How to get Google reviews in 2025

Word of mouth, brand loyalty and positive reviews are key to success for any small business. They help build your reputation and provide quick insights into what you excel at and what could be improved.

Positive reviews build trust, increase visibility, and improve your SEO. With Google leading global search engine usage—with over 90%—enhancing your Google Business Profile with stellar reviews will make your brand stand out.

The benefits of Google reviews

How often have you wanted to eat out, fix your car, or get a haircut and thought, “I’ll just Google ‘best ____ near me'”? Reviews play a massive role in these decisions.

Businesses with tons of high reviews attract new and repeat customers. A high star rating leaves a lasting impression, reinforcing customer choices. Here’s why you should invest time in building your Google reviews:

• You’re trustworthy: Positive reviews enhance your credibility and show potential customers that you’re a master at your craft.
• Boost that SEO: More reviews mean you’re more likely to appear for specific keywords, e.g., “Ben’s Fitness has the best personal trainers in New York.”
• Get seen: Better reviews mean you appear higher in search and map results, while more stars usually stand out.
• Drive engagement: If you reply to reviews, it shows you care about your brand and can lead to insightful back-and-forths.
• You’ve got a rep’ to project: It’s your brand, and you want to put your best foot forward. Reviews can be the first step that people see.
• Get more customers: More reviews mean more customers. You’re more likely to attract new customers when you’re an established local legend.
• Grow your brand: Reviews not only help you get more customers, but they also spread online word-of-mouth that gets your business more recognized.

Here are 9 ways to get more Google reviews:

1. Automate Google review requests

Running a small business requires time and effort. Save time by automating review requests with Setmore. Review requests sent by email have an open rate of 69%, so automatically sending one after an appointment is complete has a high chance of generating valuable feedback.

Setting up Google reviews in your app is easy. Once connected, the latest reviews will instantly appear on your Booking Page so your visitors get a clear snapshot of your business at a glance. Pro or Team users can ensure automated requests are set to Google Reviews so you can gain valuable insights from their feedback.

Exceed their expectations during their appointment, and customers will be eager to leave you a glowing review once the email arrives in their inbox—without any manual effort on their part. All they have to do is click the link and share their thoughts; it’s that simple.

2. Optimize your Google Business Profile

Over 81% of people say they check Google reviews first. Having a fully optimized Google Business Profile not only helps potential customers find your business more quickly but also encourages them to book with you. 

When potential clients see that you already have glowing reviews, along with a profile featuring up-to-date contact information, address, images, and services, they are more likely to schedule an appointment with your business. 

Make booking an appointment easy for them by providing a direct link to your Booking Page with a ‘Book Now’ button through Reserve with Google.

3. Create a Google review link

Automation isn’t the only way to request reviews from your customers. You can create your own Google review link through your Google Business Profile and attach it to any of your marketing materials, giving your customers a direct route to leave a review.

Getting your link is simple. Just go to your Business Profile, click on ‘Read Reviews,’ select ‘Get More Reviews,’ and then copy your link. You can share it directly or use the provided options. 

Include the link in your emails, WhatsApp messages, receipts, invoices, generate QR codes or even incorporate it into other marketing materials. You can also request reviews directly from your Setmore app. Sometimes, a gentle reminder is all it takes—69% of customers leave a Google review when prompted. If you can remove the friction points to reviews, you’re over halfway to getting one.

4. There’s a Zap for that

Mobile makes busy lives a little bit easier. If you’re always on the go, chances are your customers are as well. So, along with your automated email reminders, why not use Zapier to create a Zap that sends out automated review requests through WhatsApp?

Customize your message to thank your customers for booking their appointment and ask them to leave a review when they have the time — and be sure to include your generated link to give them easy access. By automating this process with a Zap, you save time by not having to manually send these requests.

There are tons of Zaps just like this. Explore these options and find something that works best for you and your business.

5. QR codes for the win

QR codes are those little magic squares that have become essential for the marketing and communication of any brand. You can place them anywhere—posters, business cards, even t-shirts!

They’re free to generate, and you can link them to anything you like. When creating your Google review link, direct people there using your QR codes, and include them on your receipts, flyers, thank-you notes, or any other branded or printed material you give to customers after their appointment. 

This eliminates any barriers to leaving a review and provides a cool, convenient way for customers to leave feedback on the spot.

6. Run a review campaign for loyal customers

Growing your brand helps you retain loyal customers. By taking care of your VIPs and making them feel like the stars they are—whether through exceptional service, personal touches or brand loyalty events—you can foster a community that will vouch for you until the end.

Having these types of customers is powerful for your business. Not only do they spread positive word-of-mouth to their friends, but also to acquaintances and even people they’ve just met. These are the kinds of customers who will leave you glowing reviews.

Start a targeted review campaign and offer incentives, such as discounts, freebies, or tailored services, to sweeten the deal. Personalized messages, campaigns, or loyalty programs keep them happy and make them feel like part of your brand, increasing the likelihood of receiving another 5-star review.

7. Reply to all your reviews

It may seem time-consuming, but replying to your reviews lets visitors know the kind of brand you are. It shows you care, you’re engaged and you value every kind of feedback—both positive and negative.

89% of people are more likely to use a business if it responds to its online reviews. You are not only more likely to attract more customers by highlighting your commitment to improvement, but you’ll also discover new ways to make your brand as memorable as possible.

It also shows potential customers that you value their feedback, time, and where they choose to spend their money. Timely responses encourage more people to leave reviews, as they see that their thoughts are heard and acted upon.

You also gain valuable insights into your business and customers, which makes it easier to make improvements, changes or or to keep doing what you’re doing—it’s a win-win all around.

8. Embed Google reviews on your booking website

Showcasing your Google reviews on your Booking Page enhances your brand’s authenticity and fosters trust with every visitor. By openly sharing the voices of your customers, you demonstrate transparency.

When you connect Google reviews to your Setmore account, you can display them alongside your Setmore reviews (or just one, if you prefer) on your Booking Page. Your combined score is prominently featured, offering social proof to potential clients considering an appointment.

Once enabled, every new review is instantly displayed on your Booking Page. These reviews not only look great but also highlight your positive reputation. Let us handle the automation while you focus on delivering an unforgettable experience to every customer

9. A Google review, just for you

Encouraging your customers to leave reviews is a natural part of brand growth. Most people are more than happy to give feedback once you ask them, especially if you make it worth their while or if they simply love your brand.

Emphasize how simple and valuable their feedback is — the easier, the better. Whether it’s face-to-face, through emails on social media, via WhatsApp, or any other touchpoint you may have, remind them that their input helps your brand grow

Google Business Profile reviews: Your customers know best.

Leveraging reviews on your Google Business Profile can significantly enhance your SEO and online presence. The more interaction and reviews your profile receives, the higher it will appear in search results. Additionally, potential customers often check reviews of a business before deciding to shop there.

Grow your reviews, brand, and bookings with a FREE Setmore account today. Get started now and customize your Booking Page with your branding and services. Need help getting set up? Book a demo with one of our experts.

Happy scheduling!

by Lee

Share it Tweet it