Google reviews are among the most important factors in local search engine optimization (SEO). In addition to helping potential customers learn more about your business, Google reviews improve your chances of ranking higher in search results. Asking for Google reviews can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 10 tips to make the process easier — and more effective.

1. Start With Your Current Customer Base

Your current customers are the most likely to leave a review, so start by reaching out to them. Send an email, text, or direct message to let them know about your Google listing and how they can leave a review.

Include a link to your actual Google listing in the email. Some businesses use a QR code generator to make it easier for customers to access your business listing to leave a review.

2. Make the Request in Person

If you have the opportunity, asking for reviews in person is a great way to increase your chances of getting them. When interacting with customers, let them know how important their feedback is and that you would appreciate it if they shared it on Google.

If you are working with a client over a period of time, prep them early on that you will be asking for a review at the end of your work together.

3. Use Social Media

Social media is a great way to reach more potential customers and remind them to leave reviews. You can post about your Google listing and provide instructions on how they can find it and leave a review. It’s a good idea to include visual content, such as screenshots or videos, that makes the process easier for them.

You only want to collect reviews from customers or clients who have done business with you. Google frowns upon soliciting reviews from people who have not done business with you, so be sure to make that clear in your social media posts.

4. Send a Thank You Card

When someone leaves you a review, send them a thank you card to show your appreciation. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — a handwritten note on a simple postcard is enough. Include an easy-to-remember URL to access your Google business listing, or use a QR code generator to make it easier for them.

5. Embed a Widget on your Website

You can also embed a widget on your website that links directly to your Google reviews. This makes it easy for visitors to quickly leave a review without searching for your business listing. You can use a plugin, or Google’s own review widget, to add the code to your website.

6. Use an Automated Review Request System

Many automated review request systems are available, making it easy to send bulk emails or text messages asking for reviews. These systems generally allow you to customize the message and track how many people have opened it and left a review.

7. Ask for Reviews in Follow-Up Emails

When someone purchases a product or service from you, include a link to your Google listing in any follow-up emails you send out. This gives them an easy way to leave feedback while they’re still thinking about your business.

8. Offer Incentives

Offering incentives, such as discounts or gift cards, is a great way to motivate people to leave reviews. You should keep the incentive small and make sure it’s in keeping with Google’s guidelines for soliciting reviews.

9. Send a Feedback Survey

A feedback survey is a great way to get valuable insights into your business while collecting Google reviews. You can use the survey to ask customers about their experience and include a link to your Google listing.

10. Ask for Reviews on the Receipt

When someone purchases goods at your store, you can include a link to your Google listing on the receipt. This gives customers an easy way to leave feedback and shows them that you value their opinion.

By following these tips, you can increase the number of reviews your business gets on Google.