How to Use Google Reviews to Boost Your Business

Most small business owners face two common challenges while dealing with Google reviews: not knowing what to say and lacking a system to automate the process. If this sounds like you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. 

Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of small business owners who share the same struggles. But here’s the good news: with the right tools and strategy, you can not only solve these issues but also dominate local search rankings by collecting a steady stream of authentic, high-quality reviews.

In this post, I’m sharing the exact scripts and tools I’ve used to help local businesses increase their Google reviews exponentially. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this guide will equip you with actionable insights to climb to the top of Google search and boost your business’s online presence.

Why Are Google Reviews Important?

Google reviews play a critical role in helping your business attract new customers. Think about it—when someone searches for services in your industry, the businesses with the highest ratings and most reviews are the ones that grab attention. But it’s not just about visibility; reviews build trust. They tell potential customers, “This business is worth your time and money.”

In fact, Google uses reviews as a ranking factor in local search. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your chances of appearing at the top of search results. And trust me, that top spot matters—businesses in the #1 position can capture up to 40% of search traffic.

If you’re not actively working on your Google reviews, you’re leaving leads and revenue on the table.

The Two Major Problems with Google Reviews

Let’s talk about the two roadblocks that hold most business owners back from collecting more reviews:

1. Not Knowing What to Say
   Most small business owners don’t have a clear script or framework for asking customers to leave a review. As a result, they either avoid the conversation entirely or send vague, unconvincing messages.

2. Lack of an Automated Process
   Even if you know what to say, life gets busy. Without an automated system to consistently request reviews, this task often falls through the cracks.

The solution? Combine a proven script with a repeatable, automated process.

Step 1: Create a Tailored Message

When requesting reviews, the message matters. It’s not enough to simply ask for feedback; you need to craft a clear, direct, and personal request. Here’s the script I recommend for reaching out to your existing contact list, whether it’s friends, family, or past customers:

Hey [First Name], I hope you’re doing great! I wanted to ask for your help. One thing I’m working hard on is getting [Business Name] to the top of Google, and your review would mean the world to me. Even if you’ve never been a customer, leaving a five-star review helps new clients trust us. Thanks so much for your support—it really makes a difference!

The key here is to:

• Be personal: Use their first name to make the message feel genuine.

• Be clear: Tell them exactly what you need and why it’s important.

• Make it simple: Emphasize that leaving a review takes less than 10 seconds.

Step 2: Automate the Review Process

Consistency is the secret to success with Google reviews, and automation is the tool to get you there. Manually sending out review requests is not sustainable, especially as your business grows.

Here’s the automated flow I use with my clients:

1. Trigger the Request
   Set up an automation trigger based on a specific action. For example, in a medical spa, the trigger might be when an invoice is closed. For a real estate agent, it could be when a deal is finalized.

2. Send the First Request
   Immediately after the trigger, send a text message and an email asking for a review. Include the same clear and direct message from Step 1, along with your Google review link.

3. Follow Up Three Days Later
   If the customer doesn’t leave a review after the first request, follow up with a second message. This time, emphasize how much their feedback helps your business grow.

4. Send a Final Reminder
   Three days after the second request, send one last follow-up. Keep it short and sweet, thanking them for their time and encouraging them to share their experience.

Step 3: Collect and Manage Reviews

Not every review request will result in immediate feedback, and that’s okay. But it’s important to track who has responded, who hasn’t, and who may need a little nudge.

To streamline this, I recommend using a customer relationship management (CRM) tool like Story Guide Funnels. With Story Guide Funnels, you can:

• Automate review requests and follow-ups.

• Track which customers have clicked on your review link.

• Manage feedback in one central dashboard.

This system not only simplifies the process but also ensures no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Common Challenges with Google Reviews

Even with a strong strategy in place, you might encounter a few roadblocks. Here’s how to handle them:

• Reviews Not Showing Up
  Sometimes, a customer might leave a review, but it doesn’t stick. This happens if the customer’s Google account is new or inactive. To mitigate this, encourage customers to leave reviews using an account they’ve used before.

• Inconsistent Review Patterns
  If your business suddenly gets a large influx of reviews, Google’s algorithm might flag it as spam. Spread out your requests over time to maintain a natural flow.

• Negative Reviews
  No one likes a bad review, but they can be an opportunity to showcase your commitment to customer service. Respond professionally and offer to resolve the issue.

Why Google Reviews Are a Game-Changer

Think of Google reviews as digital word-of-mouth. They not only improve your online reputation but also help you stand out in a crowded market. When potential customers see dozens (or even hundreds) of glowing reviews, they’re far more likely to choose your business over a competitor’s.

And let’s not forget the impact on your bottom line. More reviews mean higher rankings, more visibility, and ultimately, more customers.

Ready to Take Action?

If you’re ready to start dominating local search and building your online presence, now’s the time to act. Download my free review scripts to get started or take it one step further with Story Guide Funnels.

For those of you who want a hands-off solution, let me help you set up your entire review system.

Schedule a call with me today, and let’s create a customized strategy to boost your Google reviews and grow your business.

It’s time to take charge of your online reputation and make 2025 your best year yet.