How to Get More Online Reviews for Small Business
If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard over and over that online reviews are important—but what does that really mean for your business, and how can you get more of them? The reality is, customer reviews aren’t just “nice to have” anymore—they’re essential.
In today’s digital landscape, reviews are often the deciding factor for potential customers choosing between you and your competitors. But getting those valuable reviews can feel like pulling teeth. Fortunately, with a few smart strategies, you can turn happy customers into raving fans who help build your online reputation—without adding more to your already-full plate.
Why Reviews Are a Big Deal for Small Businesses
Before we dive into how to get more reviews, let’s talk about why they’re so important.
1. Social proof drives decision-making.
People trust people. A glowing review from a real customer is more persuasive than even the best marketing copy. A recent study showed that 72% of consumers say they will leave a review for a business if asked—and over 90% read reviews before choosing where to spend their money.
2. Reviews improve your local SEO.
Search engines like Google use reviews as a ranking factor. Businesses with more positive reviews tend to show up higher in local search results. That means if someone nearby is looking for your type of service, you’re more likely to get noticed.
3. They build credibility and trust.
A steady stream of positive reviews shows that your business is active, reliable, and appreciated by your community. It reassures potential customers that they’re making a smart choice when they choose you.
Why It’s So Hard to Get Reviews
You may have already tried asking customers to leave a review, only to be met with silence—and you’re definitely not alone. Many business owners struggle with this, even after providing top-notch service. The reality is that getting people to take the extra step to leave a review isn’t always easy, even when they’re happy with your work.
One common reason is that people simply forget. Life moves fast, and even satisfied customers often move on with their day without thinking twice about leaving feedback. It’s not that they didn’t appreciate your service—they just didn’t make it a priority.
Another challenge is that many customers don’t know what to say. Writing a review can feel awkward or intimidating if they’ve never done it before. They might wonder, “What should I include? Do I need to write a lot? Will it sound silly?” That hesitation often leads to inaction.
Then there’s the issue of not knowing where to go. If your business isn’t clearly listed on major review platforms—or if customers can’t find the right link easily—they’ll likely give up before even starting. In today’s world, convenience matters. If it takes more than a few clicks, most people won’t follow through.
The good news? You can overcome all of these barriers with a simple, consistent system that gently reminds your customers, makes the process easy, and removes the guesswork from writing a review.
How to Get More Online Reviews for Your Business
1. Claim Your Profiles on Major Review Sites
First things first: make sure your business is visible where customers are looking. You should claim and fully complete your business profiles on:
- Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
- Facebook Business Page
- Yelp
- Industry-specific sites (like TripAdvisor, Angie’s List, or Houzz depending on your niche)
This gives your customers multiple options and ensures you’re showing up in searches across platforms.
2. Ask for Reviews (The Right Way)
As simple as it sounds, most businesses don’t actively ask for reviews. Yet, the stats show this is one of the most effective tactics. When you provide a great service, follow up with a message that says something like:
“Thanks for choosing us! Would you mind leaving a quick review to share your experience? It really helps our small business grow.”
Make sure to include the direct link to your review platform to make the process easy. You can send this via email, text message, or even on a thank-you card after a service.
3. Time Your Ask
Timing is everything. Ask for a review when your customer is happiest—right after their service, delivery, or project completion. If they had a great experience, they’re more likely to leave a positive review when it’s still fresh in their mind.
4. Make It Easy with Templates
One of the biggest barriers to reviews is that customers don’t know what to write. You can help by providing a short template or list of questions like:
- What service did you receive?
- How was your experience working with us?
- Would you recommend us to others?
This gives them a head start and helps generate more detailed, useful feedback for future customers.
5. Automate the Process
If you’re busy (and we know you are!), consider using review management software to automate requests and reminders. Many systems can send follow-up emails or texts after a job is complete, and direct customers to your preferred platforms.
OrangeSky Websites can help set this up for you and even customize the messaging to match your brand voice.
6. Respond to All Reviews—Even Negative Ones
Don’t just collect reviews—engage with them. Responding to reviews (especially the less-than-glowing ones) shows that you care about your customers and take feedback seriously. It also gives you a chance to clarify misunderstandings and build goodwill.
Always thank customers for their time, address concerns respectfully, and highlight any changes or improvements you’re making based on their feedback.
What to Avoid When Asking for Reviews
While reviews are crucial, it’s important to follow best practices:
- Don’t offer incentives. This can violate platform guidelines and hurt your credibility.
- Don’t pressure customers. If someone says no, respect that.
- Don’t fake reviews. It’s tempting, but it’s unethical and can lead to penalties.
Instead, focus on creating great customer experiences—and encouraging honest, helpful feedback.
Need Help Getting Started?
At OrangeSky Websites, we work with small businesses every day to improve their online presence—and that includes building a strong reputation through reviews. From setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile to creating automated review request systems, we make it easier for your happy customers to share their experiences.
You don’t have to navigate the world of online reviews alone. When done right, reputation management can become one of your most powerful marketing tools.
Contact us today to get started. We’re here to help you take control of your online reputation and turn it into a business asset.
