Ask every patient for a Google review soon after their visit, send the direct review link in a short WhatsApp or SMS message, and reply to every review. Never offer a reward in exchange for a review, and never ask only happy patients. Google’s policies prohibit both, and they can lead to removed reviews or a suspended profile.
What do Google’s rules say about asking for reviews?
You can ask customers for reviews. You cannot offer incentives for them, and you cannot selectively request positive reviews or discourage negative ones. Read Google’s maps content policy and its tips for getting more reviews before you start. The safest routine is to ask every patient in the same way.
How do you get your review link?
In your Google Business Profile, use the option to share a review request. It gives you a link that opens the review box directly. Save the link, shorten it if you want, and use the same one in every message and on a QR code at reception.
When should you ask?
- Soon after the appointment, when the visit is fresh, usually the same day or the next.
- After the treatment is complete and the patient has no open concerns.
- Not during a complaint. Resolve the issue first, then treat the patient like any other.
What message templates work?
Keep messages short, personal and easy to act on. Replace the names and link.
Assalam o Alaikum [Name], thank you for visiting [Clinic name] today. If you have a minute, we would be grateful for a Google review about your visit: [link]. Your feedback helps other patients and helps us improve.
Hello [Name], thank you for choosing [Clinic name]. How was your visit? You can share your experience here: [link]. Thank you.
Salam [Name], aap ke aaj ke visit ka shukriya. Agar ap ko waqt mile to apna tajurba yahan Google par likh dein: [link]. Shukriya.
How should you reply to reviews?
- Thank the patient by first name and mention something general, such as the friendly team.
- Do not repeat or confirm health details in a public reply. Patient privacy still applies.
- For a negative review, apologize for the experience, say that you want to put it right and invite the patient to contact the clinic directly.
- Reply in the language the patient used when you can.
How do reviews help the clinic?
Recent, genuine reviews help patients choose and give search engines more evidence about the clinic. Show reviews that relate to a treatment on that treatment’s page. We cover the review routine for clinics in our dental SEO work and on the local SEO page, and the suspended profile guide explains why following the rules protects your listing.
What mistakes should clinics avoid?
- Offering discounts or gifts for reviews
- Asking only patients who seem happy
- Asking staff or relatives to write reviews
- Using the same review text for everyone
- Repeating patient health details in public replies
- Sending the request in the middle of a complaint
A simple front-desk routine
- Save the review link as a quick reply on the clinic WhatsApp account.
- At the end of each visit, tell the patient you will send a short message.
- Send the message the same day, using one of the templates.
- Check new reviews each morning and reply within a day or two.
- Count new reviews each month and note which treatments they mention.
Frequently asked questions
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google’s policies prohibit offering incentives in exchange for reviews. It can lead to removed reviews or a suspended profile. Thank patients sincerely and ask everyone in the same way, without rewards.
Can I only ask happy patients for reviews?
No. Selectively asking only patients you expect to be positive is against Google’s policies. Ask all patients in the same way, then reply professionally to whatever feedback you receive.
Should I reply to every review?
Yes, where you can. Replies show that the clinic is attentive, and they help future patients judge how you handle feedback. Keep replies short, polite and free of private health information.
How many reviews does a clinic need?
There is no fixed number. Steady new reviews matter more than a one-time burst, and comparing your count and rating with nearby clinics shows how far you are from the competition.
Sources and further reading
Want a review routine your front desk can run every day? Tell us about your clinic and we will outline one.