only ask happy customers (“review gating”)
- Don’t write reviews for yourself or ask staff to
- Don’t pay for reviews
Reply to every review
Thank people for good reviews, and reply calmly and helpfully to poor ones. Future customers read the replies as much as the reviews.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice.