How to Get More Google Reviews (Without Breaking FTC Rules)

The FTC's August 2024 rule change made fake reviews a federal offense. Review gating — only asking happy customers — is under scrutiny. So how do you legitimately build your review count?

The Compliant Framework

1. Ask Everyone, Not Just Happy Customers

Send review requests to ALL customers after service. This isn't just ethical — it's what Google and the FTC expect. Cherry-picking violates the spirit of consumer protection laws.

2. Timing Is Everything

The best time to ask: within 2-24 hours of service completion. The experience is fresh, satisfaction is high, and the customer hasn't moved on.

3. Make It Frictionless

• Send a direct link to your Google review page (not your website)
• SMS gets 3x the response rate of email
• One tap to start writing — no account creation needed

4. Keep Records

Maintain an audit log of every review request sent: who, when, what channel. If the FTC ever asks, you have proof you're operating compliantly.

What NOT to Do

• ❌ Offer discounts or incentives for reviews (FTC violation)
• ❌ Only ask customers who you know are happy (review gating)
• ❌ Buy reviews from services (federal offense since Aug 2024)
• ❌ Have employees write fake reviews
• ❌ Use multiple Google accounts to review yourself

The Numbers

Businesses that systematically request reviews see:

• 2-5x more reviews per month vs. passive collection
• Average rating stays the same or improves (happy customers are more likely to respond)
• Local SEO ranking improves within 30-60 days

Automate It

The most effective businesses automate the entire flow: service completed → CRM triggers → SMS/email sent → review link included → audit log recorded.

No manual work. No forgetting. Fully FTC compliant.

Want automated, compliant review requests? Book a free demo — ReviewGuard sends requests, drafts responses, and tracks everything for $149/mo.