Why reviews matter
Reviews are the first thing most people check. Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking, and that replying to reviews shows you value feedback.
Shoppers say the same. In a 2026 BrightLocal survey of US shoppers, 97% said they read reviews for local businesses, and 89% expect owners to reply to them.
What I do
- Make asking easy. You get a short link and a QR code that open the review box for your business. I give you a few simple lines to say at the end of a job, or to send by text or email.
- Reply to every review. Thank-you replies for good ones, in a voice that sounds like you. Calm, fair replies for bad ones. I can send you the tricky ones to check first.
- Report fake reviews. If a review breaks Google’s rules, like spam or a review from someone who was never a customer, I help you report it. Google decides what comes down. An honest bad review usually stays, and a good reply helps more than you’d think.
The rules I follow (and so should you)
Google has firm rules on reviews. Breaking them can get reviews removed, or worse. Here is what Google does not allow:
- No rewards. You can’t offer money, discounts or free stuff in return for a review.
- No picking only happy customers. Asking only people you think will leave 5 stars is called review gating. Ask everyone.
- No staff reviews. Employees, owners and family should not review the business.
- No review quotas for staff.
- No fake or bought reviews. Ever.
You can read them in Google’s policy on fake engagement and incentives.
If you send review requests by email or text, Canada’s anti-spam law (CASL) also has rules. I’ll help you send them the right way.
What I need from you
Keep asking every customer for an honest review. That part only you can do, and it works best in person. I make it quick and easy.