Local SEO Review Generation Strategies Ranked (Tier List)

Getting good reviews online is essential for your local business' online growth. Reviews impact how well you rank, improve your Google Local Service Ads (LSA) performance, and can boost conversion rates across all of your marketing channels.
When a potential customer searches for your services, it's highly likely that the decision on whether they choose to call or not, comes down to your reviews.
In fact, 88% of customers read reviews to determine a business' quality. Having good reviews and gaining them consistently will make it easier for potential customers to want to choose you more often than not.
So what are the best ways to generate new reviews? Here’s a look at 10 methods to generate local SEO reviews, ranked from most effective, to the least effective.

S-Tier: The Best Review Generation Tactics

You can't go wrong implementing these tactics into your business.

1. Calling Customers to Request Reviews

One of the most effective ways to generate an online review for your business is by simply picking up your phone. Get a list of past customers who had great experiences and call them to ask for a review.
Speaking directly with your customer adds a personal touch that greatly increases the chance they’ll help you out. This method works great for both new and established businesses.

2. Training Your Staff to Request Reviews

Train your staff to ask for reviews after providing great service. If your team is face to face with a customer and if a job goes well and the customer is happy, they should ask for a review in person.
They should state that it only takes a few seconds, be able to show them how to leave a review, and even offer to walk them through the process together.
You can even turn this into a fun contest with rewards to motivate employees. This method is really painless once you have your staffed trained well. Not to mention, this approach builds trust and makes leaving a review effortless.

3. Using QR Codes on Cards or Collateral

Using QR codes on business cards is an excellent way to generate reviews. Combined with the strategy above, this helps to empower your team with a very streamlined way to get customers to a particular review page.
There are specific TAP cards for this that allow you to touch the card to the customer's phone to take them to the review screen. You can also use other print material or collateral. Customers that scan the code to leave a review on the spot.
This strategy makes the process quick and easy. Placing QR codes at your location or having your staff carry them to every job ensures convenience for everyone.

4. Automating Email and Text Requests

Automated emails and text messages are something that many CRMs and email marketing platforms have to offer.
These automations will request reviews shortly after a service is completed without you or your team needing to lift a finger. Timing is crucial—customers are more likely to leave a review while the experience is still fresh.
Many tools offer this based on your industry. There's weave, House Call Pro, Service Titan, Go High Level, and many more just to name a few.
Automation will keep requests consistent, which leads to a more reliable review velocity that search engines favor.

A smartphone scanning a QR code with a yellow light.

A-Tier: Highly Effective Review Strategies

5. Sending Personalized Text Messages


Texting a review link directly to customers is another strong approach. It’s especially effective if the link is for Google and they use an Android device.
This is because by default, Android users are logged into a Google account when using their phone and will automatically be taken to leave you a rating upon clicking your link.
Personalize the message and provide context so it doesn’t feel random. While it’s more manual, the personal outreach can have a big impact.

6. Recovering Hidden Reviews


Sometimes, Google hides reviews from your Google Business Profile because they are filtered out from their algorithm. Don't ask us, we don't really know why this happens to legitimate reviews either.
However, it's a good idea to reach out to Google and check your account to see if any are missing, and try to restore them.
This tactic can give your business a quick boost Google in reviews, but it’s not guaranteed to recover only five-star reviews. Use this method only if you’ve already built a solid review base already.
We cover exactly how to uncover hidden reviews in our article: Is Google Hiding Your Reviews? How to Recover Them

B-Tier: Effective, But With Drawbacks

7. Sending Email Blasts


Sending email blasts to your list of satisfied customers are a cost-effective way to reach many people at once. You can use a popular service like GetResponse, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, etc. to accomplish this.
However, emails like this are less personal and can be easily ignored. If you choose this route, follow up promptly to ensure you can increase your effectiveness.
Additionally, make sure the email goes out shortly after the service to keep it relevant.

C-Tier: Mixed Results

8. Offering Incentives for Reviews


Offering discounts or freebies in exchange for reviews is a controversial tactic. It really depends on the type of business you're in and your relationship with your customers.
Even still, performing this tactic could make your service look cheap.
Just think about it. If you did a really great job and provided a great service to a happy customer, why would you need to pay them to get them to give you a good review?
It’s best to avoid using incentives, as genuine experiences should be the reason for five-star reviews. Use this strategy carefully if you decide to try it.

Woman shrugs, palms up, with a puzzled expression against a blue backdrop.

D-Tier: Strategies to Avoid

9. Using Multiple Accounts to Leave Reviews


This involves using multiple Gmail (or other) accounts that you own to generate reviews fro yourself. Creating fake reviews from multiple accounts is risky and time-consuming.
Platforms like Google can detect these patterns and may penalize your business if you continue to do this repeatedly.
Even if you do attempt this, which we don't recommend, diversifying devices and locations is necessary to avoid detection. Overall, however, this tactic isn’t worth the effort.

F-Tier: Never Do This

10. Buying Reviews


Purchasing reviews is not only dishonest but also risky.
Your Google Business Profile could be suspended and many of these reviews will come from outside of your local area.
 It’s simply not worth the risk, and it misleads potential customers. Avoid this tactic at all costs.

Man in white t-shirt gives thumbs down gesture against a light blue background.

In Conclusion

Generating consistent, high-quality reviews takes effort, but using the right methods can make a big difference. Prioritize personal and genuine tactics, automate where possible, and stay away from shady practices.
Implement these strategies, and watch your review count—and your business—grow!
 Have more questions or want to boost your local SEO? Contact Tekkii for expert guidance and solutions tailored to your business!

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