Why Google Reviews Matter
Many practices with happy patients have only a handful of Google reviews. Patients rarely leave one unless asked, so the gap between how they feel and what shows up online stays wide. That gap costs you new patients searching on Google. Here's how to close it.
Ask Right After the Visit
The best moment to ask is right after a good interaction, not a week later. The feeling of a good visit fades fast once patients are back to their day.
Keep the ask natural: "We're glad your visit went well. If you have a minute, a Google review helps other patients find us."
Automate the Ask
Your front desk is busy checking patients in and answering phones, so manual requests will always be inconsistent. Send an automatic text or email shortly after each visit. A short text with a direct review link gets clicked far more often than an email lost in an inbox.
Make It Easy
Every extra step loses people. Don't make patients find your listing. Use the direct "Write a review" link Google gives you, everywhere: texts, email signatures, the checkout counter, printed visit summaries.
You can also add a feedback question to your patient satisfaction survey.
Respond to Every Review
Responses show Google your listing is active and show prospective patients you care.
Positive reviews: brief and warm, mention something specific, invite them back. Negative reviews: stay professional, acknowledge the experience, offer to continue offline. Never share health details in a public response.
What Not to Do
No incentives. Discounts, gift cards, and contest entries break Google's policies and can get reviews removed or your listing penalized.
No fake or bought reviews. Google flags sudden batches of five-star reviews from new accounts.
No cherry-picking. Asking only your happiest patients skews the picture and often breaks platform guidelines. Ask everyone.
Build It Into Your Routine
Treat reviews as part of daily operations, not a one-time push. If you run a dermatology practice or med spa, consider timing requests by visit type, since cosmetic patients tend to review more readily.
Track it monthly: requests sent, reviews received, and where your rating is heading.
Get every patient ready before they walk in.
- Forms, consents, and signatures before the visit
- Your paper forms converted by AI
- BAA included