Print QR Code: Go to Reviews → Click QR Code → Download & print for your counter
5
Start Collecting: Your customers can now scan the QR code or click SMS links to leave reviews!
Done! Now continue reading this guide to unlock all the powerful features and best practices.
Welcome & Getting Started
G'day and welcome to GetReview Australia! You've made a smart choice investing in your business's online reputation. Whether you run a café in Melbourne, a tradie business in Brisbane, or a medical practice in Perth, this platform will help you collect more positive reviews and manage your online presence like a pro.
What GetReview Australia Does for Your Business
GetReview Australia is your complete review management solution, designed specifically for Australian businesses. Here's what it can do:
Collect More Reviews: Send automated SMS requests and use QR codes to make it easy for happy customers to leave reviews
Manage All Reviews in One Place: See reviews from Google, Facebook, Yelp and more in a single dashboard
Respond Faster with AI: Generate professional replies to reviews instantly using artificial intelligence
Share Social Proof: Automatically post your best reviews to Facebook and Instagram
Protect Your Reputation: Catch unhappy customers early with private feedback before they leave bad reviews
💡 Did You Know? 88% of Australian consumers read online reviews before visiting a local business. Having more positive reviews can increase your foot traffic by up to 35%!
How This Guide Works
This guide is organised to help you get the most out of GetReview Australia. You can:
Follow it step-by-step if you're new to review management
Jump to specific sections using the table of contents
Use the Quick Start Guide if you need results immediately
Australian Compliance & Best Practices
⚠️ Important: GetReview Australia is designed to comply with Australian Consumer Law and Google's review policies. We include mandatory opt-out links in all SMS communications and ensure your review collection practices are ethical and legal.
Understanding Your Dashboard
Your GetReview Australia dashboard is your mission control centre. Here's what you'll see when you first log in:
Main Navigation Areas
⭐ Reviews
View and manage all your reviews from different platforms. This is also where you'll find your QR code for in-person review collection.
📨 Requests
Send review requests via SMS or email to your customers. Access quick requests for immediate sending or create campaigns for bulk outreach.
🎨 Widgets
Create and manage website widgets to display your reviews on your business website for instant social proof.
⚙️ Settings
Configure your review link, connect social media accounts, and customise your platform settings.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Watch
Your dashboard shows several important metrics that help you track your reputation management success:
Metric
What It Means
Good Target
Review Volume
Total number of reviews received this month
5-10% of your customer base
Average Rating
Your overall star rating across all platforms
4.0 stars or higher
Response Rate
Percentage of reviews you've replied to
80% or higher
SMS Success Rate
Percentage of SMS review requests successfully delivered
95% or higher
💡 Pro Tip: Check your dashboard daily for the first week, then weekly once you're comfortable. Set aside 10 minutes each morning to respond to new reviews and send quick requests to yesterday's customers.
Managing Your Business Profile
Your business profile is what customers see when they interact with your review link and what appears on your Google Business Profile. Keeping this information accurate and up-to-date is essential for building trust and credibility with potential customers.
Accessing Your Profile Settings
Click on Profile in the left sidebar navigation
You'll see your business profile overview with all your key information
Click on any section to edit the details
Profile Sections Overview
📸 Information and Photos
Profile photo (appears on your review link)
Cover photo (featured on your profile page)
Business name and address
Website URL
Business description
Category and phone number
📰 Updates
Post news about your business
Announce events and promotions
Share special offers
Sync directly to Google Business Profile
⏰ Hours
Regular hours (weekly schedule)
Special hours (holidays, events)
Temporary closures
Auto-sync with Google
Editing Business Information and Photos
Your business information appears on your review link and helps customers recognise and trust your business:
Navigate to Profile → Information and Photos
Click the Information tab
Update any of the following fields as needed
Profile Photo vs Cover Photo
Photo Type
Recommended Size
Where It Appears
Best Practice
Profile Photo
Square (500x500px)
Review link header, thumbnails
Use your logo or icon
Cover Photo
Rectangle (1200x400px)
Profile page banner
Use a professional photo of your business, products, or team
💡 Photo Tips:
Profile photo: Should be recognisable at small sizes - your logo works best
Cover photo: Choose a high-quality image that represents your brand - storefront, popular product, happy team
File format: JPG or PNG, keep file size under 2MB for fast loading
Consistency: Use the same profile photo across all platforms for brand recognition
Managing Business Updates
Updates (also called "Posts" on Google Business Profile) are short announcements that appear on your profile. They're perfect for promoting events, news, or special offers.
Creating a New Update
Go to Profile → Updates
Click the + New Update button
Choose update type: News or Event
Upload an eye-catching image (1200x900px recommended)
Write your message (keep it under 150 words)
Set the date (events need start/end times)
Toggle Live to publish immediately
Click Save
Update Types
Always test your review link before going live:
Click the Preview button (eye icon at the top right of your Review Link settings)
Test both desktop and mobile versions
Try both positive and negative feedback paths
Make sure all your connected platforms are working
Using QR Codes
QR codes are brilliant for Australian businesses because they make it incredibly easy for customers to leave reviews on the spot. No typing, no searching - just scan and review!
