Google reviews are one of the most powerful (and free) marketing tools for automotive workshops. A strong review profile helps you appear higher in local searches and builds trust before customers even call. This guide shows you exactly how to get more reviews and use them to grow your workshop.
Read Reviews
92%
of consumers check reviews
Trust Factor
4.5+
stars needed to stand out
Reviews Read
5+
before choosing a business
↓ In this guide
⭐ Why Google Reviews Matter for Workshops
When someone searches "mechanic near me" or "car service [your suburb]", Google shows local businesses with their star ratings prominently displayed. Reviews affect your visibility in two ways:
1. Local Search Ranking
Google uses reviews as a ranking factor for local search results. Workshops with more reviews and higher ratings tend to appear higher in the "map pack" — the top 3 local results shown on Google Maps and Search.
2. Click-Through Rate
A 4.8-star rating with 150+ reviews instantly stands out against a competitor with 3.9 stars and 20 reviews. Higher ratings = more clicks = more customers.
📊 The Numbers
- 92% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business
- 50% read 5 or more reviews before forming an opinion
- 88% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
- Businesses with 4.5+ stars get significantly more clicks than those below 4.0
💬 How to Ask Customers for Reviews
Most satisfied customers don't leave reviews simply because they don't think of it. A simple ask dramatically increases review rates.
Method 1: Ask at Pickup (Most Effective)
The best time to ask is when the customer is happy — right after you've explained the work done and they're paying.
Script Example:
"Thanks for choosing us. If you're happy with the service, we'd really appreciate a Google review — it helps other people find us and only takes a minute. I can text you the link if that's easier?"
Key elements:
- Only ask if they seem satisfied (read the room)
- Explain why it matters ("helps other people find us")
- Make it easy ("I can text you the link")
- Don't pressure — one ask is enough
Method 2: Follow-Up SMS/Email
Send a follow-up message 1-2 days after service with a direct link to your Google review page.
SMS Template:
Hi [Name], thanks for visiting [Workshop Name]! If you were happy with our service, we'd appreciate a quick Google review: [link]. It really helps! — [Your name]
Email Template:
Subject: How was your service at [Workshop Name]?
Hi [Name],
Thanks for bringing your [vehicle] in for service. We hope everything is running smoothly.
If you were happy with our work, we'd really appreciate a Google review. It only takes a minute and helps other car owners find trustworthy mechanics.
[Leave a Review Button/Link]
Thanks again for choosing us.
Method 3: QR Code in Workshop
Create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page. Display it:
- At the payment counter
- In the waiting area
- On invoices or business cards
- On a small card given with keys
Getting Your Google Review Link
- Go to Google Business Profile
- Click "Ask for reviews" or find "Get more reviews" in your profile
- Copy the short link provided
- Use this link in emails, SMS, and to create QR codes
💡 Pro Tip
Workshop management software like Hoist can automate review requests — send an SMS after every completed job with your Google review link. This significantly increases review volume with zero extra effort.
📝 Responding to Reviews
Responding to reviews shows you care about customer feedback. Respond to ALL reviews — positive and negative. Google also considers response rate when ranking local businesses.
Responding to Positive Reviews
Keep responses genuine, brief, and personalised. Avoid copy-paste responses.
Good Response Examples:
- "Thanks Sarah! Glad we could sort out that brake issue for you. See you next time."
- "Cheers Mike, appreciate the kind words. Hope the Ranger is treating you well!"
- "Thanks for the review, John. Always good to see repeat customers. Drive safe!"
Responding to Negative Reviews
Negative reviews hurt, but how you respond matters more than the review itself. Potential customers read your responses to see how you handle problems.
Negative Review Response Framework:
- Acknowledge — Show you've heard their concern
- Apologise — Even if you disagree, apologise for their experience
- Take it offline — Offer to discuss and resolve privately
- Stay professional — Never get defensive or argue publicly
Example Response to Negative Review:
"Hi [Name], I'm sorry to hear your experience didn't meet expectations. We take all feedback seriously and would like to make this right. Please call us on [number] or email [email] so we can discuss this directly. — [Your name], Owner"
⚠️ Never Do This
- ❌ Argue with the reviewer publicly
- ❌ Make excuses or blame the customer
- ❌ Ignore negative reviews entirely
- ❌ Share private customer details in your response
- ❌ Offer compensation publicly (can encourage fake reviews)
📋 Google's Rules for Reviews
Google has strict policies about reviews. Breaking them can result in reviews being removed or your business profile being suspended.
What You CAN Do:
- ✓ Ask customers for reviews
- ✓ Make it easy by providing a direct link
- ✓ Send follow-up emails/SMS requesting reviews
- ✓ Display QR codes linking to your review page
- ✓ Respond to all reviews
What You CANNOT Do:
- ❌ Offer incentives (discounts, gifts, free services) for reviews
- ❌ Only ask satisfied customers (review gating)
- ❌ Write fake reviews or ask friends/family who aren't customers
- ❌ Buy reviews from services
- ❌ Review your own business
- ❌ Discourage negative reviews
🚨 Warning: Fake Reviews
Buying fake reviews or incentivising reviews violates Google's policies. Consequences include: removal of all reviews, suspension of your business profile, and damage to your reputation if customers find out. It's not worth the risk.
📈 Building a Review Strategy
Consistent effort beats occasional campaigns. Here's a simple ongoing strategy:
| Action | Frequency | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| Ask at pickup | Every happy customer | Counter staff |
| Send follow-up SMS/email | After every job | Automated or admin |
| Respond to new reviews | Within 24-48 hours | Owner/manager |
| Review your profile | Monthly | Owner |
Realistic Expectations
With consistent asking, expect:
- 5-15% of asked customers will leave a review
- 2-4 new reviews per week for a busy workshop
- Building to 50+ reviews takes 3-6 months from scratch
✓ Key Takeaways
Quick Wins
- ✓ Set up your Google Business Profile properly
- ✓ Create a direct review link
- ✓ Train staff to ask at pickup
- ✓ Display a QR code at the counter
- ✓ Respond to every review
Long-Term Success
- ✓ Automate follow-up review requests
- ✓ Monitor reviews weekly
- ✓ Use feedback to improve service
- ✓ Build to 50+ reviews
- ✓ Maintain 4.5+ star rating
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