Reviews & reputation

Reviews shape whether a local customer picks you or the business next door. This section covers how to ask for them, how to reply, and which tools help when the volume grows.

It’s for owners who want a steady flow of honest reviews without crossing a line. The rules matter here. Google bans rewards for reviews and asking only happy customers. The FTC’s rule on fake reviews took effect in October 2024 and covers fake, insider and suppressed reviews.

You can do most of this yourself with a review link and a habit of asking. Software becomes useful when you serve many customers a week, run several locations, or want requests sent automatically after each sale.

Where to start

1. Begin with how to get more Google reviews for the step-by-step and the rules.
2. Make sure your Google Business Profile is verified, since you need that to reply.
3. When you’re ready to automate, compare tools in best review management software.
4. For surveys alongside reviews, see our Zonka Feedback review.