ArcosHow to get more Google reviews without breaking Google's rules
Text every customer your Google review link on the day the job is done. Send one reminder, then stop. Never offer a reward, never ask only the happy ones, and reply to every review you get.
The rules
Two sets of rules apply: Google's review policy, and the FTC's rule on reviews, which is federal law.
- Ask everyoneGoogle bans businesses that "selectively solicit positive reviews from customers." FTC staff say asking only the customers you think are happy "could violate the FTC Act." Google FTC
- No rewardsNo discount, gift card or raffle entry. Google bans incentives "in exchange for posting any review," and the FTC rule bans rewards that depend on what the review says. Google 16 CFR 465.4
- No scriptsDo not tell customers what to write, such as your tech's name or your town. Google says businesses should not "request that specific content be included." Google
- No pressureGoogle says businesses should not "require or pressure users to leave ratings or write reviews while on the premises." Ask, send the link, and leave it with them. Google
- No insidersStaff and family do not review you. Google removes conflict-of-interest reviews, and the FTC rule limits insider ones. 16 CFR 465.5
- No fakes, no threatsThe FTC rule bans fake reviews, and threats or intimidation to stop or remove one. In force since October 21, 2024, with civil penalties for knowing violations. FTC
Break Google's rules and it removes the reviews. For a set period it can also block new reviews or unpublish the ones you have, or show customers a warning that fake reviews were removed. Google's restrictions
When to ask
The same day, while they can still see the work. Ask in person if you like, then text the link: the text is what they tap later.
- After the jobThe afternoon the job is done: a junk removal haul, a tow, a wash.
- The reminderOne reminder, two days later. Then stop.
- Past customersOnce, with the job and the month in the text so they place you.
- WhoEvery customer whose job you finished, at the number they gave you for the job.
Three texts you can copy
Fill in the brackets and send the same text to every customer.
- Same dayHi [first name], thanks for having us out today. Could you leave us an honest review on Google? It helps a small business like ours: [review link]
- Two days laterHi [first name], a quick reminder in case the link got buried: [review link]. No problem if not.
- Past customersHi [first name], it's [your name] from [business]. We did your [job] in [month]. An honest Google review would help us a lot: [review link]
A line like "if anything wasn't right, reply here" is fine when everyone gets it next to the link, never instead of it. The phone shows the request Arcos sends after every job.
Get your review link
Google makes it for you, from your Business Profile:
- Sign in to the Google Account that manages the profile and search for your business name.
- Select Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
- Select Copy. The QR code for invoices and leave-behind cards is on the same screen, but only in a computer browser. Google's steps
Text the link to your own phone and tap it once before customers get it. They need a Google Account to post, and can make one with any email address, not only Gmail. Google's tips
Replying to reviews
Reply to every review, good or bad. The customer is notified, and can change the review after reading your reply. Google
- Keep it short, polite and about what they wrote. Not the same "thank you" for everyone.
- No deals or promotions in a reply.
- On a bad review, never share their private details or argue. Apologize when it is deserved, and ask them to call or email about anything complicated.
- Use their name and sign with yours. Google's reply tips
- A reply that worksTom, you're right: we were two hours late and didn't call. I'm sorry. I'd like to make it right, so please call me at (555) 555-0142. [Your name], Your Business
Report a review only when it breaks Google's policies, never because you disagree with it. And never threaten a reviewer: the FTC rule bans groundless legal threats and intimidation. 16 CFR 465.7
What customers look for
- Enough of them47% of consumers won't use a business with fewer than 20 reviews. BrightLocal, 2026
- Recent ones74% only care about reviews written in the last three months. BrightLocal, 2026
- Four stars or more68% will only use a business rated four stars or higher. BrightLocal, 2026
- Replies80% are likely to use a business that replies to all its reviews, and templated replies put off 50%. BrightLocal, 2026
BrightLocal's Local Consumer Review Survey 2026: 1,002 US adults, published February 11, 2026, checked September 27, 2026.
So ask after every job, all year: a burst of reviews in March is old news by summer.
Questions
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google bans incentives "such as payment, discounts, free goods and/or services" for any review, good or bad, and removes the reviews. The FTC rule also bans rewards tied to a positive or negative review. Google's policy.
Is it OK to ask only the customers I know are happy?
No. Google bans businesses that "selectively solicit positive reviews," and FTC staff say the practice "could violate the FTC Act." Google's policy and FTC questions and answers.
How do I get a bad review removed?
Only a review that breaks Google's policies can be removed, for example a fake one or spam. Report it from your profile: Read reviews, then Report next to it. Google says not to report a review "just because you disagree with it." For the rest, reply calmly in public. Google's steps.
Do more reviews help me rank on Google Maps?
They help. Google lists reviews under prominence, one of its local ranking factors: it is based partly on "how many reviews you have," and "more reviews and positive ratings can help your business's local ranking." Relevance and distance count too. Google's ranking help.
Can my employees or family review my business?
No. Google removes reviews based on a conflict of interest, and names employment and family ties as examples. The FTC rule also limits reviews from managers, staff and their relatives. 16 CFR 465.5.