The Secret to Growing Your Coaching or Consulting Business: Why Google Reviews Are a Must

Amelia Waller
A tablet is open to a google search page.

At Social Media Academy, we coach consultants and coaches on how to leverage the full potential of social media marketing. One of the most effective strategies for growing your business and building credibility is by asking clients for Google reviews. In today's digital world, online reviews play a pivotal role in attracting new clients and establishing trust. If you're not already asking your clients for reviews, here’s why you should start doing so today.


Boost Your Online Credibility and Reputation

As a coach or consultant, your reputation is everything. Potential clients are more likely to trust someone who has positive reviews, as they provide social proof that your services deliver results. Google reviews are one of the first things people see when they search for your business, and having a collection of glowing testimonials helps establish your authority in your field.

When you ask your clients to leave reviews, you’re not only gaining their trust but also building a solid foundation of credibility that speaks volumes to new prospects. Reviews show that you are a proven expert who others have had a positive experience with—creating trust even before the first consultation.


 Improve Your Search Engine Rankings

Google reviews don’t just help with credibility—they also play a crucial role in your business’s search engine rankings. Google uses reviews as one of its ranking factors, meaning the more reviews you have, the higher you can rank in local search results. When clients leave reviews, they help your business show up in searches related to coaching or consulting services in your area, giving you more visibility and making it easier for new clients to find you.

The more positive reviews you accumulate, the better your chances of ranking higher, which means more potential clients will discover your services.


 Enhance Client Engagement and Build Relationships

Asking for a Google review isn’t just about asking for feedback; it’s an opportunity to continue engaging with your clients after your work together is done. When you follow up and request a review, you’re showing your clients that you care about their opinions and value their feedback. This small act of communication can strengthen the relationship and encourage loyalty.

Moreover, when clients see that you genuinely care about their experience, they are more likely to continue referring others to you. Building positive, long-term relationships with your clients through reviews is a powerful tool for ongoing success.


Generate More Referrals

Word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to grow a coaching or consulting business, and Google reviews amplify that by offering social proof to potential clients. When a client leaves a positive review, they are essentially referring your services to everyone who reads it. A strong set of reviews can lead to a ripple effect, with clients sharing their positive experiences with their network.

The more reviews you have, the more likely you are to attract clients who have been influenced by others’ opinions and experiences. Essentially, each review serves as a personal recommendation for new clients.


 Gain Valuable Feedback for Improvement

While positive reviews are always great, Google reviews also give you a chance to receive constructive feedback from clients. Understanding what your clients value most about your services—or where there’s room for improvement—can provide valuable insights that help you fine-tune your offerings.

This feedback loop can help you evolve your services, improve client experiences, and make your coaching or consulting business even stronger. Additionally, responding to reviews (both positive and constructive) demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement.


Increase Client Trust with Authentic Reviews

Google reviews are more authentic than testimonials you place on your website, simply because they come from real clients who are not incentivized to share only positive feedback. A diverse set of reviews that include both your strengths and areas for improvement can provide a more authentic view of what potential clients can expect.

This authenticity is key in attracting clients who value transparency. People appreciate seeing a mix of experiences that reflect genuine service delivery, rather than just the polished versions you choose to showcase yourself.


Create a Competitive Advantage

In the highly competitive coaching and consulting industry, standing out from the crowd is essential. If your competitors aren’t actively asking clients for reviews or haven’t yet built up a collection of positive testimonials, you have a significant opportunity to gain an edge. By consistently requesting reviews from your clients, you can amass a larger set of glowing feedback, which can differentiate your business and make it easier for clients to choose you over others.

People are more likely to select a service provider who is well-reviewed, as they feel more confident in their decision. By encouraging reviews, you’re setting yourself apart from the competition and creating a strong, positive online presence.


Showcase Social Proof on Your Website and Marketing Materials

When you get Google reviews, you don’t have to keep them confined to your Google Business profile. You can showcase them on your website, social media pages, and other marketing materials. Highlighting client reviews can serve as powerful testimonials that attract even more clients to your business.

Potential clients will be more likely to trust your services if they see positive reviews on multiple platforms. This reinforces your credibility and makes it easy for prospects to see that you’re a reliable and reputable coach or consultant.


Keep the Momentum Going with an Easy Request

The process of requesting a Google review doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler you make it for your clients to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. After a successful coaching or consulting session, send a follow-up email or text with a direct link to your Google review page. You can include a polite, brief request for feedback, and make it as easy as possible for your clients to share their thoughts.

If you provide an excellent service, many of your clients will be happy to help and share their positive experiences. By making the process seamless, you can gather more reviews without a lot of effort.




Asking every client for a Google review is one of the most effective ways to build your coaching or consulting business. Not only do reviews enhance your credibility and increase visibility, but they also offer valuable feedback and help you build lasting relationships with your clients. In today’s digital world, where online reputation is crucial to success, positive Google reviews can be the difference between attracting new clients and getting lost in the shuffle.

At Social Media Academy, we understand how powerful online reviews can be for growing a business. By consistently asking clients for reviews, you can create a strong online presence, attract more clients, and continue to build your coaching or consulting brand with confidence. Start asking for those reviews today, and watch your business soar!

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By Amelia Waller • December 19, 2025
You’re posting, but the audience isn’t responding. You feel like you’re shouting into the void. We’ve worked with hundreds of independent businesses, and the ones who win aren't luckier—they just follow a simple, repeatable checklist. We call these the Four Pillars of Maximum Engagement. If you follow these four simple rules, the algorithms (and your audience) will reward you. Pillar 1: Conversation is Currency Most people treat social media like a megaphone—they shout their offer and walk away. That's wrong! Social media is a two-way conversation . Engagement is the algorithm's fuel. Your Action: Stop posting and start asking. Every piece of content should include a question. Respond to every comment, even if it's just a simple emoji or "Thanks!" The more you talk back, the more the platform shows your content. Pillar 2: Consistency Wins the Day We see clients post ten times in one week, then vanish for three. That doesn't work. The algorithm rewards consistency because it tells the platform that your page is reliable. Your Action: Stick to a simple schedule (like the checklist we gave you!). It's better to post two great pieces of content every week without fail than ten pieces one week and zero the next. Build trust by always being there. Pillar 3: Use All the Tools You can't just post a photo anymore. Every social platform wants you to use all of its shiny new toys: Stories, Reels, Carousels, Polls, and Live Videos. Your Action: Don't just post your main content. Share it to your Stories . Use a Poll to ask your audience's opinion. Use a Reel to show a quick tip. The platforms reward you for using the features they want you to use, giving you a boost in visibility. Pillar 4: Go Back and Dig This is the secret weapon: Don't just engage with the people who comment on your posts. Go out and engage with them first. Your Action: Dedicate time each day to go to your audience's profiles, scroll through their feeds, and leave genuine comments on their content. Like their photos, share their useful posts, and show them you’re listening. That energy always comes back to you! If you're ready to stop being ignored and start seeing real results, you don't need a miracle; you just need a better system. We can show you how to build the habit that turns those four pillars into daily success.
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STOP DEBATING AI: Why You're Either Winning or Losing in 2026

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