1. Algorithms Love Reviews — And They Love Consistency Even More

• Google and other platforms don’t just look at how many reviews you have — they look at how often you’re getting them, where they appear, and how authentic they seem.
• New reviews = freshness = relevance in Google’s eyes
• Algorithms favor natural cadence (think: 2–4 reviews/month)
• Bursts (like 10 in a week, then nothing for 6 months) can trigger spam filters or stall your local ranking momentum

2. Yes, You Do Need Reviews Everywhere That Matters

A common myth: “We only need Google reviews.”

That’s your primary platform, but not your only one. Smart business owners diversify review sources across:

Primary Platforms:

• Google Business Profile (non-negotiable)
• Facebook Business Page
• Trustpilot (general online services, B2C)

Secondary Platforms (Industry-Dependent):

• Healthgrades, ZocDoc (medical)
• Avvo, Justia (legal)
• Nextdoor (local trust signals)
• Yelp (especially for food or beauty industries)
• Houzz, Angi, Thumbtack (home services)
• TripAdvisor (think anything tourist- restaurant, coffee shop, boutique store, spas, even farmers markets!)

Start with Google — but don’t stop there. Ask loyal clients to review you on more than one platform over time.

3. How Many Reviews Should You Have?

• 30+ Google reviews gives your business credibility and ranking power
• After that, aim for 2–4 new reviews per month
• The goal is volume + recency + diversity
• Your competitor with 100 old reviews and nothing new in a year? You can pass them.

4. What If You Don’t Have Any?

Start now. Even one honest review helps your visibility. Here’s your action plan:

• Reach out to 10 past happy clients this week
• Use a personal message (email, text, or call)
• Include your review link and thank them for their time
• You’re not bothering them — you’re giving them a chance to support a business they already value.

5. Why Fake or “Friend” Reviews Can Backfire

• Google is smart. Yelp is even smarter.
• Platforms use IP tracking, timing, wording patterns, and browser data to detect fake reviews.
• Reviews from your team, your mom, or your BNI friend across the country? Obvious.
• 10 five-star reviews in 24 hours using vague, generic praise? Red flag.
• Focus on real customers. Real stories. Real outcomes.

6. How to Ask for Reviews (That Actually Works)

• Personal — use their name
• Timely — ask right after a positive outcome
• Simple — make it easy for them to say yes

Best times to ask:

• At the end of a job when they say “thank you” or “this looks great!”
• After they’ve rebooked or referred someone
• Immediately after a purchase or service (in person, by phone, or via text)

Methods to ask:

• Text message with your review link (most effective)
• Personal email from the owner or service provider
• Printed QR Code on your business card handed out after service
• Phone call from your front desk or office manager
• Follow-up email a few days later
• NFC tag on your clipboard or on your checkout counter, brochure, or vehicle window

7. Example Scripts That Feel Natural

In-person:

“Hey, if you were happy with the service today, would you mind leaving us a quick review? It really helps other people find us.”

Text message:

“Hi [First Name] — it was a pleasure serving you! If we made your day a little easier, would you mind sharing that in a Google review? Here’s the link — just tap and type!
[Insert Link]
Thanks for supporting a local business!”

After positive feedback:

“Honestly, the best thank-you you could give us is a quick review. It helps other people find a company they can trust — just like you did.”

8. What Makes a Strong Review (And Why You Should Care)

Encourage customers to include:

• The specific service they got
• The city or area (helps with local SEO)
• What problem you solved
• Why they chose you over someone else

These details add keywords and trust-building power to your online presence — and help future customers say yes.

9. Tools That Can Help Automate This

• NiceJob – Automates follow-ups and sends review requests (starting at $75-125, and a 14-day free trial)
• GatherUp – Great for multi-location businesses (pricing starting at $99-120)
• Podium – SMS-based review requests with high conversion (pricing starting at $399-599)
• Birdeye – Great for multi-location brands (pricing starting at $299-499)

10. Start Today — Because Waiting Hurts More Than Asking

Many business owners put off reviews with excuses like:

• “We don’t want to bother people.”
• “We’re too busy.”
• “We’ll do it after the website is updated.”

But reviews compound. Every review you get now makes it easier to earn the next one — and pushes you closer to the top of search results.

Start small, stay consistent, and watch your online presence grow. Treat your reviews like you treat your revenue source and your bottom line—because they are directly connected.