How to ask customers for Google reviews (without breaking the rules)

To get more Google reviews, copy the review link from your Google Business Profile (Read reviews, then Get more reviews), and ask every customer for a review right after the job, with the link in the same message. Keep two rules: never offer anything in return, which Google prohibits, and never ask only the customers you think are happy, which Google’s policy also forbids. The FTC’s rule on consumer reviews, in effect since October 21, 2024, adds penalties for fake reviews.

How do you get the review link?

From Google’s own steps:

1. Go to your Business Profile at business.google.com.
2. Select Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
3. Copy the link, or download the QR code.

Google says the review QR code can only be made in a browser on a computer, not on a phone, so make it once at a desk and print it. Customers need to be signed in to a Google account to leave a review.

When should you ask?

Right after the job, while the clean windows or the empty garage are in front of them. A few habits make it routine:

• Ask in person at the end of the job: “If you were happy with this, a Google review helps a small business like mine a lot.”
• Send the link the same day, in your thank-you message or with the invoice.
• Ask everyone, every time, the same way. That keeps you inside the rules below.

A good moment is when the job’s paid. In FieldFlow you get a notification when a card or bank payment lands, which is a natural cue to send your thank-you and the review link from your own phone or email.

What are the rules?

Google’s and the FTC’s rules overlap, and Google’s are stricter:

• No rewards. Google’s help center says offering free or discounted goods or services in exchange for reviews is strictly prohibited, and its content policy removes reviews posted because of a business incentive. FTC staff say the federal rule allows incentives with no strings on the sentiment, but Google doesn’t, so on Google the answer is no.
• No review gating. Google’s policy says businesses may not discourage negative reviews or selectively solicit positive ones. Sending a “how did we do?” survey and passing only the happy customers the Google link is exactly that. FTC staff say selective solicitation could also violate the FTC Act.
• No fake reviews. The FTC rule bars businesses from writing or buying fake reviews, and courts can impose civil penalties for knowing violations.
• No threats. The FTC rule also bars using threats, intimidation or groundless legal threats to get a review removed.

How should you answer reviews?

Answer all of them, briefly; Google’s own tips recommend replying, and replies are public. Thank the good ones by name and mention the job. For a bad one, stay calm, say what you’ll do, and take the details offline.

The short version

Get the link from your Business Profile, ask every customer right after the job, put the link in the same message, offer nothing in return, and answer every review. FieldFlow tells you the moment a job’s paid, so the thank-you and the link go out while the job’s fresh, at $19/month for the whole business, with a 90-day free trial. See the window cleaning page or the facts sheet.

Questions owners ask

How do I get my Google review link?

Open your Business Profile at business.google.com, select Read reviews, then Get more reviews. Copy the link, or download the QR code. Google says the review QR code can only be made in a browser on a computer, not on a phone.

Can I offer a discount for a Google review?

No. Google's help center says offering incentives such as free or discounted goods or services in exchange for reviews is strictly prohibited. Ask without a reward.

Can I ask only my happy customers for reviews?

Don't. Google's policy says businesses may not discourage negative reviews or selectively solicit positive ones, and FTC staff say selectively soliciting reviews could violate the FTC Act. Ask every customer the same way.

When is the best time to ask for a review?

Right after the job, while the work is in front of the customer, ideally with the link in the same message as your thank-you or the invoice. Asking every customer the same way at the same point also keeps you inside the rules.