How to Get More Google Reviews: A Guide for Tradies (Australia)

Why Google Reviews Matter

Nearly half of Australians say reviews influence their purchase decisions. Reviews boost visibility in Google search results and Google Maps, acting as social proof that helps new customers choose your business.

Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

Claim and Verify Your Listing

1. Visit business.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Search for your business or select "Add your business to Google"
4. Complete your profile with basic business details
5. Verify ownership (Google sends verification via postcard, email, or phone)
6. Once verified, you can manage and reply to reviews

Ensure Google Maps Visibility

Your business needs to appear as a physical location on Google Maps. Include your street address or service area so customers can find and review you.

Know Google's Rules

You cannot offer discounts, gifts, or incentives for reviews. Requests must be neutral — inviting all customers to leave feedback, not just satisfied ones. Violations can result in review removal or account suspension.

Optimizing Your Profile

Complete your listing with:

• Opening hours
• Contact details
• Service areas and delivery options
• Clear business description
• Website or booking page link
• Services, pricing, or menus
• High-quality photos of your space, team, or work

Respond to all reviews — both positive and negative — to demonstrate you value feedback and are engaged with customers.

How to Ask for Reviews by Channel

In Person

Ask during or just after a positive interaction. Keep it conversational:

"How did everything go today? That's great to hear — thanks! If you're open to it, we'd love a Google review when you have a minute."

Via Text Message

Send shortly after service, keeping it brief and friendly:

"Hi [Name], thanks for using [Business Name]! If you'd like, a Google review would mean a lot. Link: [URL]"

Via Email

Use a clear subject line and make the action easy:

Subject: Thanks for visiting – mind sharing your thoughts?

"Hi [Name], thanks for choosing us! We'd be grateful for a quick Google review at [link]. It helps people like you find us."

On Social Media

• Post occasional reminders with your review link
• Add "Leave a Review" to your Instagram bio or Linktree
• Pin review requests to your feed top
• Create Stories or Reels showing how to leave reviews
• Highlight top reviews weekly

Tools to Collect Reviews

Generate a Direct Review Link

1. Sign into your Google Business Profile
2. Go to Read Reviews > Get more reviews
3. Copy the link provided
4. Use a URL shortener (Bitly, TinyURL) for cleaner sharing

Create and Display QR Codes

1. In your profile, go to Read Reviews > Get more reviews
2. Right-click the QR code → Save image
3. Print and display on receipts, signage, packaging, or loyalty cards

Strategic Touchpoints for Review Requests

• Feedback surveys: Use short surveys to gauge satisfaction, then follow up with review requests to satisfied customers
• Thank-you postcards: Send within a week of service with your review link or QR code included
• Email signatures: Add "Leave us a Google review" linked to your review page
• Review cards: Keep wallet-sized cards at your counter with thank-you message, QR code, and link

Train Your Team

Empower staff to naturally ask for reviews after positive customer interactions. Provide simple scripts and practice opportunities so they feel confident. Your team is on the front lines — they'll recognize the best moments to ask.

Review Request Templates

In-person: "How did everything go today? Great — thanks! If you're open to it, a Google review would be awesome."

Email: "Hi [Name], thanks for stopping by [Business]! We'd be grateful for a quick Google review. It helps people discover us. [Button: Leave a Review]"

SMS: "Hi [Name], thanks for visiting [Business]! A quick Google review would mean a lot: [short URL]"

Review card: "Thanks for your support! Mind leaving a quick Google review? Scan the QR code or visit: [QR code] [short URL]"

Encourage Reviews from Partners

Ask vendors, contractors, and business partners you've worked with successfully to leave a review about your professionalism and reliability.

Promote Positive Reviews

• Turn review quotes into branded graphics for social media
• Create short video testimonials
• Share reviews in Stories with animations or emojis
• Frame standout quotes near your register
• Create window decals displaying your Google star rating
• Make a "What Our Customers Say" poster or pinboard

Other Review Platforms

Also claim listings and encourage reviews on Yelp, Tripadvisor, Trustpilot, and other platforms relevant to your industry.

FAQs

Can you buy Google reviews? No. Buying reviews violates Google's policies and risks account suspension or review removal.

Can you delete bad reviews? You can flag fake, abusive, or policy-violating reviews. Genuine negative reviews cannot be removed, but responding professionally can help resolve issues.

Where do Google reviews appear? In your Google Business Profile, Google Maps listings, and Google Search results when people look up your business.

What are the steps to get more reviews?

1. Set up a complete, up-to-date Google Business Profile
2. Make reviews easy with links and QR codes at key touchpoints
3. Ask at the right moments and involve your team
4. Showcase great reviews on your website, social media, and in-store to inspire others