Repify
To get more Google reviews for clients, a marketing agency should give each client its own Google review link and QR code, place them at the client's real touchpoints, train the client's staff with a short script, add the link to existing customer emails and reply to every review. Track scans and new reviews per client monthly, and never use incentives, gating or fake reviews.
For local businesses, more Google reviews often means more calls and visits, which is why review growth is one of the most requested services from marketing agencies. But agencies cannot ask customers themselves. Reviews must come from real customers of the client, so the agency's job is to design the process, provide the materials and keep the client's team consistent.
The agencies that succeed treat reviews as a repeatable system, not a one-off campaign. Each client gets its own link, QR codes adapted to its touchpoints, a staff script and a monthly report. This guide shows how to set that up across a portfolio of clients while keeping everything within Google policy and protecting your agency's reputation.
Step by step
- Collect each client's review link. With manager access to each Google Business Profile, copy the short review link from "Ask for reviews" for every client and every location. Keep them organized so no client gets the wrong link.
- Map the client's touchpoints. Identify where each client meets customers: the counter, the table, the waiting room, the invoice, the delivery bag. The best placements differ between a cafe, a clinic and a plumber.
- Deliver QR codes and posters per client. Create branded QR codes and print-ready posters for each client and location, sized for the places you identified. Make sure each code opens that client's review form.
- Train the client's staff. Give each client a one-page script with the asking moment and a sample line. A short call or visit with the front-line staff makes a bigger difference than any material.
- Use the client's existing emails. Add the review link to the client's existing order confirmations, invoices or follow-up emails, sent to all customers. Do not build gated surveys that only route happy customers to Google.
- Handle replies. Agree with each client who replies to reviews and how fast. Draft replies in the client's voice and escalate negative reviews to the owner before responding.
- Report monthly per client. Report new reviews, average rating and response time per client, and compare QR scans with new reviews to find weak placements. Repify generates a QR code in each client's brand color and a printable poster that opens their Google review form, and counts every scan for your reports.
Reply examples
Client onboarding email
Review: Email sent by the agency to a new client at the start of the review program.
Suggested reply: Hi Laura, attached are your review QR poster and counter card for the downtown location. Please place the counter card next to the card terminal and ask every customer at checkout with the line in the script. We will track scans and share results at the end of the month.
Staff script provided to the client
Review: One-line script given to the client's front-line staff.
Suggested reply: Thanks for coming in today. If you have a minute, we would really appreciate a Google review. You can scan the code right here.
Monthly report note
Review: Summary line in the agency's monthly client report.
Suggested reply: This month your counter card was scanned more often than the window poster, and new reviews increased compared with last month. Next step: move the window poster inside next to the waiting area and remind staff to ask at checkout.
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing reviews on behalf of clients or using agency staff to post them.
- Buying reviews or using review exchange networks between clients.
- Setting up gated funnels that send only happy customers to Google and unhappy ones to a private form.
- Suggesting clients offer discounts, freebies or contest entries for reviews.
- Using one generic QR code across clients or locations, which sends reviews to the wrong profile.
Frequently asked questions
Can a marketing agency ask for Google reviews on behalf of a client?
An agency can design the process and provide materials, but the request should come from the client to its real customers. The agency must never write or post reviews itself.
Is review gating allowed if an agency uses a satisfaction survey first?
No. Sending only satisfied customers to Google and filtering out unhappy ones is review gating, which Google does not allow. Every customer should be able to reach the review link.
How do agencies manage review QR codes for many clients?
Create a separate QR code and poster for each client and location, each pointing to the correct review link. Track scans per code so you can report results and spot weak placements.
What should an agency report to clients about Google reviews?
New reviews per month, average rating, response time and which placements generate scans. Pair the numbers with concrete next steps such as moving a poster or retraining staff.