How To Get and Manage Google Reviews on Your Google Business Profile
- Hookle
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Table of Content
Google Reviews can make or break your business online. They’re often the first thing potential customers see, and their decisions are often based on them. A steady stream of positive feedback can lead to more clicks, more visits, and ultimately, more sales.
Google Reviews are often the first thing potential customers see
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get and manage Google Reviews using your Google Business Profile.
Regardless of whether you have a physical address or operate online-only, the tips here are practical, easy to apply, and tailored to everyday entrepreneurs, whether you're running a small bakery, a salon, or a plumbing business.
What Is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. You can add your business name, location, opening hours, website, photos - and yes, collect and reply to reviews.
Google Profile lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps
If you’ve ever Googled “coffee shop near me” and clicked on one of the listings that pops up with reviews, opening times, and directions - that’s a Google Business Profile in action.
If you don’t have a Google Business Profile, you're missing out and may be invisible in online searches when customers look for your business. Don’t have a Google profile yet? No physical location or address? Don’t worry - it's easy to set up for free, whether you have a location or not, and it only takes a few minutes. Create Google profile here!
Why Are Google Reviews So Important?
Here’s the thing: according to study by BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a local business. And they trust them almost as much as personal recommendations.
Reviews can:
Improve your visibility in local search results
Build trust with potential customers
Provide valuable feedback to improve your service
Influence buying decisions
Even boost click-through rates to your website
Think of reviews as modern-day word of mouth. The more you collect - and manage well - the stronger your online presence becomes.
How To Get More Google Reviews (Without Sounding Pushy)
Photo by juststock via Canva
Many business owners hesitate to ask for reviews because they don’t want to bother customers. But most happy customers are actually willing to leave a review - they just need a nudge. Here are a few simple ways to ask.
1. Ask Right After a Great Experience
Timing matters. If someone just complimented your service or finished a successful project with you, that’s the moment to ask.
Example: “We’re so glad you enjoyed your visit! Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps us grow.”
2. Use a Short Link or QR Code
Google gives you a direct link to your review page - use it! You can create a QR code from it and display it on:
Your counter or reception area
Printed receipts or packaging
A thank-you card
Example: “Scan here to leave a review - thank you for supporting local!”
3. Send a Follow-Up Email or Text
If you collect emails or phone numbers, a friendly follow-up message can work wonders. Keep it personal and short - like the example below. If you send a monthly newsletter, the end of each issue is also a natural place to ask for reviews without being pushy.
Example: “Hi Maria! Thank you for choosing [Business Name]. If you have a minute, we’d love your feedback. Here’s the link to leave a review!”
4. Incentivize Without Bribing
You can’t offer discounts in exchange for reviews, but you can create fun campaigns:
“We’re giving away a coffee gift card to one random reviewer this month!”
“Share your experience and get featured on our page!”
This keeps things ethical and engaging.
5. Use Social media
Leverage your social media channels to drive more reviews. You can cross-promote your Google Business Profile by sharing the review link on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X. This is an easy way to encourage happy customers to leave reviews on multiple platforms, including Google and Facebook.
Manage & Respond to Google Reviews
Above is an excellent example of a great response by the 4.7-star-rated Speed Queen Laundry to a 2-star review. Once reviews start rolling in, responding is key. Why? Because it shows you care - not just to the reviewer, but to everyone else reading!
1. Reply to Every Review (Yes, Even the Short Ones)
A simple “Thanks for your kind words!” is enough. For longer reviews, go a step further like this below.
Example: “Hi Tom, thank you for your kind words about our plumbing team! We’re glad we could help so quickly - don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.”
2. Handle Negative Reviews Gracefully
Don’t panic. Negative reviews are inevitable - but they can actually help your business improve. What really matters is how you respond.
Example: “Hi Sara, we're sorry to hear about your experience. That’s not the standard we aim for. We’ve followed up with our team and would love to make it right - please email us at [email].”
Keep it polite, show accountability, and move the conversation offline when needed.
3. Monitor Your Reviews Regularly
Make it a weekly habit to check and reply. This can be done easily through the Google Maps app that send notifications when you receive new reviews.
Bonus Tip: Simplify Your Workload
Let’s be honest - managing Google Reviews isn’t the biggest challenge. The real struggle is keeping your Google Business Profile active and up to date while juggling everything else. It can easily start to feel like a full-time job. That’s where social media management tools like Hookle come in.
With Hookle, you can manage your Google Business Profile and all your socials in one place
With Hookle, you can manage your Google Business Profile and all your social media platforms in one place. Post updates to all of them in one go - no more jumping between apps or tabs.
Even better? Hookle helps you automatically create and schedule posts, making the whole process of staying visible and relevant crazy simple and efficient. Instead of stressing over what and when to post, you can stay on top of your online presence with just a few taps a day.
Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself. Download Hookle free today and make managing your Google Business Profile easier than ever!
.png)
.png)
.png)