Why Automating Google Review Requests Matters - Automate Them

Step-by-Step: Build a Google Review Request Automation with Constant Contact

Reviews Are the New Word-of-Mouth

Think about the last time you searched for a restaurant, service provider, or shop. Chances are, you looked at the Google reviews. You’re not alone, studies show that more than 90% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase decision, and nearly 80% trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.

For small businesses, that’s powerful. Your Business Profile on Google is often the first impression someone has of you. Reviews influence not only whether someone chooses you, but also how high you rank in local search results. More recent, authentic, and frequent reviews tell Google your business is active and relevant. This helps you to show up higher and more often.

The Challenge: We Forget to Ask

Even businesses with happy customers often have very few reviews. Why? Because asking for reviews is inconsistent. Staff may forget. Business owners may feel uncomfortable asking. Or requests get made only in person and never followed up.

That inconsistency means:

• A customer may have had a great experience, but no one reminded them to share it.

• Reviews come in bursts (like when you remember to ask) and then go quiet for months.

• You miss the momentum of keeping your profile fresh and visible.

The Solution: Automate It

Constant Contact makes it easy to build a simple automation that does the remembering for you. Once a customer completes a purchase or service, they’re automatically sent a polite email asking for a review. You can even add reminders or thank-you notes based on whether they clicked your review link.

That means:

• Every customer gets the same opportunity.

• Requests are sent at the right time (when the experience is fresh).

• Your Business Profile builds steady, authentic reviews without extra work.

The Benefits of Automating Review Requests

1. Consistency
No more forgetting. Every customer receives the same professional request.

2. Freshness
Google (and potential customers) value recent reviews. A steady flow of new feedback keeps your reputation current.

3. Perfect Timing
Automations let you schedule the request for a few days after the service or purchase while customers are still thinking about you.

4. Insights You Can Act On
Constant Contact tracks open rates and clicks. If people aren’t clicking, you can test a new subject line or message.

5. No Extra Tools Needed
You don’t need to buy separate review software. The Automation Path Builder in Constant Contact handles emails, tags, reminders, and tracking, all in one place.

A Real-World Scenario

Imagine this:
A local landscaping company has 150 clients each summer. The owner asks a few for reviews at the end of the season, but most forget. The Google profile shows only 10 reviews from the past year.

After setting up a Constant Contact automation:

• Every client is added to a “Review Requests” list once their job is completed.

• Three days later, they automatically receive a thank-you email with a review link.

• Customers who click and leave a review are tagged and sent a quick “thank you” message.

• Customers who don’t click get a short reminder a week later.

By the end of the season, instead of 10 reviews, the company now has 80. Their profile looks active, current, and trustworthy. When new prospects search “landscaping near me,” they appear higher in the results and stand out with dozens of recent, positive reviews.

Compliance and Best Practices

⚠️ Google has clear rules about requesting reviews. Following them is critical to protect your credibility.

• No incentives. Don’t offer discounts, freebies, or rewards in exchange for reviews.

• No cherry-picking. Ask every customer, not just the ones you know are happy.

• Be transparent. Tell customers you’d appreciate their honest feedback.

• Make it simple. Use a direct link to your Google review form—no extra steps.

The Bottom Line

Google reviews are no longer optional, they’re essential to being found and trusted. Automating your requests with Constant Contact ensures every customer gets asked, every time, without adding more to your plate. The result? A stronger reputation, higher visibility, and more business.

👉 Next, let’s walk through exactly how to set up this automation step by step inside Constant Contact.