Google reviews are a powerful tool for businesses. A high Google review rating can attract more customers and build trust. According to online review Forbes, more than 98% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, making it critical to master how to increase Google review ratings.
In this guide, you’ll discover 19 simple yet effective strategies to increase your Google review rating and stand out from the competition. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
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Three Benefits of More Google Business Reviews
Google reviews shape how customers see your business. Here are three key benefits of having more reviews and a higher Google review rating.
Increase Brand Trust and Credibility
Positive reviews on Google show that other people have had a good experience with you. Customers often check reviews before choosing a business. A 2025 BrightLocal study found that 83% of consumers always or often read reviews on Google when searching for local businesses.
High review ratings on Google signal trustworthiness, making customers more likely to choose you over your competitors. For example, customers are more likely to choose a brand with 4.8 stars and over 300 reviews than a brand with only 3.9 stars and 40 reviews.
BrightLocal reports that 83% of customers read reviews before making a purchase in 2025
Increased Customer Engagement
Reviews encourage customers to interact with your business. When customers leave feedback, they feel connected. Responding to reviews, especially positive ones, shows you value their input, and this encourages even more feedback.
According to WordStream, businesses that respond to reviews see 50% more customer spending. Learning how to increase Google review rating helps create a cycle of engagement that benefits both you and your customers.
Stronger Brand Reputation
A collection of positive reviews strengthens your brand. It shows you deliver quality service. The more reviews you have, the more likely you are to appear in the top 3 businesses shown in search results. By focusing on how to increase Google review ratings, you build a reputation that attracts new customers.
In addition, negative reviews aren’t always bad. It shows that you’re human and willing to improve. But you must handle them well. By knowing how to increase Google review rating through honest and consistent service, you build a brand that people want to support.
A collection of positive reviews strengthens your brand
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19 Fast and Easy Ways to Increase Google Review Rating
So, how do you actually start getting more reviews? Here’s the full list of practical, easy-to-implement tips that work for businesses of all sizes.
1. Make Sure Users Can Leave Reviews
First, check if your Google Business Profile is set up correctly. Without it, customers can’t leave reviews. You can confirm and verify your profile on Google My Business by following these steps:
- Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
- Step 2: Verify your location.
- Step 3: Add photos, your website, hours, and contact info.
- Step 4: Double-check that the “Leave a Review” button is visible on your listing
After setting up, it’s best to check if your business is listed by searching your brand name on Google. If you don’t see a panel with your info, it’s time to fix that. Regularly update your profile to avoid issues that block reviews.
A complete Google My Business profile helps customers find and assess you easily
2. Ask for Reviews
Ask for reviews is one of the fastest ways to get more reviews. Most happy customers are willing to leave a review if you just ask them nicely. For example, after a purchase or service, say, “Would you mind leaving us a review on Google?”
Would you mind leaving us a review on Google
Most people don’t mind leaving a review when they’ve had a good experience. But they won’t do it unless you remind them. So be polite, clear, and honest in your ask. This simple step is key to how to increase Google review rating.
3. Make It Easy to Leave a Review
Since your customers need to go online to leave a review, make it easier for them by creating a shortcut link and adding it to your website.
To do this, simply log in to your Google My Business account, go to the Home tab, and locate the “Get your first review” (or “Get more reviews”) card. Click on “Share review form” and copy the link to your clipboard.
Make It Easy to Leave a Review
Then, share the direct link via email, text message, or social media. You can also add it to your receipt or thank you page so customers can easily find it.
4. Use QR Codes to Link to Review Pages
In a June 2021 survey, Statista found that 45% of U.S. shoppers had used a marketing QR code in the past three months. Without a doubt, QR codes make leaving reviews effortless.
Simply create a link that leads directly to your business’s Google reviews page, then use that link to generate a QR code. Print it on receipts, business cards, or signage. When customers scan it, they’re taken directly to the review page. This removes all friction and makes it super quick for them to help you out.
Place a QR code at reception for quick customer reviews
5. Avoid Buying or Faking Reviews
Never pay for fake reviews. Google’s algorithm is quite sophisticated and can easily identify and flag these reviews, which might even lead to your listing being suspended. Plus, customers can tell when something is fake either way. A study by BrightLocal found that 45% of “overly positive” reviews would make them suspicious.
For example, a real 4.7-star rating from hundreds of real users is much better than a suspicious 5.0 with 10 reviews posted in a day. That’s the only way to boost Google reviews and improve review ratings.
Google could suspend your listing if it detects fake reviews
6. Get Reviewed Elsewhere
Encourage reviews on other platforms like Facebook, Amazon, YouTube, and other platforms too. These reviews can support your online presence. Then, encourage your happy reviewers there to copy and paste their review on Google.
More reviews across platforms build trust everywhere. It’s also a great way to show how to increase Google review ratings and connect with a wider range of customers.
7. Address Negative Reviews Quickly and Personally
If a negative review occurs, respond promptly within 24–48 hours and be polite. Never argue. Stay polite, even if the reviewer is harsh. For example, apologize and offer a solution: “Hi [Name], we’re sorry for your experience. Please reach out to us at [email/phone] so we can make it right.”
Structure of the negative review response form
People notice how you handle criticism. In most cases, they will see your response and think, “Wow, they actually care about their customers.” This also helps you avoid more bad reviews. Fix a customer’s issue quickly, and they might even update their review to something more positive. That’s a solid strategy in learning how to increase Google review rating the right way.
8. Encourage Public Testimonials
Customers often send private thank-you messages, emails, or DMs. These can be posted on your website or social media. With permission, turn testimonials into Google reviews. Public praise motivates others to leave reviews. This strategy aligns with how to increase Google review rating by showcasing real customer experiences.
