In the world of local search, Google Reviews are the modern-day 'word of mouth'. For a Brisbane business, having a high star rating isn't just about looking good; it's the engine that drives your local SEO rankings and convinces a potential customer to pick up the phone.
If you've ever wondered why your competitors are sitting at the top of the map pack with 100+ reviews while you're stuck at 10, this guide is for you. We’re going to look at how to simplify the process for your customers and build a system that brings in reviews on autopilot.
Prerequisites
Before we dive in, make sure you have the following ready:- A verified Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). If you haven't claimed your business yet, do that first!
- Access to your Google account login.
- A smartphone or computer.
- A little bit of patience—Google likes to move the buttons around every few months!
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Step 1: Find Your 'Magic' Review Link
This is where most people get stuck. They tell customers, "Just search for us on Google and leave a review." Honestly, that is asking too much of people. You want to give them a direct link that opens the review box immediately.- Go to Google Search and search for your exact business name.
- If you are logged into the account that manages your profile, you’ll see a dashboard that says "Your business on Google."
- Look for the button labelled "Ask for reviews" (it usually has a little person icon next to it).
- A pop-up will appear with a short URL (usually something like
https://g.page/r/XXXXX/review). - Copy this link. This is gold. Save it in your phone notes or a Word doc immediately.
Screenshot Description: You should see a white box titled "Get more reviews" with a blue link. There will be icons for WhatsApp, Facebook, and Email, but the link is what you really need.
Step 2: Create a Short, Friendly URL
Let’s be real: Google’s default links are ugly and look a bit suspicious to some people. If you want to put this on a business card or a flyer, you don't want a string of random characters.Pro tip from setting this up dozens of times: Use a redirect on your own website. If your site is www.brisbaneplumber.com.au, create a redirect so that www.brisbaneplumber.com.au/review goes straight to that long Google link. It looks much more professional and is easier to say over the phone.
Step 3: The 'Strike While the Iron is Hot' Rule
Timing is everything. In our experience at Local Marketing Group, the best time to ask for a review is the moment the 'value' has been delivered.- For Tradies: Ask as you’re packing up your tools while the customer is admiring the work.
- For Retail: Ask at the point of sale or right after they’ve received their delivery.
- For Professional Services: Ask right after a successful meeting or when a project milestone is hit.
Don't wait three days. By then, they've moved on to the next thing on their to-do list.
Step 4: Master the In-Person Ask
Asking for a review can feel a bit awkward at first, but it doesn't have to be. Avoid sounding like a corporate robot. Use a script that feels natural to you. Try something like this: "Hey [Name], I’m so glad we could get that sorted for you today. As a local Brisbane business, we really rely on Google reviews to help other people find us. Would you mind taking 30 seconds to leave us a quick rating? I can even text you the link now to make it easy?"(Yes, this step is annoyingly fiddly if you're shy, but it is the single most effective way to get results.)
Step 5: Use QR Codes (The Aussie Cafe Method)
Since the pandemic, every Australian knows how to use a QR code. This is your secret weapon.- Take that link you found in Step 1.
- Go to a free QR code generator (like QR Code Monkey or even Canva).
- Generate a code and download it.
- Where to put it: On the back of your business cards, on a 'Thank You' slip in your packaging, or even a small sticker on your shop counter.
Step 6: Automate Your Email Follow-ups
If you use an invoicing software like Xero or a CRM, you can automate this. Add a button to your "Invoice Paid" or "Job Complete" emails that says "How did we do?". Warning: Keep the email short. If they have to scroll through three paragraphs of text, they won't click the link. One sentence and one clear button is all you need.Step 7: Respond to Every Single Review (Yes, Even the Bad Ones)
Google's algorithm loves engagement. When you reply to a review, it signals to Google that you are an active, trustworthy business.- For 5-star reviews: Say thank you and mention a specific detail (e.g., "So glad you liked the coffee, Sarah!"). This helps with SEO keywords too.
- For negative reviews: Stay calm. Don't get into a fight. Acknowledge their frustration and ask them to contact you privately at [your email] to resolve it. This shows potential customers that you care about service.
Common Mistake: Never, ever offer a bribe for a review (like "Get $10 off for a 5-star review"). It’s against Google’s Terms of Service and can actually get your business profile suspended. It’s also against Australian Consumer Law (ACCC) guidelines.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"My customer left a review but it's not showing up!" This is a common frustration. Google’s spam filters are very aggressive lately. It often happens if the customer is on your business Wi-Fi (Google thinks you're faking it) or if they use 'spammy' language. Advise customers to use their own mobile data when leaving a review. "I can't find the 'Ask for Reviews' button." Make sure you are logged into the exact Gmail account associated with the business. If you’re a manager and not the owner, your permissions might be limited. Also, check if your business is actually verified—Google won't let you ask for reviews through the dashboard until the postcard/video verification is complete. "Someone left a fake 1-star review." Google rarely removes these unless they violate specific policies (like hate speech). Your best bet is to reply professionally and then get 5 more 'real' reviews to bury the fake one.Next Steps
Now that you have your link and your QR code, your goal should be to get one new review every week. Consistency is better than getting 20 at once and then nothing for six months.If you're finding the technical side of Google Business Profile a bit overwhelming, or you want a more advanced automated system to manage your reputation, we can help.
Contact us at Local Marketing Group to chat about how we can help your Brisbane business dominate the local search results. We've done this for hundreds of locals, and we can do it for you too!