Is It Okay to Ask for Google Reviews? Yes, and Here’s How to Do It Right.

Wondering if it’s okay to ask for Google reviews? Yes! Learn the best ways to request reviews and how tools like InProfile make it seamless.

• Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Small Business
• Yes, It’s Absolutely Okay to Ask for Google Reviews
• Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for Google Reviews
• Best Practices for Getting More Positive Reviews
• How Tools Like InProfile Can Help
• Checklist: Asking for Google Reviews the Right Way
• Key Takeaways

Google reviews aren’t just compliments—they’re currency in the digital age. Whether you run a restaurant, salon, dental clinic, or local shop, your online reviews can influence purchasing decisions, location visits, and even your search visibility.

According to BrightLocal’s 2023 Local Consumer Review Survey, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and 76% trust them as much as personal recommendations. Another study from Podium reported that 60% of customers are likely to leave a review if asked.

So if you’re not actively asking for reviews, you’re leaving valuable social proof on the table.

Let’s clear it up: Yes, it is completely okay to ask for Google reviews—as long as you do it ethically and follow Google’s guidelines. You’re not allowed to offer incentives or only seek reviews from happy customers. But inviting all customers to share feedback is not only permitted, it’s encouraged.

Think about it this way: if someone compliments your food or your service, that’s already a review waiting to be shared. They’ve done the hard part. All they need is a gentle nudge.

Getting more Google reviews doesn’t mean getting pushy. Here’s what to do and avoid:

The best way to grow your review count? Make it easy, timely, and consistent. Here are some proven strategies:

• Timing is key: Ask for reviews immediately following a service or purchase.
• Keep it simple: Use a direct link to your Google review form, or better yet, a QR code.
• Train your staff: A cafe barista saying, “We’d love your honest Google review” adds a personal touch.
• Automate politely: Send scheduled follow-up messages after appointments or orders.
• Display prompts: Frame a QR code sign on your counter or waiting area.

A small business bakery in Austin saw a 300% increase in reviews in 90 days simply by using QR codes on their coffee cup sleeves. Quick gestures = long-term trust.

You’re busy running your business—you probably don’t have time to manually text every customer or teach staff how to share review links. This is where smart tools step in.

InProfile is a simple and smart way to get more genuine Google reviews effortlessly. Here’s how it works:

• You add your business info and Google review link.
• InProfile creates a branded AI-powered QR code and review page.
• Customers scan the code, get a ready-to-go review text that copies in one tap, and are redirected to post it on your Google page.
• You also get a free SEO-optimized digital profile to showcase services, photos, and social links.

From nail salons to local dog groomers, tools like InProfile help streamline review collection and strengthen your web presence—effortlessly. Check it out at InProfile.co.

Use this quick checklist to ensure you’re following best practices:

✔ Did I ask within 24 hours of the customer interaction?

✔ Am I asking every type of customer, not just happy ones?

✔ Is my Google review link easy to access (via QR or short link)?

✔ Have I trained my team to mention reviews naturally?

✔ Have I used a tool like InProfile to simplify the process?

Pro Tip: You don’t need hundreds of reviews overnight. Just 1–2 new reviews weekly shows ongoing activity and can boost your ranking over time.

• Yes, asking for Google reviews is not only okay — it’s essential.
• Follow Google’s guidelines: No bribes or fake reviews.
• Make it easy, timely, and consistent to encourage responses.
• Train your team and use signage or automation.
• Consider tools like InProfile to simplify and speed up the process.