Before most people buy from a local business, they check what others have said about it. On Facebook, that means your recommendations, the reviews shown on your Page.
This guide covers how Facebook reviews work now, how to switch them on, the easiest ways to get more, and what UK law says about offering incentives. Most of it works for Google reviews too.
How Facebook reviews work
Facebook swapped star ratings for recommendations. Customers say whether they recommend your business, add a comment and can include photos.
Your Page shows the percentage of people who recommend you, which makes a steady stream of genuine reviews more valuable than ever.
Seven ways to get more Facebook reviews
The businesses with the most reviews aren't always the best. They're the ones that ask.
Switch reviews on
Check the reviews option is turned on in your Page settings. It's easy to switch off by mistake.
Ask at the right moment
Straight after a job well done or a thank you is when people are happiest to help.
Send a direct link
A link straight to your reviews saves customers from hunting for them.
Use a QR code
Put one on receipts, invoices, the counter or a business card.
Add it to emails
A short line and link in your follow-up or thank you emails.
Train your team
Make asking for a review part of every happy goodbye.
Reply to every review
People are more likely to leave a review when they can see you read them.
The best times to ask
Timing makes a big difference to how many people say yes.
Ask while the customer is admiring the work.
A friendly word and a QR code on the counter.
When a client says thanks, reply with a link.
Be careful with incentives
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act bans fake reviews, and bans offering anything in return for positive reviews. Incentivised reviews must be clearly labelled, and you mustn't present reviews in a misleading way, such as hiding the negative ones.
The simplest approach is not to offer incentives at all. Just ask, make it easy and do a great job. Google's own rules also ban incentivised reviews.
Ways to ask you can copy
Use these in person, by message or by email.
Thanks so much, really glad you're happy with it.
If you've got a minute, a quick recommendation on our Facebook page would mean the world to a small business like ours.
Hi Emma, thanks again for choosing us.
If you were happy with everything, would you mind leaving us a quick recommendation? Here's the link.
How did we do?
Your feedback helps other local people find us. It only takes a minute to leave a recommendation on our Facebook page.
Facebook review dos and don'ts
Do
- Ask every happy customer, every time
- Make it easy with a direct link or QR code
- Reply to every review, good or bad
- Share great reviews as posts, with permission
- Ask for Google reviews too
- Report reviews that are fake or abusive
Don't
- Write fake reviews or ask friends to pose as customers
- Offer rewards for positive reviews
- Ask only the customers you think will be positive, then hide the rest
- Argue with negative reviewers
- Pay for reviews
- Forget to check reviews are switched on
Let us look after your reviews
We reply to your reviews and comments for you, share your best reviews as posts and keep your Page looking active and trusted.
Find out more about our Facebook management and Google Business Profile management. Got a negative one? Here's how to respond to negative comments.
Facebook review FAQs
Are Facebook reviews and recommendations the same thing?
Yes. Facebook replaced star ratings with recommendations, where people say whether they recommend your business and add a comment. They're still often called reviews, and they still show on your Page.
Can I offer a discount for a Facebook review?
Be very careful. Since April 2025, UK law bans offering anything in return for positive reviews, and any incentivised review must be clearly labelled. Most businesses avoid incentives altogether and simply ask.
Why can't customers leave a review on my Facebook Page?
The reviews feature may be switched off, or your Page category may not support it. Check the reviews option in your Page settings and turn it on.
Can I remove a bad Facebook review?
You can't delete a recommendation yourself, but you can report one that breaks Facebook's rules, such as spam, abuse or a fake review. For genuine negative reviews, a calm reply is the best option.
Should I also get Google reviews?
Yes. Google reviews matter even more for local searches. Ask happy customers to leave one on whichever they use most. Our Google Business Profile guide explains more.
