Google Reviews: How to Manage and Get More of Them
Last Updated: March 2025
Applies To
- Business owners looking to improve their online reputation
- Driving school owners who want to attract more students through reviews
- Affiliates and marketers managing customer feedback
Why Google Reviews Matter
Google reviews play a crucial role in shaping your business's online reputation. Positive reviews show you’re credible, they improve your search rankings, and they influence potential customers.
Google reviews:
- Boost your visibility in Google Search and Maps
- Can build trust with potential customers
- Provide valuable feedback to improve services
- Can increase conversion rates by reassuring hesitant customers
How to Get More Google Reviews
Ask customers directly
Satisfied customers are often willing to leave reviews and just need a reminder to do it. Consider the following opportunities:
- After providing a driving lesson or other service, politely ask customers to share their experience
- Send a follow-up email or text message with a direct link to your Google review page
- Example: “Thanks for choosing [Your Business Name]! If you had a great experience, we’d love to hear about it. Leave us a review here: [Insert Link].”
Make it easy to leave a review
- Add a link to your Google review page on invoices, receipts, emails, and business cards
- Add a QR code in your office or training vehicle for quick access
Use social media and your website
- Post customer success stories and ask them to leave a review
- Add a Google reviews widget to your website (you may need a developer or IT for this)
- Include a “Leave a Review” button in email signatures
Train your staff to ask for reviews
- Provide employees with a simple script to use
- Make review requests a natural part of customer interactions
How to Manage and Respond to Google Reviews
Responding to reviews shows customers you care. It can even improve your reputation.
When you receive positive reviews:
- Thank the customer and personalize your response
- Example: “Thank you, Alex! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your driving lessons. Stay safe on the road!”
When you receive negative reviews:
- Stay professional and courteous
- Acknowledge the issue and offer to resolve it offline
- Example: “We’re sorry to hear about your experience, Jamie. Please reach out to us at (email/phone) so we can make it right.”
When you receive fake or unfair reviews:
- Flag reviews that violate Google’s policies (e.g., spam, offensive language)
- Report fake reviews through the Google My Business Help Center
- Provide a professional response to clarify misinformation
Best Practices for Managing Google Reviews
- Monitor reviews regularly: Set up Google notifications so you never miss a review
- Engage with reviewers: Respond within 24-48 hours to show responsiveness
- Encourage honest feedback: Never pressure customers to leave only positive reviews
- Address complaints promptly: Show potential customers that you handle issues professionally