How to get more Google reviews for a cafe or restaurant in NZ

For a cafe or restaurant, Google is the new street frontage. People standing in a new suburb, or deciding where to eat on Friday night, open the map and look at stars and photos. A steady stream of fresh reviews tells them you are open, busy and good.

The difficulty for hospitality

Customers are happy, but they are not at a desk. They are mid-conversation, with a coffee in one hand and a child in the other. You cannot chase them later because you do not have their contact details. So for hospitality the answer is nearly always a QR code in the place they already are.

When to ask

• At the table, near the end of the meal. A small card or sticker that says "Enjoyed your meal? A quick Google review helps us a lot."
• At the till. A sticker by the card machine for the people paying at the counter.
• On takeaway bags and cups. People look at their coffee and their phone.
• By email or text for bookings. If you take bookings, a message the next morning to everyone who dined works well.

Wording for a table card or sign

Enjoyed your visit? A Google review helps other locals find us. Scan to leave one, it takes about a minute. Thank you from all of us at [business name].

For a booking follow-up:

Hi [first name], thanks for dining with us last night. We hope you had a lovely time. If you did, a Google review would help us a lot. Here is the link: [your link]. See you again soon, [your name]

Do not give a free coffee or a dessert for leaving a review. That is an incentive and Google can remove those reviews. See can you offer incentives for reviews.

Where to put the QR code

1. On every table, in a spot that does not get covered by the menu.
2. At the counter and near the door.
3. On receipts, takeaway bags and loyalty cards.

Get your free link and QR code with the review link and QR code generator.

Ask everyone

A sign on the table asks everyone, which is exactly what is wanted. The sign is the same for the delighted regular and the one-time visitor. If someone had a poor experience, a private "tell us how we can do better" option sits alongside it without removing their public choice.

Reply to your reviews

Short, warm replies, using a first name and a detail from the review. Mention a dish or a barista if they did. Reviews with replies look cared for.