How to Get Google Reviews in Quebec: What's Allowed
Quick answer: To get Google reviews in Quebec in full compliance, ask every real customer, without exception, right after the service. Send the direct link to your Google Business Profile, offer no reward, don't screen happy customers from the others, and follow Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) for emails and text messages.
Google reviews carry weight when a customer is shopping close to home. So you're right to want more of them. But some common practices can get reviews removed, or even hurt your listing. Here's what's allowed, how to word your request, and what to do this week.
Is it allowed to ask customers for Google reviews?
Yes, you can ask your customers for a review, and Google even encourages it. What matters is how you ask. Google's rules target fake content, purchased reviews and rating manipulation.
Keep this simple rule in mind: the request must be honest, open to everyone and without anything in return. Always check Google's current policy on user-generated content, as it may change.
What exactly is prohibited?
The riskiest practices are incentivized reviews, screening customers, fake reviews and reviews from people connected to the business. The table below sums them up.
| Practice | Why it's a problem | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Offering a discount, gift or draw entry in exchange for a review | It's an incentivized review, against Google's rules | Thank customers afterward, with no conditions or promises |
| Asking only satisfied customers for a review | It's screening, which skews your rating | Send the same request to everyone |
| Writing reviews for customers | These are fake reviews | Let the customer write in their own words |
| Having employees, relatives or partners write reviews | Conflict of interest | Reserve reviews for real customers |
| Buying reviews | Fake reviews, risk of removal and penalties | Invest in a regular request process |
| Asking a customer to remove a negative review in exchange for compensation | Pressure on the customer | Reply publicly and resolve the issue |
How do you ask for a review without sounding pushy?
A good request is short, personal, well-timed and comes with a direct link. The best moment is right when the customer has just seen the result: the delivery, the finished work, leaving the restaurant.
Here are some example wordings.
What to avoid:
- "Give us 5 stars and get 10% off." (incentivized review)
- "If you're happy, leave a review. If not, write to us." (customer screening)
- "A 5-star review would help us a lot!" (you're dictating the rating)
What to use instead:
- "Thanks for your visit, Marie. Your opinion helps us improve and helps other customers choose. If you have two minutes, here's the link to leave a review: [link]."
- "Did everything go well? We'd love to hear about it, whatever your opinion. Here's the link: [link]."
Where do you find the direct link?
In your Google Business Profile, look for the option to ask for reviews or share the review form. You'll get a link the customer can open in one click. Test it yourself on a phone before using it.
What do CASL and the Charter of the French Language say?
If you send the request by email or text message, Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) may apply. Depending on its content, a review request can be treated as a commercial message. To stay on the safe side, here are the basics:
- Make sure you have the recipient's consent, either express or, in some cases, implied (for example, a recent business relationship).
- Clearly identify your business in the message.
- Include a simple way to unsubscribe.
- Keep a record of consent.
If in doubt, consult a legal advisor. This is not a substitute for legal advice.
As for the Charter of the French Language, commercial communications aimed at your customers in Quebec must be available in French. So write your request in French first, then add another language if your customers ask for it. Your business profile should also be complete in French.
What are the best ways to collect more reviews?
The methods that work are simple and repeated every week. Here is a five-step process:
- Choose the moment: right after the service or delivery.
- Choose the channel: in person, by email (with consent), by text message or on the invoice.
- Prepare a message template in French, short and friendly.
- Display a QR code linking to your review page at the checkout or counter. No text promising a reward.
- Reply to every review, positive or negative. It shows future customers that you listen. You'll find examples in our guide to replying to Google reviews.
What common mistakes should you avoid?
- Asking once, then giving up. Make it a habit.
- Following up several times with the same customer. One polite reminder is enough.
- Making requests from the same device at the counter. Several reviews coming from the same network address may look suspicious.
- Ignoring negative reviews. A calm, factual reply is better than silence.
- Promising a rating. Leave customers free to give their own opinion.
What if a review looks fake or unfair?
Report it to Google from your profile, then reply politely, noting that you can't find any record of this customer. Don't respond with accusations. Google alone decides on removal, and there's no guarantee it will take the review down.
How can you do this without spending hours every week?
The hardest part is consistency. PGT360 Blog is local marketing software that automates part of this work, including managing review replies. You can see how review tracking and replies with PGT360 work. To get started with no commitment, try the free Google review reply generator.
What to do this week
- Check that your business profile is complete and in French.
- Copy your direct review link and test it on a phone.
- Write two message templates (email, text) with no reward and no screening.
- Make sure you have consent for your electronic messages.
- Reply to pending reviews.
- Set a fixed time each week to send your requests.
Key takeaways
- Ask all your customers, without screening.
- Never offer a reward in exchange for a review.
- Use the direct link and a short message in French.
- Follow CASL for emails and text messages.
- Reply to every review.
For more practical guides on your local visibility, visit the PGT360 blog.
Frequently asked questions
Can you offer a discount in exchange for a Google review?
No. Offering a discount, a gift or a draw entry in exchange for a review is considered an incentivized review and goes against Google's rules. You can thank the customer in person, but with no condition tied to the review or its rating.
How many Google reviews do you need to look good?
There's no magic number. Customers mostly look at the rating, how recent the reviews are and how you respond. A steady flow of real, recent and varied reviews inspires more trust than a big batch posted in a single week.
Can I ask customers for a review by text message?
Yes, but Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation can apply to text messages as well as emails. Make sure you have the customer's consent, identify your business and offer a way to unsubscribe. If in doubt, consult a legal advisor.
Why are my Google reviews disappearing?
Google may remove a review it considers against its rules, for example a suspicious or incentivized review, or one written by someone connected to the business. Check how you ask for reviews, avoid sending requests in bursts and don't have relatives write any reviews.
Do I have to reply to every review, even negative ones?
It's recommended. A polite, brief and factual reply shows future customers that you take feedback seriously. Say thanks, acknowledge the problem if there is one, offer to continue the conversation privately and avoid any attacks.