How to ask for Google reviews without breaking the rules
Reviews help people choose you, and asking for them is allowed. What isn't allowed is manipulating them. Here is what to know to ask the right way. I'm not a lawyer; always check the current rules.
What you can do
- Ask real customers who had an experience with you for a review.
- Share your Google Business Profile's review link or QR code: on the receipt, in a thank-you email, by WhatsApp, or printed in your shop. In your profile, look for Read reviews > Get more reviews; the QR code is generated from a computer. Google's instructions.
- Reply to reviews calmly, briefly and professionally.
What you must not do
- Offer discounts, gifts or money in exchange for a review, or for changing or deleting one.
- Ask only the customers you think will be happy, or discourage the rest (this is called review “gating”).
- Ask for a specific rating or wording, or pressure the customer to write it in your shop.
- Give staff a review quota.
- Write reviews of your own business yourself, or have family or employees do it, or buy them.
Google describes this in its Maps content policy. Also, since October 2024 an FTC rule prohibits fake reviews and buying them.
A simple way to do it
Ask every customer, with the same words, for example: “If you liked the service, a Google review helps us a lot. Here's the link.” No pressure, no prize, and no asking for five stars.
Bad reviews
A bad review isn't removed with threats, or fixed by asking the customer to change it in exchange for something. Reply calmly, offer to sort it out by phone and let the customer decide. A mix of reviews often looks more believable than only praise.
Where Briovox fits in
The Siempre Abierto and Agenda Llena plans include a link and QR code to ask for reviews and a reply to every Google review. We don't provide reviews or promise how many you'll get. If you're a barber or run an auto shop, see barbershops or auto shops.