Where QR Codes Work Best
Retail counters: Perfect for cafes, shops, and service desks
Restaurant tables: Especially effective for takeaway orders
Tradie vehicles: Put them on your ute or van for job completion
Medical practices: At reception or in waiting areas
Beauty salons: At the payment counter
Accessing Your QR Code
Go to the Reviews section in your dashboard
Look for the QR code icon in the toolbar
Click to open Kiosk Mode or download the QR code
Kiosk Mode vs Downloaded QR Code
📱 Kiosk Mode
Best for: Tablets at reception desks or counters
Full-screen interface
Always up-to-date
Professional presentation
Great for high-traffic areas
🖨️ Downloaded QR Code
Best for: Printed materials and signage
Print on receipts, menus, business cards
Add to storefront windows
Include in email signatures
Put on vehicle signage
QR Code Printing Ideas for Different Business Types
Update Type
Best Use Cases
Example
Duration
News
Announcements, new products, achievements
"New winter blend featuring notes of chocolate and caramel!"
7 days (auto-expires)
Event
Special occasions, promotions, limited-time offers
"Valentine's Day special: Buy two lattes, get a free croissant!"
Until event date passes
Business Type
Where to Place QR Codes
Timing Strategy
Cafe/Restaurant
Table tents, receipts, takeaway bags
After meal completion, with the bill
Retail Shop
Shopping bags, receipts, counter display
At point of purchase
Tradie/Contractor
Vehicle signage, job completion forms
Immediately after job completion
Healthcare Practice
Reception desk, appointment cards
After consultation, not during waiting
Beauty/Wellness
Mirror displays, appointment reminders
End of treatment when client is happy
💡 Mobile Staff Tip: If you're often on-site (like tradies or mobile services), open GetReview Australia on your phone, tap the QR code button, and show it to customers directly. No printing required!
QR Code Best Practices
Size matters: Print at least 3cm x 3cm for easy scanning
Positioning: Eye level is best, avoid placing too low or too high
Call to action: Add text like "Scan to leave us a review!"
Test regularly: Make sure your QR codes still work as you update your review link
Keep it simple: Don't clutter the area around your QR code
Sending Quick Review Requests
Quick requests are perfect for those moments when you've just served a happy customer and want to capture their positive experience immediately. It's like having a virtual assistant that can instantly send a professional review request.
When to Use Quick Requests
Just completed a service: Perfect timing when customers are satisfied
Customer compliments your business: Strike while the iron's hot
End of appointment: Natural transition point for medical/beauty businesses
After problem resolution: When you've turned a negative into a positive
How to Send a Quick Request
In the Reviews section, click the Quick Request button in the top right corner
Select your channel (Email or SMS)
Click Next
Enter the customer's name and contact details (mobile number for SMS or email address for Email)
Check the consent box (this is legally required in Australia)
Review the message template and personalise if needed
Click Send
Understanding Consent Requirements
⚠️ Australian Law Compliance: Under the Spam Act 2003, you must have explicit consent before sending SMS messages to customers. GetReview Australia includes this consent step to ensure compliance. Never skip this step!
Valid consent includes:
Asking permission before sending: "Can I send you a quick SMS to leave us a review?"
Including opt-out information in every message
Respecting opt-out requests immediately
Only sending review requests, not marketing messages
Messaging Channel Options
Channel
Status
Best For
Delivery Rate
Response Rate
SMS
✅ Available Now
Most businesses (default option)
98%+
15-25%
Email
✅ Available Now
Professional services, follow-up campaigns
95%+
10-20%
WhatsApp Business
🔜 Coming Soon
Younger demographics, service businesses
95%+ (estimated)
25-35% (estimated)
💡 Channel Selection Tips:
SMS: Best for immediate requests and high-priority customers. Most Australians read SMS within 3 minutes of receiving them.
Email: Ideal for professional services (accountants, lawyers, consultants) and when following up with customers who prefer email communication.
WhatsApp (Coming Soon): Will be perfect for businesses serving younger demographics who prefer messaging apps over traditional SMS.
Customising Your Quick Request Message
Your default message template is professionally written, but you can personalise it for your business:
💡 Message Personalisation Tips:
Keep it short and friendly
Mention the specific service (e.g., "Thanks for your haircut today!")
Always include the mandatory variables: {{name}}, {{review_link}}, {{opt_out_link}}
Sample Messages for Different Industries:
Business Type
Sample Message
Cafe
"Hi {{name}}, thanks for visiting us today! If you enjoyed your coffee & meal, we'd love a quick review: {{review_link}}. Reply STOP to opt out {{opt_out_link}}"
Hairdresser
"Hey {{name}}! Hope you love your new look! If you're happy with your cut, please leave us a review: {{review_link}}. Text STOP to unsubscribe {{opt_out_link}}"
Plumber
"Hi {{name}}, thanks for choosing us for your plumbing needs today. If we did a good job, a review would help us heaps: {{review_link}}. Reply STOP to opt out {{opt_out_link}}"
Quiet Hours and Timing
GetReview Australia automatically respects quiet hours (9 PM to 11 AM) to avoid annoying customers with late-night or early-morning messages. Messages sent during quiet hours are automatically queued and delivered at 11 AM in the recipient's time zone.
⏰ Best Timing Tips:
Service businesses: Send within 1 hour of service completion
Restaurants: Send 2-3 hours after the meal
Retail: Send within 30 minutes of purchase
Tradies: Send immediately upon job completion
Healthcare (GPs, dentists, physios, naturopaths): Send 24 hours after appointment to allow recovery time and reflection on care quality
Sending to Multiple Customers
You can send quick requests to multiple customers at once:
Click Add Client to create additional rows
Fill in details for each customer
Ensure you have consent from all recipients
Send to all at once
Managing Review Campaigns
While quick requests are great for immediate opportunities, campaigns are perfect for systematic review collection. Think of campaigns as your automated review collection assistant that works even when you're busy serving customers.
