Let’s be real for a second—asking for a Google review can feel weird. That moment where you’re trying to be genuine but not pushy? It’s kind of like asking someone on a date and immediately questioning your entire vibe. What if they say “no”? What if they didn’t like us as much as we thought? What if they say “yes” and we forget how to speak words?

The point is: it’s totally normal for your team to feel a little uncomfortable. So instead of pretending that awkwardness doesn’t exist, let’s just name it, normalize it, and move on—because there are ways to ask for reviews that feel natural and actually work.

Here’s How We Get Reviews

One of the simplest shifts is timing. Start by asking everyone how their visit went. Every. Single. Person. When a patient says something kind like, “This was the best cleaning I’ve had in years,” or “Y’all are always so friendly,” that’s your moment. That’s when you casually, confidently say, “We love hearing that! If you don’t mind sharing that in a Google review, it really helps people who are looking for a place like this.”

Listen, we’ve all blanked on what to say in the moment. So give your team a few go-to phrases they can pull out without hesitation. Things like, “Would you mind sharing that online?” or “You’d make our day if you’d leave a quick review,” help break the ice and take the pressure off. The more they say it, the less weird it feels. Pinky promise.

Also, this is not just a front desk thing. Reviews are everyone’s responsibility. That assistant who calmed a nervous patient? The hygienist who explained everything with clarity and kindness? The doctor who actually listened? Those are review-worthy moments, and anyone on the team can help capture them. If you’ve made a connection or are vibing with a patient, you can extend the invitation. Team effort, always.

Confidence doesn’t come from a script—it comes from practice, support, and a little bit of “hey, we’re in this together.” Set aside time to role-play or talk through what’s working. And, when someone on the team gets a shoutout in a review? Celebrate it! Print it out. Frame it. Do a slow clap if the moment feels right. Recognition fuels confidence, and confident teams create better experiences. Period.

Now, let’s talk tools. Make it easy. Keep a printed sign with your QR code (like these) in several spots—front desk, op rooms, checkout, wherever patients naturally pause. For folks who are in a rush (hello, real life), have little cards or handouts they can take with them and scan later. Make it convenient. Make it low-pressure. Make it visible.

If you’re a pediatric office, you’ve got a special challenge (and a fun opportunity). Your patients are adorable but not exactly old enough to type out a five-star review. So turn it into a moment. Create a cute sign—something like “I Was Brave Today” or “Cavity-Free Club”—and snap a photo of the kiddo (with parent permission, of course). Text the picture to the parent with your review link. It’s sweet, personal, and a natural way to invite feedback.

Still getting some polite (or not-so-polite) no’s? That’s okay. Just because someone isn’t tech-savvy or doesn’t have a Google account doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. There’s always an Option C. Ask if they’d be open to texting you a quick testimonial or writing something down. You can use it on your website, social, or even on a testimonial wall in the office. These little moments of storytelling are often more powerful than stars.

Quick tech tip before we wrap: If a patient is trying to leave a review in the office, have them disconnect from your Wi-Fi. Google flags reviews from the same IP address, so if ten people post from your front desk Wi-Fi, only two or three might actually show up. Switching to their own mobile data helps ensure the review sticks.

At the end of the day, asking for reviews is really about building a culture of connection and confidence. When your team understands why reviews matter and feels equipped to ask with confidence, it’s no longer an awkward task. It’s an invitation—to share a great experience, to build your reputation, and to make sure more amazing patients walk through your doors.

Cheers,

Sydney Robinson
DSN Director of Operations
FOA Coaching Founder and CEO

P.S. Looking to level up leadership and systemization in your front office? Schedule a discovery call with me HERE.