5 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make When Asking for Reviews
- Miles Lone
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever asked a customer for a Google review and gotten silence… you're not alone.
Getting reviews is essential to growing your small business, but most owners unknowingly sabotage their chances with how they ask. In 2025, Google reviews are more powerful than ever — they impact your search ranking, credibility, and ability to get new clients.
So let’s fix it. Here are the top 5 mistakes small business owners make when asking for reviews — and what to do instead.
❌ Mistake #1: Asking at the Wrong Time
The problem:Timing is everything. Asking too early or too late makes the moment feel forced or disconnected.
The fix:Ask right after a successful experience, when the customer feels satisfied, seen, or excited.
Best times to ask:
Just after they say “thank you” or compliment your work
As they’re checking out, while the experience is fresh
1–2 hours later via text (especially for service-based businesses)
❌ Mistake #2: Making the Request Too Complicated
The problem:If they have to search for your business, log in, and hunt for the review button… they’re probably not doing it.
The fix:Give them a direct link to your review page. Even better — use a QR code at checkout or on their receipt. Remove every obstacle.
Pro tip:You can get your direct Google review link here.
❌ Mistake #3: Sounding Desperate, Not Confident
The problem:“Um, if you don’t mind, would it be okay to maybe leave us a review…?”Yikes. If you sound unsure, people won’t take you seriously — or take action.
The fix:Use language that reflects confidence and pride in your service. Try:
“Hey [Name], it was a pleasure helping you today! If you had a great experience, we’d truly appreciate a quick Google review. It helps us grow and keeps us doing what we love. Here’s the link: [Insert link]”
❌ Mistake #4: Only Asking Once (And Giving Up)
The problem:People are busy. They forget. It doesn’t mean they didn’t want to help — just that your request got buried.
The fix:Send 1–2 gentle follow-ups after the initial ask, especially if they seemed happy with their experience.
Example follow-up:
“Hi [Name], just a quick reminder! If you haven’t had a chance to leave a Google review yet, here’s the link again. It really means a lot to us!”
Don’t worry — following up is not pushy when it’s kind, clear, and customer-focused.
❌ Mistake #5: Not Using Automation or Tools
The problem:Asking manually is inconsistent and time-consuming. You’ll forget. Your staff will forget. It falls through the cracks.
The fix:Use a system like Revive Your Business to send review requests automatically after every transaction or appointment. Our software:
Sends personalized texts/emails
Filters out unhappy customers
Shields low-star reviews from public view
Tracks your progress in one clean dashboard
👉 Start your free trial and let the software ask for you — while you focus on running your business.
⚠️ Bonus Mistake: Asking the Wrong People
Some business owners only ask friends, family, or a few “safe” clients for reviews — which creates a thin, fake-looking profile.
Instead:Ask every satisfied customer, consistently. That’s how you build authentic, trustworthy proof that builds momentum and ranks on Google.
📈 Reviews Are the New Word-of-Mouth
They influence what people search, where they click, and whether or not they choose you.
If you’re not getting as many reviews as you deserve, don’t assume your customers don’t care — they probably just need better timing, better direction, and fewer steps.
💡 The Smart Way to Get Reviews (Without Lifting a Finger)
With Revive Your Business, you can:
Automate the entire review process
Collect more 5-star ratings from real customers
Prevent negative feedback from going public
Get found and chosen online — consistently
You’ve done the work. Now let the world see it.
👉 Start your free 14-day trial now No stress. Just more visibility, more trust, and more business.
Comments