Google reviews are a critical part of building trust with your potential customers. They help answer the question, “Why should I choose this business?” That’s why 95% of people look up reviews before patronizing a business; they want to know if other customers have had a good experience and what they can expect. 

Google has also factored business reviews into its local ranking algorithm, with businesses that have more positive reviews appearing higher on the SERP. If you want to expand your business’ reach to more online and offline customers, Google reviews are an excellent place to start.

So let’s dive into traditional and out-of-the-box strategies you can use to gain more Google business reviews.

Absolutely. Google reviews are as important in 2025 as they’ve ever been, maybe even more so. Think about it—when was the last time you picked a restaurant, a hotel, or a service without checking reviews first? For many people, those stars are often the first impression they get of your business. 

Reviews can make or break their decisions – and your patronage –in seconds. It’s bad enough if you have a mediocre review. But if your business doesn’t exist there, that could be even worse!

There’s also visibility on Google. Google’s search engine prioritizes businesses with good reviews in local searches. So if you’re running a local business, you want to appear on the first page, and that heavily depends on your review score. 

Potential customers still look to Google reviews when deciding which where to shop

Positive reviews improve your local search ranking and make your business easier to find.

The first step in collecting reviews is ensuring your business is listed on Google. To do this, create or claim your Google Business profile. To do this:

Enter your business name, location, and category. If your business is already listed, request ownership.

Verify your listing via mail, phone, or email.

Be sure your address is accurate so customers can find you with Google maps.

You can also add different branch locations, if you have them.

Enhance your profile with photos, operating hours, contact information, and a compelling business description.

An optimized Google profile means people can find the information about your business. You can also link to your website, attract reviews, and help your business stand out in search results.

The simpler it is for people to leave you a review, the higher the chances they will follow through. Creating a direct link to your Google review page is a great start. You can generate this link through your Google My Business dashboard. Once you have it, consider using a link shortener like Bit.ly to make it easier to share in emails, texts, or on your website.

You can also use QR codes to make the process more seamless. Simply generate a scannable QR code that leads directly to your review page and display it in visible locations like your checkout counter or printed on your receipts.

Better still, you can create Google review signage with QR codes for digital displays in your store and really draw attention.

Read More: POS Advertising and Digital Signage

3. Add a Google review widget to your website

Your website is a great place to remind visitors to leave a review. Strategically placed pop-ups and Google review widgets can guide them to your Google review page without disrupting their browsing experience.

To make pop-ups effective, keep them friendly and relevant. For example, after a customer completes a purchase, a pop-up could say: “Thank you for your order! We’d love to hear about your experience—leave us a quick review on Google.” You also want to add a time delay before showing them to visitors – about eight seconds, according to Getsitecontrol)

Pop-up feedbacks have a 12.56% conversion rate, so they can be quite effective with a large enough number of visitors.

Your in-store interactions are valuable moments to connect with customers and request reviews. Train your staff to mention your Google review page during appropriate moments. For example, after completing a transaction, a team member could say: “If you enjoyed your visit, we’d love to hear your thoughts on Google!”

Also, place friendly signs around your store encouraging reviews. A simple message like, “Share your experience with us on Google—your feedback helps us grow!” can make a big difference.

Guerilla marketing is all about using unconventional tactics to get your business’ name out there. You can apply it to your review drive for some interesting results. 

The major idea is that using unexpected and out of the box tactics to ask for reviews will really stand out to repeat and new customers alike, increasing the chances that they’ll actually respond. 

A pop up review booth: Set up a small, eye-catching booth or kiosk near your location, or at a local event, offering freebies, small gifts, or snacks for anyone who takes a minute to leave a Google review on the spot.

Sticker campaign: Hand out stickers that say, “I Reviewed [Your Business]!” to customers who leave reviews. These stickers can double as free advertising if people wear them or stick them somewhere visible.

Local influencer collaborations: Partner with micro-influencers in your area to promote your business and encourage their followers to leave Google reviews. 

Read More: What is Digital Guerilla Marketing

6. Include Google review options in surveys

If a customer has already taken the time to fill out a survey, they’re likely willing to go a step further and leave a Google business review. The key is to integrate this option seamlessly into the survey process.

Start by adding a section at the end of your survey that invites respondents to leave a review. For example, after they’ve answered your questions, include a prompt like, “We’d love for you to share your experience on Google! Click here to leave a quick review.” 

Provide a direct Google review link or embed a scannable QR code for easy access. This ensures that transitioning from the survey to your review page is effortless.

To make this even more effective, express gratitude for their time and explain how their quick Google review contributes to improving your business. 

Another creative way to encourage reviews for your business is publicly celebrating customers who have done so. 

A "Review Wall of Fame" can be a physical display in your store or a virtual one on your website or social media channels.

For a physical wall, print excerpts from some of your positive Google reviews and pair them with photos of the reviewers (with their permission). Highlighting their words in an artistic, engaging format adds personality to your business and demonstrates how much you value customer feedback. 