Sharing testimonials on your website or social media is a powerful content marketing tactic that amplifies your brand’s credibility.
Sharing testimonials on your website or social media
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9. Add a Call-to-Action (CTA) in Your Newsletter
If you’re sending out newsletters and updates to your subscribers, add a clear CTA like, “Share your experience on Google!” Link directly to your review page. It is especially useful for businesses in service industries like salons, agencies, and repair shops.
10. Run a Google Review Email Campaign
A well-crafted email campaign can help boost Google reviews fast. Here’s a simple 3-part strategy:
- Intro email: Thank you for choosing us! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback helps us grow and serve you better.
- Follow-up: Did we meet your expectations? Let us know.
- Reminder: Only a minute, please share your thoughts on Google.
Include your direct review link and keep the tone personal. Use their name, mention what they bought or when they visited. You can automate this process using email tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo. This method can significantly increase your review count, especially if you get steady customer traffic.
11. Review Partners and Other Businesses
Want to get reviews from fellow businesses? Start by giving them one. Leave positive reviews for your suppliers, freelancers, or collaborators and mention how much you appreciate their service. Often, they’ll return the favor by leaving you a thoughtful review in return. It’s a win-win and a great way to build community and visibility.
This approach is especially helpful for B2B companies and service providers looking to grow their credibility. These reviews still count toward your total and help improve Google star rating.
Ask suppliers or business partners for reviews to get a multi-dimensional perspective
12. Get Google Reviews from Vendors and Partners
After proactively leaving reviews for your vendors and business partners, consider reaching out to request a review in return. These collaborators are familiar with your work and can provide genuine, trustworthy feedback.
Strengthen partnerships and boost your reviews by asking vendors and partners for feedback!
For instance, if you’ve partnered with a local service or supplier, ask them to leave a Google review. This builds your review count and strengthens partnerships, aiding how to increase Google review rating.
13. Provide Review-Worthy Service
If your service is forgettable or average, no one will take the time to leave a review. But if you surprise people, they’ll want to share it. Here are a few ideas:
Exceed expectations with thoughtful touches and encourage glowing reviews!
- Add a handwritten thank-you note in the packaging
- Give free samples or small gifts
- Remember returning customers by name
- Offer quick fixes when something goes wrong
14. Create a Feedback Loop
Ask customers for feedback before requesting a review. Use surveys or quick questions like, “How was your experience?”; ” If you rate us on a scale of 10, how many points would you give us?”; “Anything we could improve?”.
This creates a safe space for customers to share thoughts before they go public. This ensures you encourage reviews from happy customers. If not, fix it before they post online. A feedback loop filters out negative reviews and supports how to increase Google review rating.
A feedback loop filters bad reviews and boosts your Google rating
15. Create a Google Review Link Shortcut
Another effective way to increase Google review rating is to shorten your Google review link for easy sharing, especially on marketing channels. Long and complex URLs can discourage users from clicking or engaging. By creating a concise, branded link, you enhance trust and usability.
Use tools like Bitly to create a memorable URL. Share it on your website, social media, or email signatures. A short link is easier for customers to review and the more likely they are to leave positive feedback.
16. Promote Your Google Reviews Page
Showcase your Google reviews page on your website and social media. Add a “Leave a Review” button on your site. You can also share positive reviews as posts to inspire others. Actively promoting your review page not only encourages more feedback but also helps you learn how to increase Google review rating.
17. Ask for Google Reviews in Person
In-person requests work well, especially for local businesses. After a great interaction, ask, “Would you mind leaving us a Google review?” Train staff to make this part of their routine. This direct approach boosts how to increase Google review rating.
Boost your Google reviews with a simple, in-person request after a great interaction!
18. Emphasize to Customers How Quick and Easy It Is
Many customers hesitate to leave a review because they assume it will take a lot of time, even before they try the quick, streamlined process you’ve set up.
Tell customers that leaving a review takes less than a minute. For example, say, “It’s quick, just a star rating and a sentence!” Sometimes, just letting them know how fast and simple it is makes all the difference when trying to increase Google review rating.
19. Create “Leave Us a Review” Cards
Hand out small cards with your Google review link or QR code. Hand these out after each service or sale. You can leave them at the checkout, slip them into product bags or attach them to receipts. This method is low-cost and still very effective in learning how to increase Google review rating through real-world contact.
Hand out “Leave Us a Review” Cards to boost Google ratings
Make Google Business Reviews a Habit
To sustain a high Google review rating, incorporate Google review strategies into your routine. Train your team to ask for reviews naturally. Monitor your Google Business Profile for new reviews and respond quickly. Set goals, like gaining 10 new reviews each month.
Over time, this will build a steady flow of reviews that help you:
- Stay visible in local search
- Outrank your competitors
- Build stronger customer relationships
- Most importantly, your Google review rating will grow naturally and it will stay strong because it’s built on real experiences.
At Golden Owl Digital, we’ve seen how a high Google review rating drives trust and growth for our clients. Start today by setting up your Google Business Profile, asking for feedback, and responding to reviews. In addition, you can use an outsourced SEO Services so that evaluation takes place regularly.
Conclusion
Google reviews are one of the most powerful tools in your marketing kit. They improve search visibility, build trust with potential customers, and create a positive loop of growth for your brand. By focusing on strategies to get more positive Google reviews, you’re not only boosting your star rating but also building a lasting reputation.
If you are looking for an expert in this field, Golden Owl Digital is here to help you grow. Contact Golden Owl Digital for expert digital marketing solutions and see how to increase Google review rating with tailored strategies.
