You shouldn’t buy Google reviews. Paying for reviews breaks Google’s policies against fake engagement, and Google can remove the reviews, restrict your Business Profile from getting new reviews, or show a warning on your listing that fake reviews were detected. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission’s rule on fake reviews also makes buying or selling fake reviews illegal, with civil penalties. The reliable way to get more reviews is to ask real customers, make it easy with your review link or a QR code, and respond to the reviews you get.
Below is why bought reviews backfire, and a practical plan to grow genuine reviews for your business.
Why buying reviews backfires
- Google detects patterns. Bursts of reviews from new or unrelated accounts, similar wording and reviews from far away are common signals of fake activity.
- Reviews get deleted. Removed reviews take your rating down with them, and you lose the money you paid.
- Your profile can be restricted. Google can temporarily block new reviews or add a public notice about removed fake reviews.
- Legal risk. The FTC’s rule targets buying, selling and procuring fake reviews and testimonials.
- Customers notice. Generic five-star reviews that don’t match people’s experience erode trust.
How to get real Google reviews
1. Get your review link
- Search for your business name on Google or open Google Maps while signed in as the owner.
- In your Business Profile tools, choose Ask for reviews (or Get more reviews).
- Copy the short link, or download the QR code.
2. Ask at the right moment
- Right after a successful job, delivery or visit, when customers are happiest.
- In a follow-up email or text with the direct link.
- On receipts, invoices and order confirmations.
3. Make it easy
- Put the QR code on a counter sign, table tent or business card.
- Add a “Review us on Google” button to your website and email signature.
- Keep the request short: one sentence and the link.
4. Respond to every review
Reply to positive reviews with a thank-you and to negative ones calmly with an offer to help. Responses show future customers that you care, and they encourage others to leave reviews.
What’s allowed and what isn’t
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Asking all customers for honest reviews | Paying for reviews |
| Sharing your review link and QR code | Offering discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews |
| Replying to reviews | Asking only happy customers (review gating) |
| Reporting fake reviews of your business | Employees reviewing their own business |
| Fixing problems mentioned in reviews | Posting fake negative reviews of competitors |
Deal with fake reviews on your profile
If someone posts a fake or abusive review, open it in your Business Profile, click the three dots, and choose Report review. Use Google’s review management tool to check the status of your reports.
Related: change the cover photo on Google Business Profile.
Related: get a Google Knowledge Panel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give customers a discount for leaving a review?
No. Google prohibits offering incentives for reviews, even for honest ones.
How many reviews does a business need?
There’s no magic number. A steady flow of recent, detailed reviews helps more than a large batch at once.
Can I remove a bad review?
Only if it violates Google’s policies, such as spam, harassment or off-topic content. Otherwise, reply professionally.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.