If you want more Google reviews, you need to focus on them. What you focus on grows, and for location-based entertainment (LBX) brands, reviews are critical to driving more foot traffic, increasing online visibility, and ultimately boosting revenue.
Why Google Reviews Matter
Google reviews are a key part of the customer journey. Before making a decision, potential guests look at reviews to gauge the experience they can expect. A high volume of positive reviews builds trust and encourages more people to visit your LBX.
Beyond social proof, Google reviews also have a significant impact on SEO. More reviews (and higher ratings) help your business rank better in Google search results and the local Google Map Pack—the top three businesses shown in local searches. When your LBX ranks higher, more people find your Google Business Profile, which leads to more high-value actions such as:
• Clicks to your website
• Phone calls to your location
• Requests for directions
• Menu or booking page views
Each of these actions is highly correlated with revenue, making Google reviews one of the most powerful (and often underutilized) growth levers for LBX brands.
Pro Tip: Engage with All Reviews
Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows that you care about customer feedback. It also improves perception, strengthens brand loyalty, and helps you uncover opportunities for improvement. A well-handled negative review can even turn an unhappy customer into a repeat visitor.
So how can you get more Google reviews? Here are three effective strategies:
1. Offer a “Bounty” for Google Reviews to Incentivize Staff
Your team plays a huge role in the guest experience, so why not reward them for great service? Create a Google Review Bounty program:
• How it works: Every time a guest mentions an employee’s name in a Google review, that staff member gets a small cash bonus or reward.
• Why it works: It encourages staff to provide exceptional service and actively ask happy guests to leave a review.
• Bonus effect: Employees will naturally mention the review process to customers, increasing your overall review count.
How to Implement It:
• Promote the bounty program in team meetings.
• Track reviews weekly and announce winners.
• Offer tiered rewards (e.g., $5 per mention, plus a $50 bonus for the most mentions in a month).
2. Make It Easy for Guests to Leave Reviews
The harder it is for customers to leave a review, the less likely they are to do it. Remove friction by making the process seamless.
Tactics to Implement:
• QR Codes: Place QR codes around your facility that directly link to your Google review page.
• Staff Lanyards: Have employees wear lanyards with a QR code that says, “Let Us Know How We’re Doing – Scan to Review Us!”
• Digital Signage: Use screens at checkout, in waiting areas, or near exits with a simple call-to-action: “Enjoyed your visit? Leave us a quick review!”
Why This Works:
People are more likely to leave a review when it’s effortless. By making it a simple scan away, you significantly increase the chances of capturing feedback while the experience is still fresh in their minds.
3. Automate Review Requests via SMS & Email
If you’re not collecting customer contact information for marketing, you’re leaving money on the table. Not only does this help with promotions, but it also allows you to automate review requests.
How to Set It Up:
• Capture Emails & Phone Numbers: When guests book online, join a membership, or make a purchase, collect their contact details.
• Create an Automation: Set up an automated email or SMS to go out a few hours after their visit, asking them to leave a review.
• Make It Personal: Use their first name and keep the message short with a direct link to your Google review page.
Why Automation Works:
• Guests receive the request when the experience is fresh, making them more likely to respond.
• You create a consistent flow of new reviews instead of relying on staff reminders.
• It helps you scale your review collection effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
Google reviews aren’t just about reputation—they directly impact your LBX’s visibility, rankings, and revenue. By incentivizing staff, making it easy for guests, and automating the process, you can dramatically increase the number of high-quality reviews you receive.
Most importantly, remember to engage with reviews—both good and bad. This not only improves your brand perception but also provides valuable insights into what’s working and what can be improved.
Start focusing on reviews today, and you’ll see the results in your rankings, customer engagement, and bottom line.
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