How to get more Google reviews without breaking the rules.

What is the best way to get more Google reviews?

Ask every customer, at the moment the job is finished and they are happy, with a direct link to your review form. Send the request by text, where it is one tap away, and send one reminder at most. Consistency beats campaigns: an automatic request after every job asks everyone, not just the customers someone remembered.

1. Get your review linkIn Google Business Profile, open Read reviews, then Get more reviews, and copy the link or save the QR code.
2. Pick the momentWhen the work is done and the customer has seen the result.
3. Send it by textA short, personal message with the link.
4. Remind onceTwo or three days later, then stop.
5. Reply to every reviewThank people, and answer criticism calmly.

Google's help page notes the QR code can only be created from a computer browser, not the mobile app.

What are the ACCC rules on asking for reviews?

You must not write or arrange fake reviews, offer incentives only for positive reviews, or remove or edit genuine negative reviews to make your business look better. Any incentive must apply to positive and negative reviews alike and be clearly disclosed, and relationships with reviewers must be disclosed.

The ACCC's managing online reviews guidance (updated 15 July 2026) says you need an adequate basis to believe a review is fake before removing it. In March 2026 PhotobookShop paid $39,600 in penalties after the ACCC alleged it told influencers not to disclose free products and edited negative comments out of a review.

Can I only ask happy customers for a Google review?

No. Google's policy says businesses must not discourage negative reviews or selectively ask for positive ones. Asking a satisfaction question first and only sending the Google link to people who say they are happy, often called review gating, breaks that rule. Ask every customer the same way.

Google's user contributed content policy also bans reviews from current or former employees and any payment, discount or free service in exchange for a review. Reviews that break the policy can be removed.

What should a Google review request text say?

Keep it short, personal and specific to the job, with the direct link and no incentive. Name the customer and the work, say a review helps a local business, and make clear honest feedback is welcome. Do not add a promotion, which would make it a commercial message under the Spam Act.

• 'Hi Sam, thanks for having us out to fix the hot water today. If you have a minute, an honest Google review would really help: [link]. Thanks, Jess, Smith Plumbing.'
• 'Hi Priya, it was great to meet you at your first appointment. We would value your honest feedback on Google: [link]. The team at Northside Physio.'
• 'Hi Tom, your system is up and running. If you can spare a moment, we would appreciate a review of how we went: [link]. Bright Solar.'

Regulated health practitioners should also read AHPRA's testimonial tool: testimonials about clinical aspects of care cannot be used to advertise regulated health services, and clinics are responsible for reviews on sites and social pages they control.

How should I reply to a negative Google review?

Reply promptly and politely, thank them, acknowledge the problem without arguing, never reveal personal or job details, and offer to fix it offline with a name and phone number. Readers judge the reply as much as the review. Do not offer anything in return for removing it.

If a review is fake or breaks Google's policy, report it through your Business Profile rather than replying in anger. Keep your evidence, because the ACCC expects an adequate basis before a genuine-looking review is challenged.

How does Launch Your Dream automate review requests?

A review request goes out automatically when a job reaches the finished stage in the CRM, to every customer, with your direct Google link and one reminder. On LYD Solar Suite, and on the Elevate plans of LYD Assist and LYD Pest Control, replies to new reviews are drafted for you.

Reputation management is part of the VCPility Elevate plan and above (vcpility.com.au/plans, checked October 2026). Live demos: solar, NDIS, accounting and pest control.