When to Use Campaigns vs Quick Requests
📱 Quick Requests
Immediate opportunities
One-off customers
Face-to-face interactions
When you're present to ask for consent
📊 Campaigns
Regular customer databases
Scheduled follow-ups
Bulk customer communications
Automated review collection
Setting Up Your First Campaign
Navigate to Requests → Campaigns
Click Create New Campaign
Give your campaign a name
Choose your communication channel (Email or SMS)
Select your contact list ("Not Contacted" list or "All Contacts" to reach your entire customer base)
Pick one of your pre-created review request templates
Decide whether to send the campaign immediately or schedule it for a later date
Check the preview to make sure everything looks right
Click Send
Campaign Best Practices by Use Case
While campaigns in GetReview Australia follow a standard setup process, you can use them strategically for different business goals:
Use Case
Contact List Strategy
Timing Recommendation
Initial Launch
Use "Not Contacted" list or import recent customers from past 3-6 months
Send during business hours on Tuesday-Thursday
Ongoing Collection
Regularly add new customers to contact list and send weekly
Consistent schedule (e.g., every Tuesday at 10am)
Follow-up Reminder
Create list of non-responders from previous campaign
Wait 7 days after initial request before reminder
Post-Resolution
Manual entry of customers after complaint resolution
Send 2-3 days after issue is resolved
💡 Campaign Strategy Tip: The key to successful campaigns is proper contact list management and timing. Use the "Not Contacted" list feature to avoid sending duplicate requests to the same customers.
Contact List Management
You can add contacts in several ways:
Option 1: CSV Upload
Prepare a CSV file with the following columns:
First Name (required) - Customer's first name
Last Name (required) - Customer's last name
Phone (required) - Mobile number including country prefix (e.g., +61 for Australia)
Email (optional) - Customer's email address
💡 CSV Formatting Tips:
Phone numbers: Must include country prefix. For Australian mobiles, use +61 followed by the number without the leading 0. Example: +61412345678 (not 0412345678)
Download template: Use the example file provided in the platform to ensure correct formatting
Data source: Export customer data from your existing system (EFTPOS, booking software, POS system like Square, Xero, or Bookings)
Check your data: Remove duplicate entries and verify phone numbers before uploading
⚠️ Phone Number Format: The most common mistake is incorrect phone number formatting. Always include the country prefix (+61 for Australia) and remove any leading zeros. GetReview Australia will reject improperly formatted numbers to ensure successful SMS delivery.
Option 2: Manual Entry
Perfect for smaller lists or when you want to be selective about who receives requests.
💡 Manual Entry Tips:
Add contact button: Click "Add contact" to quickly add individual customers after each transaction
Upload from CSV: For bulk uploads, use the CSV upload option instead
Phone number format: Select +61 (Australia) from the dropdown, then enter the mobile number without the leading 0
Email optional: While email is optional, including it provides a backup contact method if SMS fails
Option 3: Integration Sync
Connect GetReview Australia with your existing customer management system for automatic updates.
Campaign Scheduling Best Practices
Timing: Send campaigns on Tuesday-Thursday for best response rates
Frequency: Don't send more than one review request per customer per month
Personalisation: Reference the specific service or visit date when possible
Follow-up: Send one gentle reminder 7 days after the initial request
⚠️ Compliance Reminder: Only include customers who have given consent to receive marketing communications. If in doubt, send a quick request in person rather than adding them to an automated campaign.
Viewing & Managing Reviews
The Reviews section is where you'll spend most of your time in GetReview Australia. It's your command centre for monitoring what customers are saying about your business across all platforms.
Understanding Your Review Feed
Your review feed automatically imports reviews from all connected platforms:
Google Business Profile: Imports instantly (within seconds)
Facebook: Updates every 15 minutes
Other platforms: Usually within 2-3 minutes of posting
Review Feed Filters
Use the filter options to focus on what matters most:
Filter
When to Use
Action Required
All Reviews
Daily overview check
General monitoring
Reviews Without Reply
Priority response management
Reply to all unreplied reviews
Review Priority System
Not all reviews need the same level of attention. Here's how to prioritise:
🚨 High Priority
1-2 star Google reviews
Reviews mentioning specific problems
Reviews from recent customers
Reviews with lots of detail
Response time: Within 2-4 hours
⚠️ Medium Priority
3-star reviews
Positive reviews without replies
Reviews on secondary platforms
Response time: Within 24 hours
✅ Low Priority
5-star reviews with existing replies
Very old reviews
Generic positive comments
Response time: Within 48-72 hours
Understanding Review Patterns
💡 Pattern Recognition: Look for patterns in your reviews. Are multiple customers mentioning the same issue? Are certain staff members getting consistent praise? Use these insights to improve your business operations.
Common patterns to watch for:
Time-based patterns: Do you get more negative reviews on busy days?
Service-specific patterns: Which services get the best/worst reviews?
Staff-related patterns: Are certain team members mentioned frequently?
Seasonal patterns: Do reviews change with seasons or events?
Managing Fake or Inappropriate Reviews
Unfortunately, not all reviews are genuine. Here's how to handle problematic reviews:
Identifying Fake Reviews:
Generic language with no specific details
Posted by accounts with no profile picture or history
Multiple similar reviews posted in short timeframes
Reviews that mention competitors or services you don't offer
Action Steps for Inappropriate Reviews:
Document the review with screenshots
Report through the platform's official channels (Google, Facebook, etc.)
