How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Saskatoon Business

When was the last time you bought something or visited a new restaurant without checking the reviews first? If you're like most Saskatoon residents, online reviews heavily influence your purchasing decisions. The same goes for your potential customers—they're reading Google reviews before they ever pick up the phone or walk through your door.

The good news is that getting more Google reviews isn't about luck or begging customers for favours. It's about having a simple system in place. In this guide, I'll share the same strategies our web development team recommends to Saskatoon businesses—practical, ethical approaches that actually work.

88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Businesses with 4+ stars on Google receive 12% more calls and website clicks than those with lower ratings.

Why Google Reviews Matter for Local Businesses

Google reviews aren't just nice to have—they directly impact your bottom line. Here in Saskatoon, when someone searches for "plumber near me" or "best coffee shop Saskatoon," Google shows businesses with strong review profiles first. More reviews and higher ratings mean more visibility, which means more customers.

But it's not just about search rankings. Reviews build trust before a customer ever contacts you. Think about it: would you rather hire a contractor with 50 five-star reviews or one with no reviews at all? Your potential customers make that same calculation every day.

The Numbers Don't Lie:

• Local SEO boost: Google's algorithm considers review quantity, quality, and recency when ranking local businesses
• Trust building: 94% of consumers say positive reviews make them more likely to use a business
• Competitive advantage: Many Saskatoon businesses still neglect their Google reviews, giving you an opportunity to stand out
• Free marketing: Every review is free word-of-mouth advertising that works 24/7

Step #1: Set Up Your Google Business Profile Properly

Before you can collect reviews, you need a properly optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This is the foundation of your local online presence. If you haven't claimed your profile yet, do it today—it's free and takes about 15 minutes.

Essential Profile Elements:

• Accurate business name: Use your exact legal business name as customers know it
• Complete address: Make sure your Saskatoon location is correct and matches your website
• Phone number: Use a local Saskatoon number when possible
• Business hours: Keep these updated, especially for holidays
• Business category: Choose the most specific category that describes what you do
• Photos: Add quality photos of your business, team, and products/services
• Website link: Connect your Google profile to your professional website

A complete, professional profile makes customers more confident about leaving reviews. It also helps Google understand what your business does and show you in relevant local searches.

Step #2: Ask for Reviews the Right Way

Here's the truth most Saskatoon business owners don't realize: happy customers want to help you, but they're busy and forget. The solution isn't to hope they remember—it's to ask directly and make it easy.

When to Ask:

• Right after a positive experience: When a customer compliments your service or thanks you, that's the perfect moment
• After completing a project: Once the work is done and the customer is satisfied
• During a follow-up: When checking in to make sure everything is going well
• After repeat business: Loyal customers are often your best reviewers

How to Ask (Examples):

Keep it simple and personal. Here's what works:

• In person: "I'm so glad you're happy with [service]. If you have a minute, a Google review would really help other Saskatoon folks find us."
• By email: "Thanks for choosing [Business Name]! If you have a moment, we'd love it if you could share your experience on Google. Here's a direct link: [link]"
• On a receipt or invoice: Include a QR code or short link to your Google review page

The key is to be genuine and not pushy. Never offer incentives for reviews—that violates Google's policies and can get your reviews removed.

Step #3: Make Leaving a Review Effortless

Even willing customers won't leave a review if it's complicated. Every extra step you add loses potential reviewers. Your job is to remove all friction from the process.

Create a Direct Review Link:

Google provides a short link that takes customers directly to your review form. To find it:

1. Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard
2. Click "Get more reviews" or find it under "Marketing"
3. Copy your short review link

Where to Share Your Review Link:

• Email signatures: Add "Leave us a Google review" with your link
• Website footer: Include a review button on your site
• Thank you emails: Send automatic follow-ups after service completion
• Text messages: For customers who prefer mobile communication
• Physical signage: QR codes at your Saskatoon location or on business cards
• Social media: Periodic reminders on your business Facebook or Instagram

At TechYXE, we help Saskatoon businesses integrate review requests into their websites and email workflows so the process becomes automatic.

Step #4: Respond to Every Review

Responding to reviews is just as important as collecting them. It shows potential customers that you care about feedback and are actively engaged with your business. Google also considers response rate when ranking local businesses.

Responding to Positive Reviews:

• Thank them personally: Use their name if possible
• Be specific: Reference something from their review
• Keep it brief: A few sentences is perfect
• Invite them back: Express hope to serve them again

Example: "Thanks so much, [Name]! We're thrilled the website redesign is working well for your Saskatoon business. It was a pleasure working with you, and we're here anytime you need updates!"

Responding to Negative Reviews:

Negative reviews happen to every business. How you respond matters more than the review itself:

• Stay calm and professional: Never argue or get defensive
• Acknowledge their experience: Show empathy even if you disagree
• Take it offline: Offer to discuss the issue privately
• Make it right if possible: Offer a solution when appropriate

Potential customers often judge businesses by how they handle criticism. A thoughtful response to a negative review can actually build trust.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Reviews

I've seen many Saskatoon businesses sabotage their review efforts without realizing it. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Buying fake reviews: Google's algorithms detect fake reviews, and getting caught can tank your profile
• Offering incentives: "Leave a review for 10% off" violates Google's terms of service
• Only asking unhappy customers: Some businesses fear reviews because they only hear from complainers—ask everyone
• Ignoring your profile: An outdated Google profile with wrong hours or old photos discourages reviews
• Waiting too long to ask: The best time to ask is when the experience is fresh
• Making it complicated: If customers have to search for your business to leave a review, most won't bother

Focus on Service First:

The best way to get great reviews is to provide great service. Reviews are a reflection of customer experience—invest in making every interaction with your Saskatoon customers memorable, and the reviews will follow naturally.

Build Your Online Reputation with TechYXE

Google reviews are just one piece of your online presence puzzle. A professional website that converts visitors into customers, combined with strong local SEO, creates a powerful foundation for your Saskatoon business.

TechYXE helps local businesses build complete online presences that drive real results. Our website development service includes features that make collecting reviews and building trust easier.

Our web development service includes:

• Custom website design starting at just $199 - professional sites that reflect your brand
• Google review integration - easy-to-find review links and badges on your site
• SEO optimization - get found by Saskatoon customers searching for your services
• Mobile-responsive design - looks great on all devices where customers read reviews
• Local Saskatoon team - we understand the local market and what works here

Ready to strengthen your online reputation and attract more Saskatoon customers? Contact us today for a free consultation!

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