Yes, you can ask customers for reviews. Google encourages businesses to invite them. But there are rules, and breaking them can get reviews removed or put your profile at risk. This is a general guide based on Google’s published policies; always check the current wording on Google’s own pages.
What is generally fine
- Asking customers in person, by email or by text to leave an honest review
- Sharing your direct review link; see how to create it
- Providing tools like an NFC review card that make it easy
- Replying to reviews publicly
What to avoid
- Paying or rewarding people for reviews. Google prohibits offering incentives, including discounts or freebies, in exchange for reviews.
- Review gating. Do not screen customers and only invite the happy ones to post on Google.
- Fake or purchased reviews. These violate policy and are easily spotted.
- Writing reviews yourself, or asking staff and family to do so.
- Bulk reviews from one device or location, such as a tablet in your shop that collects many reviews in a row.
How to ask the right way
Ask every customer, make it quick, and accept whatever they honestly write. A neutral, consistent invitation is the safest approach. See the best time to ask for wording that stays within the rules.
If you receive a review that breaks the rules
You can flag it through your Business Profile. Handle genuine negative feedback by replying professionally.
The bottom line
Make asking easy, keep it honest and treat every customer the same. Over time that builds a review profile you can trust, which also supports your local search visibility.
Make honest reviews effortless. See the Google Review Card NFC – one tap opens your review page, free delivery Australia-wide, no monthly fees.