Respond professionally if the review stays up
Focus on getting more legitimate positive reviews to dilute the impact
⚠️ Never: Ask friends or family to leave fake positive reviews. This violates platform policies and Australian consumer law. Focus on earning genuine reviews from real customers.
Click Send Reply
AI Reply Quality and Customisation
The AI learns from your business type and previous responses to generate appropriate replies. Here's what it considers:
Review sentiment: Positive, negative, or neutral tone
Specific issues mentioned: Service problems, staff praise, etc.
Your business type: Different responses for cafes vs medical practices
Australian language patterns: Uses appropriate local language and tone
Platform-Specific Reply Capabilities
Platform
Reply Method
Features
Google Business Profile
Direct API integration
Reply directly from GetReview Australia, edit/delete replies
Facebook
Direct link
Opens Facebook page for manual reply
Yelp
Direct link
Opens Yelp page for manual reply
Other platforms
Direct link
Copy/paste AI-generated response
Reply Templates by Review Type
Positive Reviews (4-5 Stars)
AI-Generated Example: "Thanks so much for the lovely review, Sarah! We're thrilled you enjoyed your experience with us today. Your kind words about our team really make our day. We look forward to seeing you again soon! 😊"
Key Elements:
Personal greeting using customer's name
Specific acknowledgment of their experience
Appreciation for specific compliments
Invitation to return
Appropriate emoji use
Negative Reviews (1-2 Stars)
AI-Generated Example: "Hi Michael, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I'm genuinely sorry to hear that your experience didn't meet your expectations. We take all feedback seriously and would love to make this right. Please contact us directly at [phone] so we can discuss this further and find a solution. We appreciate the opportunity to improve."
Key Elements:
Professional acknowledgment
Genuine apology without admitting fault
Commitment to improvement
Private contact invitation
No defensive language
Mixed Reviews (3 Stars)
AI-Generated Example: "Hi Jennifer, thanks for your honest feedback about your visit today. We're glad you enjoyed some aspects of your experience, and we appreciate you pointing out areas where we can improve. Your suggestions help us provide better service for all our customers. We'd love to welcome you back and show you the improvements we're making!"
Key Elements:
Balanced acknowledgment
Focus on both positives and improvements
Appreciation for constructive feedback
Commitment to improvement
Re-engagement invitation
Editing AI-Generated Responses
Always review and personalise AI responses before sending:
✏️ Editing Checklist:
Check the customer's name is spelled correctly
Add specific details about their visit if you remember
Ensure the tone matches your brand voice
Remove any generic phrases that don't apply
Add your business name or personal signature
Response Time Best Practices
Review Type
Recommended Response Time
Why It Matters
Negative (1-2 stars)
Within 2-4 hours
Shows you care and can prevent escalation
Mixed (3 stars)
Within 24 hours
Demonstrates commitment to improvement
Positive (4-5 stars)
Within 48 hours
Shows appreciation and encourages return visits
Common Reply Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes:
Generic responses: "Thanks for the review" without personalisation
Defensive language: Arguing with negative reviewers publicly
Over-apologising: Multiple apologies in one response
Copy-paste responses: Identical replies to different reviews
Sharing Reviews on Social Media
Your positive reviews are powerful marketing content - and GetReview Australia makes it incredibly easy to share them on your social media channels. This feature turns your happy customers into your marketing team!
Why Share Reviews on Social Media?
Social proof: Reviews are more trusted than self-promotional content
Content creation: Solves the "what to post" problem for busy business owners
Increased engagement: Review posts typically get higher engagement rates
Customer retention: Seeing their review shared makes customers feel valued
Attract new customers: Showcases real customer experiences to potential clients
📱 Social Media Impact: Businesses that regularly share customer reviews on social media see an average 25% increase in new customer enquiries and 18% higher customer retention rates.
Connecting Your Social Media Accounts
Before you can share reviews, you need to connect your business social media accounts:
Go to Settings → Integrations → Social Media
Click Connect Facebook Page and follow the prompts
Click Connect Instagram Business Account
Authorise GetReview Australia to post on your behalf
Test the connection with a sample post
⚠️ Account Requirements: You need a Facebook Business Page (not personal profile) and an Instagram Business Account to use this feature. Personal accounts cannot be used for automated posting.
How to Share a Review on Social Media
In your Reviews section, find a positive review (4-5 stars work best)
Click the Share button on the review card
GetReview Australia automatically generates an attractive post design with your branding
Customise the caption if desired (or use the auto-generated one)
Select which platforms to post to (Facebook, Instagram, or both)
Click Post and the review will be published immediately
Social Media Sharing Best Practices
📅 Posting Frequency Tips:
Share 2-3 reviews per week for maximum engagement without overwhelming followers
Best times to post: Tuesday-Thursday between 10am-2pm for Australian audiences
Mix it up: Alternate between different types of reviews and customer demographics
Respond to comments: Engage with followers who comment on your shared reviews
Choosing Which Reviews to Share
Review Type
Should You Share?
Why/Why Not
5-star with detailed feedback
✅ Excellent choice
Provides specific social proof
4-star with positive comments
✅ Good choice
Shows authenticity (not all perfect)
5-star without text
⚠️ Use sparingly
Less engaging, lacks detail
3-star or below
❌ Don't share
Negative impact on brand perception
AI Automation Features
GetReview Australia offers two powerful AI automation features that can save you hours each week while maintaining professional customer engagement. These features work in the background, automatically responding to reviews and sharing your best customer feedback on social media.
