# How to get more Google reviews (without breaking the rules)

By Banish Angural · Published August 20, 2026 · Updated November 9, 2026

> Ask every customer, right after a job goes well, with a direct review link sent by text or email. Make it personal and quick, follow up once, and reply to every review. Google’s rules ban paying for reviews, offering discounts in exchange, and only asking happy customers through a filter, so ask everyone the same way.

## The system

1. **Get your review link** from your Google Business Profile (Ask for reviews).
2. **Ask in person** at the end of the job: "Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I’ll text you the link."
3. **Text the link** within the hour, with the customer’s name and the job.
4. **Follow up once** a few days later if they haven’t.
5. **Reply to every review,** mentioning the service and area naturally.

## A text template

"Hi Sam, thanks for having us out to fix the furnace today. If you have a minute, a Google review really helps a small local business: [link]. Thanks! – Alex, Example Heating"

## What’s not allowed

- Paying or giving discounts for reviews.
- Review gating: only sending the link to happy customers.
- Writing reviews for yourself or asking staff and family.
- Buying reviews.

## Make it a habit

Put the ask into your job-completion checklist or software, so it happens on every job, not just when you remember.

## Want reviews to come in on autopilot?

We set up review requests for home-service businesses as part of [local SEO](https://banishmedia.com/services/local-seo). Reviews also lift [Local Services Ads](https://banishmedia.com/services/local-services-ads) ranking. Start with a [free audit](https://banishmedia.com/free-audit).

## Sources

- [Tips to get more reviews](https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122), Google
- [Manage customer reviews](https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474050), Google
- [Prohibited & restricted content](https://support.google.com/business/answer/7400114), Google

## Questions readers ask

### Can I offer a discount for a Google review?

No. Google prohibits offering incentives for reviews. Ask every customer the same way instead.