How to get more five-star reviews

Most happy customers will leave a review if you ask at the right moment and make it one tap. The businesses with the most five-star reviews aren't luckier. They ask every customer, every time, and reply to every review.

How close are you to the top 5?

A Five Star Local top 5 needs at least 4.7 stars from 10 or more public reviews. Put in your current Google rating to see how far you are.

1. Get your review link and QR code

Google gives every business a short link that opens straight to the review box, and a QR code for it.

1. Search Google for your business name while signed in to the Google account that manages it, or open business.google.com.
2. Click Ask for reviews (sometimes under Read reviews or Get more reviews).
3. Copy the link, and download the QR code.

Then put them everywhere a customer looks once the job is done:

• invoices, receipts and quote follow-ups;
• your email signature and text messages;
• a QR sticker on the ute, the counter or the site board;
• a small card left behind at the end of the job.

2. Ask every customer, right after the job

The best moment is when the work is finished and the customer is pleased: the final walkthrough, the handover, or the day you send the invoice. Ask in person, then send the link so it's one tap.

Text message

Hi [name], thanks for choosing [business]. If you were happy with the job, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps a local business like ours: [your review link]

Email

Subject: How did we go?

Hi [name],

Thanks again for having us on the [job] at [suburb]. If you have a minute, we'd love to hear how we went. A short Google review helps other locals find us:

[your review link]

If anything wasn't right, just reply to this email and we'll sort it out.

Thanks,
[your name], [business]

Send it to every customer, not only the ones you think are happy. See the rules below.

3. Reply to every review

Replies show future customers, and the AI assistants reading your reviews, that you care. Keep it short and personal.

A good review

Thanks [name], we really appreciate it. Glad the [job] came up well. Shout if you need anything else.

A bad review

Hi [name], thanks for the feedback, and sorry we fell short on [issue]. That's not the standard we aim for. I'd like to make it right: please call me on [number] or email [email]. [Your name], [role]

Never argue in public. Take it offline, fix it if you can, and a fair customer will often update their review.

4. Keep it honest: the rules

Breaking these can get reviews removed, your Google profile suspended, or a fine under Australian Consumer Law.

• Ask everyone. Don't only ask customers you expect to be happy, and don't screen people first ("rate us privately, and if it's 5 stars we'll send the Google link"). Google calls this review gating and doesn't allow it.
• No rewards. No discounts, gifts, prize draws or payment for reviews, even "for an honest review".
• Real customers only. Never write your own reviews, or ask staff, family or friends who weren't customers.
• Don't remove or hide bad reviews you disagree with, unless they break Google's rules (fake, abusive or off-topic). Report those through Google.

The ACCC explains the law in plain words in its guide for businesses on online reviews. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.

5. When you're there, tell us

Once you have 4.7+ stars from 10 or more reviews, get listed. It's free, we check your rating by hand, and nobody can pay for a place.