If you want to improve your Local SEO and climb the Google Maps rankings, there is one strategy that beats almost everything else: getting more high-quality Google reviews.
But asking for reviews can feel awkward, and getting customers to actually follow through is notoriously difficult. However, August presents a unique opportunity for UK small businesses. People are generally in a better mood, the pace of life is slightly slower, and they often have a bit more free time. Here is why August is the perfect month for a review drive, and exactly how to do it.
The “Summer Goodwill” Factor
Think about your own mindset in August. The sun is (hopefully) shining, the days are longer, and the stress of the daily grind often feels a little lighter.
When people are relaxed, they are much more receptive to a polite request for a favour. If you did a great job for a customer in March, but they were too busy to leave a review then, an email in August might catch them while they are sitting in the garden with their phone, happy to take two minutes to help you out.
How to Run an August Review Drive
Do not just send a generic email to your entire customer list. A successful review drive requires a bit of strategy.
1. Segment your list. Go through your customer records from the last six months. Identify the customers who were genuinely thrilled with your work. These are your “low-hanging fruit.”
2. Make it personal. Do not use a corporate template. Send a short, plain-text email that looks like it came directly from you.
- Example: “Hi [Name], I hope you’re having a great summer! I’m currently trying to build up our online presence before the autumn rush. If you were happy with the work we did for you back in [Month], would you mind taking 60 seconds to leave a quick Google review? It makes a massive difference to a small business like ours.”
3. Provide the direct link. Never ask a customer to “search for us on Google and leave a review.” They won’t do it. Go to your Google Business Profile, find the “Get more reviews” button, copy the direct link, and paste it into your email. Make it as frictionless as possible.
What to Do When the Reviews Come In
When your August review drive works and the five-star ratings start appearing, you must reply to every single one.
Google’s algorithm looks at how actively a business owner manages their profile. Replying to reviews signals that you are engaged and care about your customers.
Keep your replies professional but warm. “Thanks so much for the kind words, Sarah! It was a pleasure working on your garden, hope you enjoy it for the rest of the summer.”
Handling the Dreaded Negative Review
If you ask for reviews, you might occasionally get a less-than-perfect one. Do not panic. A profile with 45 five-star reviews and one three-star review actually looks more authentic to potential customers than a “perfect” profile.
If you get a negative review, reply calmly, apologise for their experience, and offer to resolve the issue offline. Never get into an argument in the Google comments section.
By using the slower pace of August to proactively gather reviews, you will build a stronger, more trusted Google Business Profile that will drive enquiries long after the summer is over.
About Dead On Digital
Dead On Digital supports UK small businesses with practical websites, digital marketing and smart automation that help improve and strengthen their online presence. Everything we do is focused on keeping things clear, simple and aligned with how real businesses actually operate day to day.
We believe your website and online presence should keep working for you as your business grows, not be built once and forgotten. If you are reviewing where you are now or thinking about ways to improve things online, we are always happy to offer friendly, honest advice.