FREE Google review monitoring (the link Grant mentioned): https://meritly.us/free-google-review-monitoring

One email a month with your new reviews, any rating changes, and every 1–3 star review that still needs a reply. Free, no credit card, one-click unsubscribe.

Fewer than 20 Google reviews? In BrightLocal's 2026 survey, 47% of consumers said they won't use a business with fewer than 20 reviews. In this episode, Grant covers how to get more Google reviews the right way: a simple routine, an honest ask, and the Google and FTC rules that can get you in trouble.

You'll learn:

• Why fresh reviews matter more than old ones (74% look for reviews from the last 3 months)
• How to build the review ask into your receipts, thank-you emails and chats
• What to say when you ask (and what never to say)
• Google's rules on incentives and conflict-of-interest reviews
• The FTC's 2024 rule banning fake and incentivized reviews
• Why replying to reviews helps you get more of them

Sources:
BrightLocal – Local Consumer Review Survey 2026: https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
Google – Tips to get more reviews: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122
Google – Maps user-contributed content policy: https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7400114
Google – About missing or delayed reviews: https://support.google.com/business/answer/10313341
FTC – Final rule banning fake reviews and testimonials: ftc.gov

This episode is narrated with an AI voice.

FREE Google review monitoring (the link Grant mentioned): https://meritly.us/free-google-review-monitoring

One email a month with your new reviews, any rating changes, and every 1–3 star review that still needs a reply. Free, no credit card, one-click unsubscribe.

You don't need a QR code generator. Google already makes a free review link and QR code for your business, right inside your Business Profile. In this episode, Grant shows small business owners where to find it, where to put it, and the review-sign wording Google's own policy warns against.

You'll learn:

• How to get your Google review link and QR code (on a computer, not your phone)
• Where Google suggests putting it: receipts, thank-you emails, chats, and in your store
• Why "scan for 10% off" next to your review code breaks Google's rules
• Why you shouldn't ask only happy customers, or ask for five stars
• The no-pressure and no-quota rules most owners miss

Sources:
Google – Create a Google link or QR code to request reviews: https://support.google.com/business/answer/16816815
Google – Tips to get more reviews: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122
Google – Maps user-contributed content policy: https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7400114

This episode is narrated with an AI voice.

FREE Google review monitoring (the link Grant mentioned): https://meritly.us/free-google-review-monitoring?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep-002
One email a month with your new reviews, any rating changes, and every 1–3 star review that still needs a reply. Free, no credit card, one-click unsubscribe.

Fake one-star review? Google can remove it, but only if it breaks Google's rules. In this episode, Grant walks small business owners through how to remove a Google review the right way, using Google's own Business Profile and content policy guidelines.

You'll learn:

• Which Google reviews are eligible for removal (and why "unfair" isn't enough)
• The 5 policy violations that matter most: fake engagement, conflict of interest, off-topic, harassment/personal info, profanity and advertising
• How to report a review from your Google Business Profile
• How to track your report and use your one-time appeal in the Reviews Management Tool
• What to do about negative review extortion scams
• How to handle a real negative review that doesn't break any rule

Sources:
Google – Report inappropriate reviews on your Business Profile: https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773
Google – Maps user-contributed content policy: https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7400114
Google – Report negative review extortion scams: https://support.google.com/business/answer/16404809

This episode is narrated with an AI voice.