Ask the KeyWin team a question
What would you like to know about getting your business online? The most useful questions are answered on this website and in our short videos.
Why reviews matter
Before people get in touch, most of them check what other customers say. Reviews appear on your Google Business Profile, on Google Search and on Google Maps. Google says that high-quality, positive reviews can improve a business's visibility in local results, but nobody can honestly promise you a position.
Step 1: Get your review link
In your Google Business Profile, look for the option to ask for reviews. Google gives you a short link and a QR code. Save the link somewhere you can find it quickly, and print the QR code for your counter, van or invoices.
Step 2: Ask at the right moment
- Ask soon after a job goes well, while the customer is still pleased.
- Ask in person first, then send the link by text, email or WhatsApp.
- Keep the message short and personal.
- Ask every customer, not only the ones you expect to be happy.
A short message you can copy
“Thank you for choosing us, [name]. If you were happy with our work, would you mind leaving us a short Google review? It really helps a small business like ours. Here is the link: [your link]”
Step 3: Reply to every review
- Thank people by name, and mention what you did for them.
- Reply to a bad review calmly and politely. Say sorry where it is deserved, and offer to put things right away from the review.
- Never share a customer's private details in a reply.
Other customers read your replies. A calm answer to a complaint can build as much trust as a five-star review.
What you must never do
- Never buy reviews, or write reviews for your own business.
- Never offer discounts, gifts or prize draws in return for reviews.
- Never ask staff, friends or family to review your business.
- Never ask only your happy customers while steering unhappy ones away. Google does not allow this.
- Never post negative reviews about a competitor.
Google can remove reviews that break its rules and can restrict a business profile. In the UK, consumer law has also banned fake reviews and hidden incentivised reviews since April 2025, and the Competition and Markets Authority can fine businesses that break these rules.
How many reviews do you need?
There is no magic number. A steady flow of genuine, recent reviews is more useful than a large batch all at once. Ask every customer, reply to every review, and the number will grow on its own.
At KeyWin we set up and look after Google Business Profiles, including review links and replies. Our free checklist covers the other steps that help customers find you.
Want help with this?
Tell us where your business is today and what you would like to achieve. We will reply within 24 hours and tell you honestly whether we can help.