Online, share reviews with personalized thank-you messages or shoutouts to create the same sense of recognition. When other customers see the spotlight, they’re more likely to leave their own reviews to be featured.

You could also use a digital recognition wall for your online review wall of fame.

Sometimes, customers hesitate to leave reviews because they think the process will be time-consuming or unimportant. It’s your job to remind them how quick and impactful their feedback can be. Let them know that, in just a few minutes, they can help your business grow, improve, and continue providing great service.

This message can be conveyed through in-store signage, email campaigns, or even short conversations with staff. The key is to frame it as an opportunity for them to make a difference—not just for you, but for other customers looking for trustworthy recommendations.

9. Ask for reviews on your social media 

Social media platforms are great tools for driving reviews because they allow you to connect directly with your followers. Create posts asking for feedback and share why their Google business reviews matter. You might say something like, “We’re always working to improve—if we’ve made your day, let us know on Google!

You can also engage with followers through stories or polls, asking for feedback in a fun, interactive way. For added impact, showcase some of your best reviews in posts to inspire others to contribute.

One tactic that also works really well is shouting out your current reviewers. Post your Google review on social media and publicly thank customers for helping make your business better.

10. Get vendors and other business partners to leave you a review

Reviews don’t always have to come from customers; vendors, suppliers, and other business partners can provide valuable perspectives on what it’s like working with you. These reviews offer potential customers a broader view of your business’s professionalism and reputation.

Reach out to your partners with a personalized request, emphasizing how much you value their input. To strengthen relationships, consider offering to leave them a review in return—an exchange that benefits both parties.

11. Ask for reviews using the right questions

Instead of generic prompts, ask specific questions that encourage detailed feedback. For example:

“What did you enjoy most about your experience with us?”

“How did we meet or exceed your expectations?”

"What could we improve to make your experience better?"

Reviews answering these questions can offer potential customers a broader view of your business. 

If you have existing reviews on Google, use them to attract further engagement. When you respond to both positive and negative reviews, you show that your business values customer reviews and takes it seriously.  

These responses can act as social proof for potential reviewers, who see that their voices will be heard. Plus, thanking reviewers for their kind words or addressing their concerns publicly can help build trust in your business. 

Surveys back all of this - according to shoutaboutus, 52% of customers are likely to use a business that responds to negative reviews, while 89% are likely to patronize a business that responds to all reviews.

Email remains one of the most effective tools for connecting with customers after their purchase, and you can use them to send follow-ups asking for a review.

First, you want to make sure you have their permission to send communications. Otherwise, you could risk a GDPR violation. 

Next, personalize the emails as much as possible, addressing customers by name and referencing their recent interaction with your business. Keep the tone light and appreciative, and include a Google review link for easy access. 

To boost engagement, consider offering a small incentive, like a discount code, branded pens, a custom calendar, or entry into a giveaway, as a thank-you for their time.

Four easy ways to get online reviews with digital signage

All kinds of businesses use digital signage to communicate, whether it’s with employees, customers, or the general public. One reason it’s so effective is the dynamic and attention grabbing visuals you can put on your digital signage screens. 

They are useful for increasing foot traffic, improving the in-store customer experience, or getting more Google reviews for your business!

Strategically placed digital displays combined with the right content can prompt customers to share their experiences in real time. Here are four creative ways to do this.

14. Showcase positive reviews with a call-to-action

Use your digital signage to highlight glowing reviews from previous customers. Here, ScreenCloud’s Google Reviews app can be particularly useful. Display these testimonials clearly, paired with a simple message encouraging others to share their experiences as well.

"Loved your visit? We’d love to hear about it! Leave us a review on Google."

Including a QR code or short URL alongside the displayed Google reviews makes it easy for customers to act on the spot. When they see others sharing positive feedback, it builds social proof and inspires them to contribute.

Read More: Create and Track QR Codes for Digital Signage

15. Use eye-catching animations to prompt reviews

You can also create eye-catching visuals with dynamic animations on your screens to draw attention. Run these on a loop paired with messages like:

“Help us grow! Share your thoughts on Google.”

“Rate your experience today—it takes less than 2 minutes!”

Add some vibrant colors, fun icons, and actionable elements like QR codes to really drive up engagement. 

16. Run a review contest highlighted on your digital signage

Turn your digital signage into a promotional platform for a review-and-reward contest. Use the screens to advertise the contest, explaining that customers who leave reviews can win exciting prizes, such as discounts, gift cards, or free products.

On a different slide, include details about how to participate, with clear instructions.

When using this strategy, bear in mind that Google frowns upon paying customers for reviews. 

17. Integrate feedback prompts into your checkout process

Reviews and testimonials are an important part of any business. How can you get more Google reviews from your customers both online and offline?

How to Get More Google Reviews - Simple Strategies for Huge Results

How to Get More Google Reviews - Simple Strategies for Huge Results

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