🤖 AI Auto Reply
Automatically responds to Google reviews
Replies generated using AI within minutes of review posting
Customisable tone (Formal or Informal)
Adjustable length (Short, Normal, Long)
Supports multiple languages
Maintains consistent brand voice
📱 AI Auto Share
Automatically posts reviews to social media
Shares positive reviews to Facebook and Instagram
Customisable posting frequency
AI-generated captions matching your tone
Selects reviews that highlight your business
Professional branded design
💡 Automation Benefits: Businesses using AI Auto Reply see 95%+ response rates (vs 30-40% manual average), and those using AI Auto Share generate 3-5 social media posts per week without any manual effort.
Setting Up AI Auto Reply
AI Auto Reply works exclusively with your Google Business Profile reviews, automatically generating and publishing professional responses based on your preferences.
Configuration Steps:
Navigate to AI Agent from the left sidebar
Find the AI Auto Reply section
Toggle the switch to Enable
Select your preferred tone: Formal (professional language for corporate businesses, law firms, medical practices, financial services) or Informal (warm, approachable tone for hospitality, retail, cafes, salons, and most local businesses)
Choose your response length: Short (1-2 sentences for quick acknowledgment), Normal (2-3 sentences for balanced, professional response), or Long (3-4 sentences for detailed, personalized response)
Select your language (English by default, multiple languages available)
Click Save
🎯 Tone Selection Guide:
Formal: Law firms, medical practices, financial services, consultants, corporate businesses requiring professional distance
Informal: Cafes, restaurants, hair salons, retail shops, gyms, tradies, real estate, automotive, and most customer-facing businesses
How AI Auto Reply Works:
Step
What Happens
Timing
1. Review Posted
Customer leaves review on Google
Immediate
2. Detection
GetReview Australia detects new review
Within seconds
3. AI Generation
AI generates response based on your settings
1-2 minutes
4. Publishing
Response automatically posted to Google
2-5 minutes total
⚠️ Quality Assurance: While AI Auto Reply is highly accurate, we recommend:
Reviewing auto-generated responses weekly to ensure quality
Manually editing responses to negative reviews for sensitive situations
Adjusting tone/length settings if responses don't match your brand voice
Testing with a few manual reviews first before enabling full automation
Setting Up AI Auto Share
AI Auto Share automatically selects your best reviews and posts them to your connected Facebook Page and Instagram Business Account, complete with professionally designed graphics and AI-written captions.
Configuration Steps:
Navigate to AI Agent from the left sidebar
Find the AI Auto Share section
Toggle the switch to Enable
Select your preferred tone: Formal (professional captions for corporate brands) or Informal (casual, engaging captions with emojis)
Choose your caption length: Short (1-2 sentences), Normal (2-3 sentences with relevant hashtags), or Long (detailed captions with hashtags and context)
Set your posting frequency: Once a day (daily posts at optimal times), Every 3 days (posts twice per week for balanced consistency), or Every 7 days (weekly posts, less frequent but still consistent)
Select your language
Choose which platforms to post to: Facebook, Instagram, Google
Click Save
Review Selection Criteria:
The AI automatically selects reviews based on these factors:
Rating: Prioritises 5-star reviews (occasionally 4-star for authenticity)
Content quality: Chooses reviews with detailed, specific feedback
Recency: Prefers newer reviews to keep content fresh
Variety: Rotates between different customer experiences
Visual appeal: Selects reviews that will create engaging social posts
📅 Frequency Recommendations:
Once a day: Best for businesses with high review volume (10+ reviews/week) and active social media presence
Every 3 days: Ideal for growing businesses (5-10 reviews/week) who want consistent content without daily posting
Every 7 days: Perfect for most small businesses (5-10 reviews/month) to maintain consistent social proof without overwhelming followers
Caption Examples by Tone:
Informal Tone (Long): "We're absolutely thrilled with this amazing feedback from Sarah! 🌟 It's customers like you that make what we do so rewarding. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! ❤️ We can't wait to see you again soon! #CustomerLove #HappyCustomers #LocalBusiness #SupportLocal"
Formal Tone (Short): "We appreciate this positive feedback from our valued client. Thank you for choosing our services."
Managing Automated Content
Monitoring Auto Replies
Even with automation enabled, you should monitor AI-generated responses:
Check your review feed daily for any auto-replies that need editing
Look for patterns in review sentiment that might need human attention
Watch for negative reviews that may require more personalised responses
Adjust tone/length settings if responses consistently miss the mark
Reviewing Auto Shared Content
Keep track of what's being posted to your social media:
Follow your business's Facebook Page and Instagram account
Check posts weekly to ensure quality and brand alignment
Respond to comments on shared review posts to boost engagement
Monitor which posts get the most engagement (helps refine AI selection)
When to Disable Automation
⚠️ Consider Temporarily Disabling Automation:
During crisis management: If receiving multiple negative reviews, respond manually
Special circumstances: Business changes, rebranding, or major incidents
Testing new settings: Disable while experimenting with tone/length options
Social media breaks: If running specific campaigns or need posting control
Platform issues: If experiencing technical problems with Google/Facebook integration
Automation Best Practices
Practice
Why It Matters
Recommended Frequency
Review auto-replies
Ensure quality and catch any AI errors
Weekly spot-check (5-10 mins)
Check social media posts
Verify brand alignment and engagement
Weekly review
Respond to engagement
Comments on shared reviews need replies
Daily (2-3 mins)
Adjust settings
Fine-tune based on performance
Monthly optimization
Test manual overrides
Important reviews need personal touch
As needed for key reviews
🚀 Maximizing Automation Success:
Start conservative: Begin with weekly social posts and review after 2-3 weeks
Monitor first month closely: Check auto-replies daily for the first 2-4 weeks
Adjust as needed: Change tone/length if AI responses don't match your voice
Manually handle sensitive reviews: Override automation for complex situations
Celebrate wins: Share great auto-generated responses with your team
Website Widgets
Website widgets are one of the most powerful features for converting website visitors into customers. They display your best reviews directly on your website, providing instant social proof to potential customers.
