How do I get more five-star reviews without being pushy?

Customers rarely leave reviews on their own, which is why asking is not pushy. What feels pushy is a clumsy ask at a bad moment. A good ask is short, timely and personal.

What works

• Ask when the customer is happiest, usually when the job is finished and they have just seen the result.
• Say it in person, then send a text or email with a direct link to your Google review page so it takes one tap.
• Make it personal. Thank them by name and mention the job you did for them.
• Send one gentle reminder a few days later if they have not responded, then stop.
• Reply to every review, so new customers see that you read them.

What to avoid

Do not offer discounts, gifts or payment in exchange for reviews, and do not send only happy customers to Google while steering unhappy ones elsewhere. Google’s policies prohibit both, and either can get reviews removed or put your profile at risk.

Handling a bad review

Reply politely, stick to the facts and offer to make it right. Prospective customers often judge a company by how it responds to a complaint.