Smart Reviews logo

How to Automate Requests to Get Google Reviews and Increase Feedback Rates

If you’re running a business, you already know how important it is to get Google reviews.

They help potential customers decide whether to trust you, improve your visibility online, and even boost your local SEO rankings.

But let’s be real—getting reviews isn’t always easy, especially if you’re trying to juggle a million other things.

The good news? You can automate this process to save time and get better results. Here’s how to do it step by step.

What Is Google Review Automation?

Let’s start with the basics.

Google review automation means using tools or software to automatically request, monitor, and respond to reviews.

Instead of manually reaching out to each customer, these tools handle the heavy lifting for you, ensuring you don’t miss opportunities to collect valuable feedback.

Think of it as your behind-the-scenes assistant working 24/7.

6 Steps to Automate Google Review Requests

Here’s how you can set up an automated system to request reviews and increase your feedback rates:

Infographic outlining 6 steps to automate Google review requests, including setup, software selection, CRM integration, and follow-up by Smart Reviews

#1. Set Up or Verify Your Google Business Profile

Before anything else, make sure your business is listed and verified on Google.

This is where customers leave their reviews, so it’s essential to have it set up.

Google Business Profile setup page encouraging businesses to create or verify their listing to collect and manage customer reviews by Smart Reviews

#2. Choose the Right Review Management Software

Not all tools are created equal. Look for software that integrates with your existing systems (like your CRM) and offers features like automated reminders and customisable messages. Popular options include:

  • Podium: Great for collecting reviews via text.
a screenshot of a podium - Smart Reviews
  • Birdeye: A robust tool with automation and analytics features.
a screenshot of a birdeye- Smart Reviews

#3. Integrate the Software with Your CRM

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management—basically, the system you use to keep track of your customers.

By integrating your review software with your CRM, you can automatically trigger review requests after a customer makes a purchase or completes a service.

No manual follow-ups are required.

#4. Create a Review Request Template

Make your requests personal and easy to follow.

For example: “Hi [Name], thanks for choosing us! We’d love to hear your feedback. Click [here] to leave a quick review.”

Example of a personalised Facebook Messenger review request asking a customer to leave feedback with a direct clickable review link - Smart Reviews

Keep it short, and friendly, and include a direct link to your review page.

The easier you make it, the more likely customers are to respond.

#5. Automate the Timing

Timing is everything.

The best time to ask for a review? Right after the customer has had a great experience.

Set your software to send a request within 24 hours of their interaction.

If they don’t respond, schedule a polite follow-up reminder a few days later.

#6. Monitor and Respond to Reviews

Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows customers that you care.

Many tools let you automate responses too, so you can stay on top of this without spending hours typing replies.

Just make sure the responses feel genuine.

Best Practices for Increasing Feedback Rates

Here are a few extra tips to make the most of your automated system:

Infographic showing best practices to increase review response rates: simplify with QR codes, personalise messages, and stay compliant by Smart Reviews
  • Simplify the Process: Use QR codes or direct links to your Google review page. Place them on receipts, business cards, or emails.
  • Personalise Your Requests: People appreciate a personal touch. Use their name and reference their specific experience.
  • Stay Compliant: Avoid anything that violates Google’s guidelines, like gating (only asking happy customers to leave reviews).

How to Measure Success

Once your system is up and running, track these metrics to see how it’s performing:

  • Number of Reviews: Are you getting more reviews than before?
  • Average Rating: Has your overall rating improved?
  • Response Rates: Are customers engaging with your requests?
Checklist graphic for measuring review success: number of reviews, average rating, and customer engagement with review requests - Smart Reviews

If something isn’t working, tweak your messaging or timing until you find the sweet spot.

Wrapping It Up

Automating your Google review requests is a game-changer.

It saves time, increases feedback rates, and strengthens your online reputation.

And here’s the thing—you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re looking for a simple way to manage this process, we can help you do it with ease.

Smart Reviews makes automation easy, so you can focus on growing your business. Why not give it a try?

More articles

The (social) proof is in the pudding.

Have you heard the term ‘social proof’ but are unsure what it’s all about? We’ve got you covered! Social proof is the idea that consumers will adapt their behaviour based on what other people are doing. Nothing new there really? When we see a line of excited customers waiting to eat at a popular restaurant or a […]

Tips and tricks: responding to negative reviews

Top tips Customer reviews can be both a blessing and a curse. Great reviews provide social proof  and put potential customers at ease. On the flip side, not every review can be five stars, and negative customer reviews are almost impossible to avoid. Rather than take your frustration out on your keyboard, use unfavourable reviews as an […]

How to nail asking your customers for reviews

It can be daunting to ask your customers to leave a review, but the benefits far outweigh an awkward moment. Asking for reviews from customers is one of the most powerful customer acquisition and retention strategies you can have up your sleeve. That’s because online reviews can do wonders for your company. They help build […]

A positive spin on negative reviews

It can be daunting to receive a negative review but trust us, it’s not the end of the world! Maybe your team is just having an off day, or a reviewer is proving particularly hard to please? One negative review is unlikely to completely ruin your chances in local search though, so don’t worry too […]

Ready to Boost Your Business with More 5-Star Reviews?

Our review specialists are here to answer your questions, show you how it works, and help you get started – no pressure, just expert advice.
Smart Reviews
Turning Reviews into Results
Credit card

Copyright © 2025. Smart Reviews. All Rights Reserved. Website by Wolf IQ