Why Website Widgets Matter
Instant credibility: Visitors see real customer experiences immediately
Higher conversion rates: Social proof increases conversion by up to 34%
SEO benefits: Rich snippets help your website rank higher in Google
Always current: Widgets automatically update with new reviews
Professional appearance: Integrated design matches your website
🎯 Conversion Impact: Websites displaying customer reviews see an average 270% increase in conversion rates compared to those without social proof elements.
Types of Widgets Available
GetReview Australia offers three main widget types to display your reviews on your website:
📝 Carousel Widget
Best for: Homepage, about page, service pages
Horizontally scrolling card layout
Shows 3 reviews at a time
Customer photos and names
Star ratings with Google branding
Full review text with emojis
Professional card design
📋 Grid Widget
Best for: Testimonials page, service pages
Masonry-style grid layout
Multiple reviews visible at once
Responsive design (adjusts to screen size)
Customer profile pictures
Full review text displayed
Easy to scan format
⚡ Pop-Up Widget
Best for: All pages (non-intrusive social proof)
Single review card display
Compact, minimal design
Shows customer photo and name
Star rating visible
Brief review snippet
"Powered by" branding option
Setting Up Your First Widget
Navigate to Widgets from the main navigation menu
Choose your widget type from the tabs at the top: Carousel, Grid, or Pop-Up
Preview how the widget looks with your existing reviews in real-time
Click the Embed Widget button in the top right corner
Copy the generated embed code from the popup window
Paste the code into your website's HTML (where you want the widget to appear)
Save your website changes and refresh to see the widget live
Test on both desktop and mobile devices to ensure proper display
Widget Installation by Platform
📅 Update Strategy:
Post regularly: Aim for 1-2 updates per week for best Google visibility
Include photos: Updates with images get 40% more engagement
Be timely: Promote seasonal offers and upcoming events
Keep it brief: Short, punchy messages perform better than long text
Use keywords: Include relevant search terms naturally in your updates
Managing Business Hours
Accurate business hours are crucial for customer satisfaction. Nothing frustrates customers more than showing up to a closed business! GetReview Australia syncs your hours directly with Google Business Profile.
Setting Regular Hours
Navigate to Profile → Regular Hours
For each day of the week, toggle Open or 24 Hours
Set opening and closing times using the dropdowns
Click the + icon to add split shifts (e.g., lunch break closures)
Click Save at the bottom when finished
⚠️ Double-Check Your Hours: Incorrect hours are the #1 source of customer complaints on Google Business Profile. Make absolutely certain your listed hours match when you're actually open. Consider factors like:
Staff availability
Seasonal changes
Public holidays
Special circumstances (tradies may have "by appointment only" hours)
Adding Special Hours
Special hours let you inform customers about temporary schedule changes for holidays, events, or closures:
Go to Profile → Special Hours
Click + New Special Hour
Select the date from the calendar
Choose Closed or set custom hours
Click Save
Common Special Hours Scenarios:
Scenario
How to Handle
Advance Notice
Christmas Day
Mark as "Closed"
2 weeks ahead
Australia Day
Set special hours (e.g., 10am-2pm)
1 week ahead
Private Event
Mark specific date range as "Closed" or reduced hours
As soon as booked
Extended Hours (Sale)
Set longer hours for sale dates
1 week ahead
Emergency Closure
Immediately mark as closed, remove when reopening
As soon as possible
🗓️ Special Hours Best Practices:
Plan ahead: Add public holiday closures at the start of each year
Update promptly: If you need to close unexpectedly, update immediately
Remove old entries: Clean up past special hours to avoid confusion
Communicate widely: Post updates on social media when hours change
Common Australian holidays to prepare for: Christmas/Boxing Day, New Year's, Australia Day, Good Friday/Easter, Anzac Day, Queen's Birthday (varies by state)
Profile Maintenance Checklist
Keep your profile fresh and accurate with this monthly maintenance routine:
Task
Frequency
Takes
Review business information for accuracy
Monthly
5 minutes
Update cover photo for seasonal relevance
Quarterly
10 minutes
Post business updates/news
Weekly
15 minutes
Add upcoming special hours
As needed
5 minutes
Verify regular hours still accurate
Monthly
3 minutes
⚠️ Google Sync Note: Changes to your profile information in GetReview Australia automatically sync to your Google Business Profile within 15-30 minutes. However, Google must approve certain changes (like business name or address), which can take 1-3 business days.
Setting Up Your Review Link
Your review link is the most important part of GetReview Australia. It's the webpage your customers visit to leave reviews, and it needs to be set up properly to maximise your success.
Step 1: Upload Your Business Logo
Navigate to Settings → Review Link
Click on the Experience tab
Click Upload Logo and select your business logo file
Make sure your logo is clear and professional (PNG or JPG, max 2MB)
💡 Logo Tips: Use a square logo if possible (it displays better on mobile). Avoid text-heavy logos as they may be hard to read on smaller screens. Your logo builds trust and makes the review process feel more professional.
