Google reviews
How to Get More Google Reviews: 7 Ways That Follow the Rules
3 min read
The most effective way to get more Google reviews is to ask every customer, at the right moment, in a way that takes seconds, without first checking whether they were happy. Google prohibits businesses from asking only for positive reviews and from offering discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. Here are seven methods that stay within the rules, and the mistakes to avoid.
First, the rules: what does Google prohibit?
Under Google's policy for user-contributed content, businesses may not discourage or prohibit negative reviews, may not selectively ask customers for positive reviews, and may not offer money, discounts or free products in exchange for reviews (Google policy page).
- Offering a discount, free dessert or gift for a review
- Sending your review link only to customers who seem happy
- Having employees, relatives or friends write reviews
- Offering a customer something to remove or change a negative review
Reviews that break these rules can be removed by Google. More importantly, a picture that doesn't reflect reality erodes customer trust over time.
1. Get your review link and QR code
From your Google Business Profile you can create a link and a QR code that take customers straight to the review form (Google help page). Customers don't have to search for you on Maps; one tap opens the review screen.
2. Ask everyone, at the right moment
The best moment is when the service ends: while the bill is paid, when a job is finished or when an order is handed over. Ask every customer in the same way. Asking only the tables that look pleased breaks the rules and leaves you with reviews that don't reflect reality.
3. Put the QR code where customers will see it
- At the counter and the payment point
- On the bill or the receipt
- On takeaway bags and boxes
- At the entrance or the waiting area
4. Write a short, honest invitation
Would you share your experience on Google? Your reviews help us improve. Just scan the QR code.
Don't steer people with lines like “Give us 5 stars.” Asking for an honest opinion follows the rules and produces more credible reviews.
5. Reply to every review, especially the negative ones
Replies show new customers that you listen. A calm, solution-focused reply to a negative review often leaves a stronger impression than a positive review.
Hi James, we're sorry about the wait you experienced. We've reviewed how we staff Saturday evenings. We'd love to give you a better experience next time; feel free to contact us directly.
6. Read your reviews and note recurring themes
If the same complaint shows up in several reviews (wait times or food temperature, for example), it's a process problem, not a single unhappy customer. Share these themes with your team and mention the fix in your replies once it's done.
7. Use a separate feedback channel to catch problems early
A feedback QR code on the table lets customers tell you directly how their visit went, so you can spot and fix a problem the same day. This channel doesn't replace Google reviews and must not be used to keep customers from reviewing you on Google. The two do different jobs: one helps you improve, the other helps new customers find you.
We explain how to set up a feedback QR code step by step in collecting feedback with a table QR code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I offer a discount or freebie for a review?
No. Google prohibits offering money, discounts or free products in exchange for reviews. Reviews obtained this way can be removed.
Can I ask only happy customers for a review?
No. Google's policy prohibits selectively asking customers for positive reviews. Make the same request to every customer.
Can I delete a negative review?
A business owner can't delete a review. You can only report reviews that break Google's policy, such as fake or abusive ones. For other negative reviews, a calm and solution-focused reply is the best response.
See what your customers think, every day
With Hunlio Feedback, guests scan the QR code on the table and rate your business and the person who served them. You see the results on your dashboard, with low ratings in a separate list. The first 14 days are free.
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