You know those gold-star Google reviews that make a business look like a total rockstar? You can have those too. Seriously. Whether you’re running a small team or handling everything solo, getting great reviews doesn’t take a marketing degree—or hours of your time. It just takes the right timing, a little strategy, and a human approach.
Ready to start collecting reviews without making it weird? Let’s dive in.
First Things First: Claim Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Before you can start collecting reviews, you need to make sure your business is actually showing up on Google—and that it looks legit. That’s where your Google Business Profile comes in. If you haven’t claimed it yet, don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think.
Here’s how to claim your profile:
• Complete the verification process (usually by postcard or phone)
• Head to google.com/business
• Sign in with your business email (or create a Google account if you don’t have one)
• Search for your business—if it exists, you’ll see the option to claim it
• Search for your business and claim it, or create a new one if needed
When to Ask for Reviews (Timing is Everything)
Timing is everything when it comes to asking for Google reviews. Catch someone at the right moment, and they’re way more likely to leave one—without you having to follow up three times.
Ideal times to ask for a review:
• After a customer expresses satisfaction (“This looks great!”)
• When handing off a completed product or service
• In your project wrap-up or “thank you” message
• A few days after delivery, when they’ve had time to enjoy the result
• After resolving a problem and turning the experience around
Avoid asking too early (before you’ve delivered) or too late (when the impact has worn off). Keep the request light, friendly, and focused on their experience.
Remember: Happy customers are usually willing to help—you just have to ask at the right time.
How to Ask: Scripts You Can Actually Use
Asking for a review doesn’t have to be weird. In fact, the more casual and human your request sounds, the more likely people are to say yes. Whether you’re asking in person, over email, or via text, a little kindness and clarity go a long way.
Here are some simple scripts you can use right away.
In-person or phone conversation
“I’m so glad you’re happy with everything! If you have a minute, I’d love it if you could leave us a quick Google review—it really helps small businesses like ours grow.”
Email or message follow-up
Subject: Quick Favor? 😊
Hi [Customer Name],
Thanks again for choosing us! We hope everything turned out just how you expected. If you’re happy with the experience, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It only takes a minute and really helps others find us.
[Insert review link]
We appreciate you!
– [Your Name / Business Name]
Text message
Hey [First Name]! Thanks again for working with us—we really appreciate your support. If you have a minute, we’d love a quick Google review: [Link]
Make It Easy: Share a Direct Link
If you want more reviews, make it ridiculously easy to leave one. That means reducing the friction and giving people a direct link that takes them right to the review form.
Here’s how to get your Google review link:
1. Go to your Google Business Profile (use the Google Maps app or desktop).
2. Click or tap “Ask for reviews.”
3. Copy the short URL that pops up. That’s your magic link.
Once you have it, don’t be shy about sharing it!
Great places to drop your review link:
• Thank-you emails
• Follow-up texts
• Your email signature
• On your website’s contact or testimonials page
Remember: the fewer clicks, the better. Give customers one tap, and they’re in.
What If They Forget? How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy
People get busy—it’s not personal. Even your happiest customers might forget to leave a review the first time you ask. That’s why a gentle follow-up can go a long way (without feeling salesy or awkward).
Here’s how to follow up without the cringe:
• Wait a few days after your first request
• Keep your message short, friendly, and helpful
• Make it sound like a reminder, not a request
Example follow-up message:
Hi [First Name], just circling back in case our review request got buried (it happens!). If you had a great experience with us, we’d truly appreciate a quick review—it only takes a minute! Here’s the link: [Insert link]
You’re not nagging—you’re just making it easier for them to follow through on something they likely meant to do anyway.
Handling Negative Reviews (Without Panicking)
Nobody likes getting a bad review—but it’s not the end of the world. In fact, how you handle negative feedback can say more about your business than the review itself. People don’t expect perfection. They expect professionalism.
Here’s how to handle a negative review gracefully:
• Take a breath. Don’t respond while you’re emotional.
• Acknowledge the concern. Let them know you’ve heard them.
• Apologize if needed (even if you don’t agree 100%).
• Offer a path forward. Invite them to contact you to resolve the issue.
• Keep it public but polite. Others are watching how you respond.
Example reply:
Hi [Name], thank you for your feedback. We’re really sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet expectations. That’s never our goal, and we’d love the chance to make it right. Please feel free to reach out to us at [your email/phone] so we can talk further.
Bad reviews happen—but a thoughtful response shows that you care about getting it right.
Let’s Grow Your Online Reputation—Together
Getting more reviews is just the start. At EDJE, we’re all about helping small businesses build real momentum online—through smart marketing, clean websites, and reputation strategies that actually work. If you’re ready to get found, get chosen, and grow, we’re ready too.
Reach out today and let’s get your digital presence working as hard as you do.