Step 2: Configure the Experience Filter
This is where GetReview Australia gets clever. The experience filter helps you direct happy customers to leave public reviews while capturing feedback from unhappy customers privately.
Choose your filter type (thumbs up/down, star ratings, or happy/sad faces)
Set the threshold - typically 4-5 stars go to public reviews, 1-3 stars go to private feedback
Customise the messaging for each path
Filter Options Explained:
Filter Type
Best For
Customer Experience
Thumbs Up/Down
Simple businesses (cafes, retail)
Quick and easy decision
Star Ratings
Service businesses (restaurants, hotels)
More nuanced feedback
Happy/Sad Faces
Healthcare, family services
Friendly and approachable
⚠️ Compliance Note: The experience filter must always include an option for customers to leave public reviews if they choose. This ensures compliance with Google's review policies and Australian consumer protection laws.
Step 3: Add Review Platforms to Your Review Link
Now you'll add the review platforms where customers can leave reviews:
Still in Settings → Review Link, click on the Sites tab
You'll see platforms that are already integrated (like Google) automatically appear here
Click Add Custom Integration to add additional review sites
Enter the platform name (e.g., "ProductReview.com.au")
Paste the URL of your business's review page on that platform
Click Save
Popular Review Platforms for Australian Businesses:
Google Business Profile: Essential for all businesses
Facebook: Great for local businesses
TrueLocal: Popular Australian business directory
Yelp: Especially popular in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne
ProductReview.com.au: Australian product and service review site
TripAdvisor: Essential for restaurants, cafes, and tourism businesses
💡 Focus Strategy: Start with Google and 2-3 custom platforms most relevant to your industry. Don't overwhelm customers with too many options — focus on the platforms where your target customers actually look for reviews.
📝 Important Distinction:
Full Integrations (Settings → Integrations): Google, Yelp, Booking, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Trustpilot, Facebook, and others can be fully integrated for automatic review importing and management from the Integrations section.
Custom Integrations (Review Link → Sites): Any platform can be added as a "custom integration" by entering its name and URL. These appear as clickable options on your review link, directing customers to leave reviews directly on those platforms.
Best Practice: Use full integrations (Settings → Integrations) for platforms where you want to import and manage reviews. Use custom integrations (Review Link → Sites) for additional platforms where you just want to give customers the option to review.
Step 4: Customise Review Link Text Messages (Optional)
You can customise the text that appears on your review link pages.
💡 Text Customisation Tips:
Filter Page: The first screen customers see - keep it friendly and inviting
Positive Experience: Thank customers and guide them to your review platforms
Negative Experience: Show empathy and provide a way for customers to share feedback privately
Consent text: Required for compliance - customise but ensure legal requirements are met
Step 5: Additional Settings
The Other tab provides advanced privacy and compliance options:
⚠️ Privacy Settings: These toggles control consent requests and public review prompts. Most Australian businesses should leave these enabled to ensure proper consent and give customers the choice of public or private feedback.
Step 6: Preview and Test Your Review Link
Website Platform
Installation Method
Difficulty
WordPress
Add to Custom HTML widget or page builder
Easy
Wix
Use "Embed Code" element from Add menu
Easy
Squarespace
Add Code Block in desired location
Easy
Shopify
Edit theme code or use App Block
Moderate
Custom HTML
Paste directly into HTML where desired
Easy (if familiar with HTML)
💡 Placement Strategy:
Homepage: Use Carousel widget above the fold or in the middle section
Service pages: Place Grid widget near call-to-action buttons
Contact page: Add Carousel widget to build trust before enquiry
All pages: Enable Pop-Up widget for consistent social proof
Best Practices for Getting More Reviews
Now that you understand the tools, let's talk strategy. Getting consistent reviews requires more than just having the right software - it requires building a review culture in your business.
The Perfect Timing for Review Requests
Business Type
Best Time to Ask
Why This Works
Cafe/Restaurant
2-3 hours after meal
Customer has digested, still remembers experience
Retail
Immediately after purchase
Customer is excited about their purchase
Service Business
Within 1 hour of completion
Results are visible, satisfaction is high
Healthcare
24 hours after appointment
Allows time for treatment effects to be noticed
Tradies
Immediately upon job completion
Customer can see the finished work
Training Staff to Ask for Reviews
Your team is your frontline review collection force. Here's how to train them effectively:
The Perfect In-Person Ask
Gauge satisfaction first: "How was everything today?"
Make it easy: "We'd love a quick review! I can send you a link via SMS right now."
Get consent: "May I have your mobile number to send you the link?"
Send immediately: Use Quick Request while customer is still present
Thank them: "Thanks! It'll only take 30 seconds and really helps our small business."
