How to Get More Google Reviews (Without Feeling Pushy)
A simple, honest system any local business can use to get more Google reviews — and how to reply to good and bad reviews.
Read articleMost local businesses don’t lose customers because their product is bad. They lose them because their Google profile gives a weak first impression — or no impression at all. Here are the ten mistakes I see most often, and how to fix them yourself.
1. Wrong or missing opening hours
Nothing annoys a customer more than arriving at a closed shop. Check your hours, and add special hours for festivals and holidays.
2. The wrong main category
Your primary category tells Google what you are. “Clothing store” and “Saree store” reach different people. Pick the most specific one that fits.
3. No products or services listed
Customers decide faster when they can see what you sell. Add your main products or services with short descriptions.
4. Old or too few photos
Add real photos of your shop front, inside, your team and your best products — and keep adding a few every month.
5. Ignoring reviews
Reply to every review, good or bad. It shows future customers you care, and it’s free.
6. Different details on different websites
If your name, address or phone number is different on Justdial, Facebook and Google, it confuses both customers and Google. Keep them identical everywhere.
7. A description stuffed with keywords
Write your description for people: who you are, what you sell, where you are, why choose you.
8. Never posting updates
Google Posts are like a mini notice board — offers, new arrivals, events. A post every week or two keeps your profile active.
9. Not answering questions
Customers can ask questions on your profile. Answer them quickly — or add common questions and answers yourself.
10. Never checking Performance
Open “Performance” once a month. Calls, direction requests and website clicks tell you if things are improving.
The takeaway
None of these need a big budget — just a little regular attention. In my saree store case study, consistent work on exactly these basics led to 1,663 direction requests. Want me to check your profile? Book a free strategy session.
