Here’s the #1 method to get more 5-star reviews for your business, and start ranking higher than your competition in Google:

1. Tell your customers (in person) that you want their feedback

By asking your clients ahead of time for a review, they're more likely to give it. It’s way different from sending a text or email out of the blue — if there’s no personal connection or social expectation, they’ll probably just ignore it.

To make it easy, on yourself, don’t stand around and make it awkward. On the way out the door (or when the job is finished) just say “Oh, and would you mind filling out a review of how I did? I’ll send you a text with a link.”

Everyone will say yes. It’s the polite thing to do, and you’re asking in person. Once they agree, get out fast. Don’t let them think about it too much.

2. Send them a text ASAP

Within 5-10 minutes, send them the following text or email (preferably text):

​[First name], thanks for trusting me with your [specific service]. I appreciate you being willing to leave a review of how I did - it won't take more than a minute, I promise.

Here’s where you can leave your feedback: [Link to review page goes here]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[Owner's name]
[Business name]

3. Include a simple link to your review form

For the sentence "Here’s where you can leave your feedback" make sure to paste a link to your Google Business Profile's review page.

You can get a link by going to your Business Profile in Google and clicking on “Ask for reviews” which is usually the last icon on your profile:

There are several options for sending a ratings request - for text or email, simply copy/paste the Review Link:

4. What if you don’t have customers yet?

Actually, this is even easier.

Give your family and friends a good deal on your services. Go big, like 50% off so they can’t refuse. Once you’ve finished the job, follow the steps above to make sure they rate your business in Google.

It’s a simple way to get started. You can quickly rack up 5-10 ratings AND make some cash along the way.

Need even more ratings? Open up your list of previous clients and send them a text too. At least a few will do it, and that’s worth 20 minutes of your time digging through past records.

When your first 5-star rating comes through, use it! Add it to your free Zarla business website (there’s a dedicated section to feature your Google Reviews) post it on your FB page, or include it in your next marketing email.

Happy customers lead to more happy customers (but you’ve got to ask them for reviews, otherwise no one will ever know!)

So start doing this now, and don’t stop — it’s by far the most important strategy to get 5-star reviews and start showing up higher in Google’s business listings.