How do I get more Google reviews without breaking the rules?
The short answer
After every job, send every customer the same short text with your Google review link, or hand them a QR card. Never pay or reward anyone for a review, never ask only the happy ones, and never let staff or family review you.
Google's three rules
- No selective asking: Google bans selectively soliciting positive reviews from customers.
- No incentives: no payment, discounts, free goods or services for a review.
- No conflict of interest: no reviews from current or former employees, or anyone else affiliated with the business.
The federal rule
Since October 21, 2024, the FTC's rule on consumer reviews bans fake reviews, rewards tied to a positive review, insider reviews that don't disclose the connection, and threats used to get reviews removed.
A 5-step routine
- Copy your review link from your Google Business Profile.
- Put the link, or a QR code, on the invoice and on a card the crew leaves behind. Google says you can ask customers to visit a Google link or scan a QR code.
- The technician mentions it at the end of the job, in plain words.
- Send one text the same day. Don't nag.
- Reply to every review, and take complaints offline.
Can I delete a bad review?
Only Google removes reviews, and only when they break its policies. Google says not to report a review just because you disagree with it, that evaluation typically takes several days, and that you get one appeal. Until then, a calm reply is written for the next customer reading it.
