How to Get More Google Reviews (Without Breaking Google's Rules or FTC Law)

Transcript

Fewer than twenty Google reviews? Almost half of customers will pass.

I'm Grant. Let's get you past twenty.

That number comes from BrightLocal's twenty twenty-six survey of about a thousand American consumers. Forty-seven percent said they won't use a business with fewer than twenty reviews. In the next few minutes, you'll learn why fresh reviews matter more than old ones, the simplest way to get more of them, and the rules that can get you in trouble with Google, and with the federal government.

This episode is sponsored by Meritly. More about them later.

First, the good news. Most customers will leave a review if you ask. In that same survey, seventy-eight percent of consumers said a business asked them for feedback in the past year. And twenty-eight percent said they'll always write a review when asked. That's up from sixteen percent the year before. So for most businesses, the fix starts with asking.

Second, the count matters, but so does the age. Seventy-four percent of consumers look for reviews written in the last three months. Almost a third look for reviews from the last two weeks. So a pile of reviews from three years ago doesn't do the same job as a steady stream of new ones. Don't treat reviews as a one-time push. Treat them as a habit.

And the stars matter too. Thirty-one percent said they'll only use a business with four and a half stars or better. That's nearly double the year before.

Now, how to ask. Make it a routine, and ask every customer, not just the happy ones. Google's policy says businesses can't selectively ask for positive reviews. So build the ask into something you already do for everyone. Your receipt. Your thank-you email. The end of a chat with a customer. Those are Google's own suggestions. Use the free review link from your Business Profile, so leaving a review is one tap. Episode three walks through getting that link and QR code.

Keep the ask short and honest. Something like, "Thanks for coming in. If you have a minute, we'd appreciate an honest Google review. Here's the link." That's it. No star count. No script for what to write.

Speaking of four and a half stars, a quick word from our sponsor, Meritly. If your business has earned four point five stars or better across thirty or more Google reviews, you've done something most businesses haven't. Meritly turns that into something your customers can actually see, like an award plaque for your wall, certificates, review signs, and even a press release announcing it. Find out more at meritly dot U S. That's M, E, R, I, T, L, Y dot U S.

Okay, back to it.

Now the rules, because there are two sets. Google's, and the federal government's.

Google's first. No incentives for a review. No payment, no discounts, no freebies. And no reviews from employees, family, or anyone else with a conflict of interest. Google removes those.

Then the federal rule. In twenty twenty-four, the Federal Trade Commission finalized a rule banning fake reviews. Under it, businesses can't buy reviews, and can't offer anything in exchange for a review that has to be positive, or negative. Reviews from employees and other insiders have to clearly disclose that connection. And you can't use baseless legal threats or intimidation to stop a negative review, or to get one taken down. The FTC can seek civil penalties from businesses that knowingly break the rule.

One more habit that helps. Reply to the reviews you get. Google lists replying as one of its best practices for getting more reviews. And in BrightLocal's survey, eighty percent of consumers said they're likely to use a business that responds to all of its reviews. Half said they're unlikely to choose a business whose replies sound templated. Episode one covers how to reply.

And if a new review doesn't show up right away, don't panic. Google says reviews are checked for policy compliance, which can take a few days. Your star rating can take up to two weeks to update.

Quick recap. Ask every customer, in a routine you already have. Use your one-tap review link. Ask for an honest review, nothing more. Never pay or reward anyone for one. Keep them coming, because fresh reviews count. And reply.

Now, how do you know the habit is working? Meritly built free Google review monitoring. Once a month, you get one email with your new reviews, any rating changes, and every one-to-three-star review that still needs a reply. It's free, no credit card, and you can unsubscribe with one click. The link is in the description.

I'm Grant. Go ask your next customer.