🎯 Staff Training Tips:
Role-play the review request process during team meetings
Set team goals for review collection (e.g., 5 per week)
Celebrate wins when great reviews come in
Never pressure customers - make it genuinely optional
Focus on asking satisfied customers only
Building a Review Collection Culture
The best businesses make review collection a natural part of their customer service:
Make it visible: Display your QR code prominently at checkout/reception
Add to receipts: Include QR code on printed receipts with a friendly message
Email signatures: Add review link to staff email signatures
Follow-up sequences: Set up automated campaigns for recent customers
Thank you cards: Include QR code on thank you cards for high-value customers
Incentive Guidelines (What's Allowed in Australia)
⚠️ Important Legal Information: Under Australian Consumer Law and platform policies:
❌ DON'T: Offer payment, discounts, or rewards ONLY for positive reviews
❌ DON'T: Gate incentives based on star ratings
❌ DON'T: Ask customers to remove negative reviews in exchange for anything
✅ DO: Offer small thank-yous for ANY review (positive or negative)
✅ DO: Run contests where review submission is optional entry method
✅ DO: Thank customers genuinely without expecting specific feedback
Monthly Review Collection Targets
Set realistic goals based on your business size and customer volume:
Business Size
Monthly Customer Volume
Realistic Review Goal
Target Conversion Rate
Small (1-5 staff)
100-500 customers
10-25 reviews/month
5-10%
Medium (6-20 staff)
500-2000 customers
25-100 reviews/month
5-10%
Large (20+ staff)
2000+ customers
100+ reviews/month
5-10%
📈 Growth Strategy: Start with a 5% conversion rate goal (5 reviews per 100 customers), then gradually increase as your team gets more comfortable with the process. Top-performing businesses achieve 15-20% conversion rates.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Common Issues and Solutions
SMS Delivery Problems
Issue: Customer didn't receive the SMS review request
Solutions:
Verify phone number format includes +61 country code
Remove leading zero from Australian mobile numbers
Check customer hasn't opted out previously
Confirm customer's phone number is correct
Try resending - sometimes there are carrier delays
Google Integration Issues
Issue: Can't connect Google Business Profile
Solutions:
Ensure you're logged in with owner or manager account
Check your Google Business Profile is verified
Try disconnecting and reconnecting the integration
Clear browser cache and try again
Contact support if issues persist
Review Not Appearing
Issue: Customer left a review but it's not showing in GetReview Australia
Solutions:
Wait 2-3 minutes - reviews aren't always instant
Check the platform connection is still active (Settings → Integrations)
Verify the review was actually published on the source platform
Refresh your browser page
Check review filters aren't hiding it
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Question
Answer
How much does GetReview Australia cost?
Pricing varies by plan. Visit www.getreview.com.au or contact sales@getreview.com.au for current pricing and package options tailored to your business size.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes, GetReview Australia operates on flexible subscription terms.
Do customers see GetReview Australia branding?
Your review link is branded with YOUR logo. Small "Powered by GetReview" appears at the bottom.
How many review requests can I send?
Limits depend on your plan. Please check your account dashboard or contact support for your specific allowance details.
Is my customer data secure?
Yes. GetReview Australia uses bank-level encryption and complies with Australian privacy laws. We never sell customer data.
Technical Questions
Question
Answer
Which platforms can I import reviews from?
Google, Facebook, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb, Trustpilot, and more. Custom integrations available.
Can I export my review data?
Reviews are posted directly to their respective platforms (Google, Facebook, etc.). GetReview Australia displays and manages these reviews but doesn't store them independently.
Does the widget slow down my website?
Widgets are designed to load asynchronously to minimise impact. However, like any third-party content, they may have a small effect on page load times. The impact is typically minimal and worth the conversion benefits they provide.
Can I use GetReview Australia on mobile?
Yes! The platform is fully mobile-responsive. Access from any device with a web browser.
What happens to reviews if I cancel?
Reviews remain on their original platforms (Google, Facebook, etc.).
Need More Help?
Get in Touch with Our Australian Support Team
📧 Email: support@getreview.com.au
⏰ Support Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AEST
Average response time: Under 24 hours during business hours
Glossary of Terms
Term
Definition
Quick Request
Feature for sending immediate review requests to individual customers via SMS or email
Campaign
Bulk review request sent to multiple customers at once, can be scheduled or sent immediately
Experience Filter
First screen customers see on review link, directs happy customers to public reviews and unhappy customers to private feedback
Review Link
Your custom branded webpage where customers can choose which platform to leave a review on
QR Code
Scannable code that opens your review link instantly on smartphones, perfect for in-person review collection
Widget
Embeddable code that displays your reviews on your website (Carousel, Grid, or Pop-Up styles)
AI Reply
Automatically generated professional response to reviews using artificial intelligence
Integration
Connection between GetReview Australia and other platforms (Google, Facebook, etc.) for automatic review importing
Custom Integration
Manually added review platform link that appears on your review link but doesn't auto-import reviews
Kiosk Mode
Full-screen display of your QR code designed for tablets at reception desks or counters
Response Rate
Percentage of reviews you've replied to (important for SEO and customer perception)
Opt-Out Link
Mandatory link in SMS messages allowing customers to unsubscribe from future communications (Australian law requirement)
Quiet Hours
Time period (9 PM - 11 AM) when SMS messages are automatically delayed to avoid disturbing customers
Review Feed
Main dashboard view showing all your reviews from all connected platforms in chronological order
Social Proof
Psychological phenomenon where people trust businesses that others have positively reviewed
🎉 Congratulations! You're Ready to Grow Your Business
You've completed the GetReview Australia onboarding guide! You now have all the knowledge you need to:
Collect more reviews than ever before
Manage your online reputation professionally
Respond to reviews quickly with AI assistance
Showcase social proof on your website and social media
Build a sustainable review collection process
Next Steps: Start with the Quick Start Guide if you haven't already, then pick one feature to master each week. Before you know it, you'll be a review management pro!
Remember: Our Australian support team is here to help. Email us anytime at support@getreview.com.au
Here's to your business's success! 🚀
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