How to Get More Reviews (and How to Respond to Them Like a Pro)
For most small businesses, reviews are the digital version of word-of-mouth. They build trust, reassure new customers and help people choose you over your competitors. In fact, strong, recent reviews can be the difference between someone clicking “book now” or heading elsewhere.
But while reviews are incredibly powerful, many businesses struggle to get them consistently or feel unsure how to respond when one lands in their inbox, social media or google listing.
Here’s a simple, stress-free guide to help you:
Why reviews matter
Reviews influence visibility, trust and conversions. Platforms like Google, Facebook and Tripadvisor use them as ranking signals, meaning the more high-quality reviews you have, the more likely you’ll appear in searches.
And from a customer’s point of view, reviews offer reassurance especially if the reviewer shares similar concerns, questions or goals to theirs.
When you combine this with a clear messaging strategy that speaks to your ideal customer (something we explore deeply during marketing strategy work) you create a powerful loop: more visibility → more enquiries → more sales.
Part 1: How to Get More Reviews
Here are the steps that genuinely work, without feeling awkward or salesy.
1. Ask at the right moment
Timing is everything. People are happiest to leave a review when:
They’ve just had a great experience
You’ve solved a problem for them
They’ve received their product
You’ve completed a 1:1 service, project or training session
Think of the moment of maximum satisfaction, that’s when to ask.
2. Make it quick and easy
People want to help you, but they won’t jump through hoops.
Create a simple process:
Share direct links to Google, Facebook or industry platforms.
Use a short message such as: “if you’ve found his helpful, it will mean a lot if you’d leave a quick review. Here’s the link.”
Add review links to:
Email signatures
Aftercare emails
Post-purchase messages
Booking confirmations
3. Tell people what to write (yes, really!)
People want to leave a review but don’t always know what to say.
Give prompts like:
What problem you helped them solve
What they found most useful
What changed for them after working with you
Why they would recommend you
These prompts lead to richer reviews that speak directly o your future customers’ motivations.
4. Automate your follow-up
If you’re using systems like Calendly, MailerLite, booking tools or CRM systems, set up automated follow-ups asking for feedback after a certain number of days.
Automations help you stay consistent, even when you’re busy and consistency is one of the biggest levers for growth.
5. Showcase the reviews your receive
Once you have reviews, make them work harder:
Share them on social media
Add them to your website
Use them in proposals
Turn them into graphics or carousels
Highlight them in emails
This creates a powerful trust-building cycle that strengthens your whole marketing strategy.
Part 2: How to Respond to Reviews
Responding to reviews good and bad shows you care, builds trust and signals professionalism.
Here’s how you do it confidently.
Responding to Positive Reviews
Keep it warm, personal and specific.
Template example:
“Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the experience. Supporting businesses like yours is exactly why I do what I do.”
Why it works:
It feels human
It reinforces your values
It encourages others to share their experiences too
Responding to Neutral or Negative Reviews
It happens to every business at some point and what matters is how you handle it.
Follow this simple structure:
1. Acknowledge their experience
Show you’re listening.
2. Apologise where appropriate
You can be sorry they feel disappointed without admitting fault.
3. Offer a solution or next step
Invite them to continue the conversation privately.
4. Keep your tone calm, friendly and measured
Your reply is not just for them, future customers will read it too.
Template example:
“Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m sorry to hear we didn’t meet your expectations this time. I’d love to understand more and see how we can put things right, please feel free to contact me directly so we can resolve this together.”
You’re not defending yourself; you’re demonstrating professionalism.
Make reviews part of your routine
Reviews don’t have to be something you remember once in a blue moon. Build them into your customer journey and systems, and soon they’ll flow naturally.
If you want tailored guidance, clearer messaging, or a simple plan to make your marketing work harder for you, this is exactly what I cover through my consultancy and training.
Want support to improve your visibility and attract more of your ideal customers?
Let’s chat about your goals and build a plan that fits your time, budget and strengths.
Email: sally@sally-parker.co.uk.