How to Get More Reviews on Google Maps, Yandex Maps and 2GIS
Practice4 minInnovialabs editorial team
In short
Ask every customer for a review right after the purchase via a direct link or QR code, never offer a reward or ask only happy customers, and reply to every review — this grows both your rating and your map rankings.
How to get more reviews, in short
Most satisfied customers do not leave a review not because they do not want to, but because nobody asked or it was inconvenient. The working formula is simple: ask everyone, at the right moment, with a direct link that opens in one tap. And do it the same way for every customer, not only for those who will surely give five stars.
Step 1. Get direct links to the review form
Platform dashboards usually provide a link or QR code that opens the review form directly:
- Google — Google Business Profile has an "Ask for reviews" feature with a link to the form.
- Yandex Maps — Yandex Business provides a link and materials for collecting reviews.
- 2GIS — a link to the reviews tab of your listing works.
Interfaces change, so if the option has moved, look for it in the reviews section of the dashboard.
Step 2. Choose channels and timing
| Channel | When to ask | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| QR code at the counter, table or on packaging | Right after the purchase or service | A short caption: what to do and how long it takes |
| Telegram message or SMS | A few hours later or the next day | Links to two or three platforms, no pressure |
| Receipt and e-receipt | At payment | A QR code and one line of text |
| A staff member asking in person | When the customer says thanks | Do not hover while they write |
A Telegram bot or a CRM can send the request automatically after an order is closed. Example message:
Thank you for choosing us! If you have a minute,
tell others about your experience — it helps people
find us and helps us get better.
Google: [link]
Yandex Maps: [link]
2GIS: [link]
Note that the text promises nothing in return and does not ask specifically for five stars.
Step 3. Follow platform rules
All three platforms fight review manipulation. Common prohibitions:
- Fake and purchased reviews, including via agencies and "review swaps".
- Reviews from the owner, employees and relatives about their own business.
- Rewards for reviews — a discount, gift, bonus or entry into a giveaway.
- Reviews of competitors meant to harm them.
Google specifically prohibits selectively asking only satisfied customers for reviews or discouraging negative ones. So the "ask for a rating first and share the link only after five stars" flow breaks the rules.
Consequences include removed reviews, restrictions on the listing and, in some cases, a warning shown to users about suspicious activity. Rebuilding trust is much harder than collecting honest reviews.
Step 4. Reply to reviews, especially negative ones
Future customers read your replies, so you are writing not only to the author but to everyone viewing the listing. How to reply to a negative review:
- Thank them for the review, even if it is harsh.
- Acknowledge the problem without excuses or arguing over details.
- Explain what you did or will do so it does not happen again.
- Move the conversation to a private channel — phone or Telegram — to resolve the specific case.
Do not reveal the customer's personal data or order details in the reply. If a review breaks platform rules (insults, spam, not about your business), report it through the dashboard instead of arguing publicly.
How reviews affect local rankings
Google names three groups of local ranking factors: relevance, distance and prominence. Review count and average rating are part of prominence, and replying to reviews shows the business is active. Yandex Maps and 2GIS also consider ratings and reviews when sorting businesses, although they do not disclose exact formulas.
Beyond rankings, reviews directly drive choice: people compare several listings and pick the one with a higher rating and recent reviews that have replies.
Common mistakes
- Collecting reviews in bursts: many in one week, then nothing for months. A steady flow looks more natural.
- Asking for reviews on only one platform while ignoring the one your customers actually use.
- Replying to every review with the same template phrase.
- Leaving negative reviews unanswered.