Imagine you search for "dental clinic in Marbella" on your phone. You open Google Maps and see two options at the same distance: one with 9 reviews and the other with 90. Which one gives you more confidence right away? Reviews are one of the signals Google takes into account when showing your listing and, above all, the first thing the person about to call you looks at. In this guide we explain how to get more reviews legitimately, when to ask for them and what is prohibited under Google's policies.
Why reviews matter on Google Maps
Reviews play a double role. On one hand, they make your listing more complete and active: a listing with recent reviews and responses shows that the business is alive and paying attention. On the other, they are the social proof that a person weighs up options against before deciding.
You don't need hundreds to get started. A dozen honest, recent reviews can help you build more trust than a competitor who neglects theirs. What matters isn't quantity on its own, but consistency: a steady trickle of new reviews says more about your business than a one-off spike.
Every review is also a chance to talk. Responding to it — including the negative ones — shows you care about the customer, and that's seen both by whoever wrote it and whoever reads it later.
When and how to ask for a review
Asking for a review isn't pestering: it's making it easy for someone who is already happy with your work. The timing matters more than how hard you push.
- Right after the service. When the customer is satisfied and the work is still fresh. A simple phrase is enough: "if you liked it, a review on Google really helps us".
- Through the channel you already use. If you've been talking on WhatsApp, ask on WhatsApp; if by email, by email. Don't make them switch apps.
- With a direct link. Generate your listing's review link and send it. The fewer steps, the more likely they'll do it.
- Once, and without pressure. Ask once, naturally. If they don't do it, don't insist; next time they're happy, you'll have another chance.
What works vs what's prohibited
Google has clear rules about reviews. Breaking them can get reviews removed or your listing suspended. This table helps you tell what helps from what can hurt you:
| What we compare | What works | What's prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| When to ask | Ask after a good experience, naturally | Offering discounts, gifts or incentives in exchange |
| Which reviews to accept | Accept them all: good and bad | Picking only the positive ones or filtering negatives |
| How to respond | Respond to all, including the bad ones | Buying reviews or using fake accounts |
| Who to ask | Real customers, with their direct link | Asking people who were never customers |
A simple system for asking for reviews
You don't need to overcomplicate it. A four-step system, repeated consistently, is usually enough:
Right after the service
Ask for the review as soon as the job or sale is done, while the customer is satisfied and it's still fresh.
Direct link
Prepare your listing's review link and keep it handy to send in one click over WhatsApp or email.
Friendly reminder
If it hasn't arrived after a few days, a single courteous reminder is usually enough. Never push.
Always respond
Respond to every review that comes in, good or bad. It's an important part of the work and builds trust.
How it fits into local SEO
Reviews don't live in isolation: they're part of local SEO. A well-optimised listing turns each new review into a stronger signal for Google. At Solaris we work on reviews as part of fully optimising your listing, with two fixed plans and no lock-in:
Local Pack
€150 /month + VAT
- Optimisation of your Google Maps listing
- Review management and responses
- Posts and photos
- Monthly report
Content Pack
€250 /month + VAT
- Everything in the Local Pack
- Monthly articles on your website
- A stronger online presence
- Monthly report
Do the maths: a single new client a month that leaves you €150 already covers the plan. Anything beyond that is direct return.
What results to expect
Let's be honest: nobody can guarantee you the top spot, and you should be wary of anyone who does. What you can expect from serious, consistent work on reviews:
- More trust in your listing, with a steady trickle of recent, responded-to reviews.
- A stronger reputation against whoever compares you with the competitor next door.
- More insight to improve: reviews tell you what your customers value and what you can fix.
- Progressive results: it's not a switch, but momentum you build and maintain with consistency.
Why Solaris
There are many ways to approach reviews. At Solaris we do it within a complete local SEO strategy and with clear rules:
- Only legitimate practices. No incentives or shortcuts: we work within Google's policies so what you gain sticks.
- Fixed, published prices. €150 or €250 a month, no "request a quote" and no surprises on the invoice.
- No lock-in. You stay because it works, not because a contract ties you down.
- We explain what we do. You get a report every month. See how we manage Google Maps reviews and how it all fits into local SEO.