# Google Reviews Guide: Getting and Answering Reviews the Right Way

Canonical: https://fl.gmbmanagementusa.com/resources/google-reviews-guide/
Updated: 2026-10-13
Publisher: GMB Management USA

How to ask for reviews in a policy-compliant way and how to respond to them.


## Why reviews matter

Reviews show future customers what to expect and contribute to how prominent a business appears locally.


## Asking for reviews properly

- Ask real customers after a real service
- Make it easy with a direct link
- Ask all customers rather than only the ones you expect to be happy
- Never offer a reward in exchange for a review
- Never write or buy reviews

## Replying to reviews

Thank customers for specifics. For criticism, be calm, acknowledge the problem and offer a way to resolve it. Future customers read your replies.


## Fake or policy-breaking reviews

Report reviews that appear to break Google's policies. Google makes the removal decision, so reply professionally in the meantime.