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Key takeaways
- In BrightLocal's 2026 survey, 97% of consumers read reviews when choosing a local business, and 74% looked for reviews from the last three months.
- Ask soon after a real job with your direct review link, and never offer incentives or ask only happy customers.
- Reply to every review: thank the person, acknowledge the point, and take problems offline.
- Google removes reviews that break its policies, so for fair negative reviews, a calm reply and a steady flow of new reviews are the best recovery.
Why reviews matter. In BrightLocal's 2026 survey, 97% of consumers read online reviews when choosing a local business, 68% would only use a business with four or more stars, and 74% looked for reviews written in the last three months. Reviews are also part of how Google judges prominence.
Get more reviews, honestly
Ask at the right moment
Ask soon after a real job or visit, while the experience is fresh. A text message or a QR code on a receipt or card works well.
Make it one tap
Use the direct review link from your Google Business Profile, so customers do not have to search for you.
Use a simple request
Try: "Thanks for choosing us today. If you were happy with the service, a short Google review helps other Austin customers find us. Here is the link."
Follow Google's rules
- Reviews must reflect a genuine experience
- Do not offer incentives such as discounts or free items in exchange for reviews, or for changing or removing a review
- Do not discourage negative reviews or ask only happy customers
- Do not pressure people to leave a review while they are on your premises
Reply to every review
Positive review. Thank the person by name, mention something specific, and invite them back. Keep it short.
Neutral or mixed review. Thank them, acknowledge the point, and say what you will do about it.
Negative review. Reply calmly and quickly. Apologize for the experience without arguing, offer to fix it offline with a phone number or email, and never share private details.
Recover from a bad review
You cannot remove a review because you disagree with it. You can flag a review that breaks Google's policies, such as fake content, spam, conflicts of interest or off-topic content, and explain why. For fair but negative reviews, a good reply and a steady flow of new reviews are the best recovery.
Related readingHow to remove a Google review, and what to do when Google says noExtra care in health and legal
If you are a dental or medical practice, never confirm in a public reply that someone was a patient. If you are a law firm, never reveal client information, and check Texas advertising rules before you quote reviews in ads. See our pages for dentists and medical practices and law firms.
Want a review process built for your business? Ask for a free audit.
Written by the Best SEO in Austin team
We help Austin service businesses, clinics, and firms get recommended by AI and found on Google Maps. Terms are month to month, and you own every account.
