How to get more Google reviews for your small business

By the Chatbait team ·

Short answer: get your Google review link from your Business Profile, then ask happy customers right after a good experience, by email, text, receipt, or a card in the package. Never pay for reviews or ask people to say something specific; Google and the FTC both ban that.

Facts last checked on October 18, 2026, against the sources linked below.

  1. Go to business.google.com and sign in to your Business Profile.
  2. Select Read reviews, then choose Get more reviews.
  3. Select Copy to copy your review link, so you can paste it anywhere.

For a QR code instead of a link, right-click the code on the same screen and save it as an image. Google notes that review QR codes can only be made on a computer browser, not on a phone (Google Business Profile Help).

When to ask

Ask right after a good experience, while it's fresh: just after delivery, after a support chat that went well, or right at pickup for an in-person sale. Don't wait weeks, most customers won't remember enough detail to write one later.

Where to ask

  • On the receipt or invoice, as a printed link or QR code.
  • In a follow up email, a few days after delivery.
  • By text, for businesses that already text customers about orders.
  • On a card inside the package, for anything shipped.
  • In person, right after a good conversation or sale.

Google itself lists these same channels: a link or QR code on receipts, in emails, at the end of chats, or printed in store (Google Business Profile Help).

What's against the rules

Google's own review policy bans a few specific things:

  • Fake reviews. A review must reflect a real experience. Google removes reviews that aren't based on one (Google review policy).
  • Review gating. You can't pressure customers to leave a review while they're still on your premises, or tell staff to go collect a set number of reviews.
  • Paying for reviews. Offering money, a discount, or free goods in exchange for posting a review, or for changing or removing a negative one, is banned. This applies even if the incentive doesn't require a positive review.

You can still ask customers for a genuine review. You just can't offer anything in return or tell them what to say.

The law on fake reviews

In the US, the FTC's final rule, announced August 14, 2024, bans businesses from creating, buying, or selling fake reviews, including AI-generated ones. It also bans paying for reviews conditioned on a particular sentiment, and bans using legal threats or intimidation to get a negative review taken down or stop one from being posted. The rule gives the FTC the power to seek civil penalties against businesses that knowingly break it (FTC). This is general information, not legal advice; check the rules that apply in your own country.

Templates to ask for a review

Email request

Template
Subject: How did we do? Hi [Customer name], Thanks for your recent order from [Store name]. If you have a minute, a quick review would really help other customers find us. [Review link] Thanks again for shopping with us. [Your name]

Text message

Template
Hi [Customer name], thanks for shopping with [Store name]. If you have 30 seconds, a review here means a lot: [Review link]

Packaging insert card

Template
Thank you for your order from [Store name]. Enjoying it? A quick review helps other customers find us. Scan the code or visit: [Review link]

In-person ask

Template
Thanks so much for coming in today. If you had a good experience, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I can text or email you the link right now if that's easier.

What to do once reviews start coming in

Not every review will be glowing. See how to respond to negative reviews for steps and reply templates that don't make things worse.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my Google review link?

Sign in at business.google.com, select Read reviews, then Get more reviews, then Copy. That gives you a link you can paste into an email, text, or printed card.

Can I offer a discount for a review?

No. Google's policy bans offering payment, discounts, or free goods in exchange for posting, changing, or removing a review. The FTC's 2024 rule bans paying for reviews tied to a particular sentiment too.

Is it okay to ask every customer for a review?

Yes, asking is fine. What's not allowed is pressuring someone while they're still on your premises, telling staff to chase a set number of reviews, or telling customers what to write.

What happens if I buy fake reviews?

Under the FTC's final rule, announced August 14, 2024, buying, selling, or creating fake reviews is banned for US businesses. The FTC can seek civil penalties against businesses that knowingly do it.

When's the best time to ask for a review?

Right after a good experience, such as right after delivery or right after a helpful support chat, while it's still fresh in the customer's mind.

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