Getting More Google Reviews with Gamified spin-to-win rewards
Getting More Google Reviews with Gamified spin-to-win rewards
Your customers are exposed to between 6,000 and 10,000 ads every day. Their attention is exhausted.
Amid all this noise, online reviews have become the quiet signal people trust most.
But here is the issue: even satisfied customers often leave without posting a single review.
If you are serious about getting more reviews, improving your rating, and making people actually want to leave feedback, it is time to turn your review process into a simple game, especially a Google review prize wheel.
This guide walks you through, step by step, how businesses use gamified spin-to-win rewards to multiply their number of reviews by five on Google, Tripadvisor and other platforms, while staying compliant and building loyalty.
Why Online Reviews Matter for Every Business
Before discussing how to get more Google reviews, we need to be clear about why they matter so much.
Today, people read reviews before making almost any decision. They check your business reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp and social platforms. They look at your rating, how recent your reviews are, and they scan a few positive reviews as well as at least one negative review to see how you respond.
Studies show that many buyers now trust online reviews as much as recommendations from a friend, as confirmed by the latest BrightLocal study on consumer review behavior.
This means your Google Business Profile (your business on Google, previously Google My Business) is often your real homepage, that your review profile can win or lose you a customer depending on the last review they see on Google, and that for a local business, every single review can influence revenue and reputation.
Online reviews are often the true selection filter, and they influence your visibility, your credibility, and how many people actually visit or buy.
If you want to give your business a real advantage, you need a clear, scalable strategy to collect more reviews and manage them well.
Why Traditional Review Requests Fail
Most brands already ask customers for reviews. The problem is how they do it.
QR codes that nobody scans
You’ve seen it, a tiny qr code on a counter with “leave a review!” written under it.
In theory, it’s a smart digital touchpoint. In practice, it blends into the decor.
For a customer, the mental steps are long. They have to notice the sign, decide to scan it, unlock their phone, open the camera, scan the code, load the review page, sign in to a Google account, and maybe write a review.
That is a lot of effort with no clear incentive. Even satisfied customers rarely go through all of that without a good reason.
Awkward face-to-face asks
Your staff might ask customers at the end of a visit: “Could you leave us a Google review?”
Customers often say “yes” out of politeness, but once they leave, they forget.
You ask with good intentions, but only a few will actually write a Google review.
Low-impact email requests
Post purchase emails that say “Please leave a review” are easy to ignore.
Even if people open the email, they do not necessarily click the review link.
In all of these cases, the review request feels like you are asking them for a favor rather than offering them anything, the process has too many steps, and only highly motivated or very unhappy customers end up posting a review.
If you rely only on these methods, you will never get the steady flow of reviews you need to stand out or consistently generate more feedback.
What Spin-to-Win Rewards Games Change
Now we flip the script from “do us a favor” to “play a simple game”.
Gamification means using elements from games, such as points, progress, randomness and rewards, in a non gaming context, as defined on Wikipedia. In our case: collecting customer reviews.
A Google review prize wheel is one of the simplest ways to start.
The customer scans a QR code or taps a direct link, lands on a simple review form or review page, writes a review or leaves other feedback, then gets to spin a digital prize wheel for a reward.
When done well, this becomes an effective way to generate more feedback without pushing anyone to leave a positive review.
Here is what changes in practice :
The system feels fun instead of formal
You offer a clear and instant incentive, but not for a positive review, only for honest feedback
People suddenly want to leave reviews because there is suspense and a chance to win something small but meaningful
If you want to know how to get more reviews, this is one of the most powerful ways to generate steady volume at scale and increase positive reviews over time.
and scalable flow of feedback while improving your ratio of positive reviews over time.
The Psychology Behind Spin-to-Win Rewards for Google Review
Why does this simple gamified mechanic work so well?
Dopamine and anticipation
When customers spin a prize wheel, their brain releases dopamine, the “anticipation molecule,” as explained by VerywellMind in its guide about dopamine.
Even if the prize is small, the moment feels exciting.
This makes the experience with your business rewarding rather than an administrative chore.
The customer feels: “I did something simple and got something in return.”
Immediate feedback and progress
Games work because they provide instant feedback, clear progress and a sense of accomplishment.
In a spin to win journey, the customer immediately sees that their action unlocked a reward, understands what they won, and walks away with a clear next step.
This turns a dry task like asking for a review into a small celebration.
You encourage customers to act now rather than “one day,” and the reviews they leave often contain richer feedback.
Emotional memory
People remember how a brand makes them feel.
A light, playful interaction sends customers away with a smile, helps them engage naturally with your business, and increases the chances they also post on social media.
When done well, spin to win is not just about getting more reviews, but about building a positive emotional connection with your brand and encouraging customers to share their experience more often.
How to Get More Reviews with Spin-to-Win Rewards (Step-by-Step)
Let’s move from ideas to tactics. Here is how to get more reviews with a simple Google review prize wheel that you can use in any local business, restaurant, shop or salon.
1. Set up your profiles and review pages
Before generating volume, you need clean foundations.
Claim and complete your Google Business Profile, make sure your Google My Business information (hours, photos, categories) is correct, and keep your rating and description updated.
Do the same on Tripadvisor or other key review sites in your industry, and ensure that the main platforms where customers leave reviews are easy to find.
Create a short, mobile friendly review page on your website that includes buttons or icons for each platform, including your Google review link that opens the “leave a Google review” window directly.
For Google, you need a verified Google account for your brand, a short shareable review link, and a clear call to action like “Rate us on Google” that makes it easy for customers to rate your business.
These basics make everything that follows faster and simpler, and ensure reviews are not lost or redirected to the wrong place.
2. Design a simple spin-to-win flow
Your goal is not a complex game. It is a smooth review journey that takes less than two minutes.
A typical strategy looks like this, in simple language:
A customer scans a QR code on a sign, receipt or display
The code opens your review form or review page with a clear message such as “Leave a quick review, then spin to win a prize”
The customer leaves feedback on Google, Tripadvisor or another review platform
They spin the wheel and see their reward appear on screen, such as a coupon, small gift or future discount
The key is clarity.
Keep each step short and visual, use simple text like “Tell us how we did and spin for a surprise,” and make sure the digital flow works perfectly on mobile because that is where most customers leave reviews.
This journey becomes the backbone of your system to get more reviews with less friction.
3. Choose smart, sustainable rewards
Your incentive does not need to be big. In fact, it should be neither too high nor too low.
Good prizes include:
a free dessert or drink on the next visit
a small discount on a future order
a sample
an upgrade
Focus on something that feels meaningful for the customer and realistic for you.
The goal is to indirectly increase positive reviews by making people feel valued rather than pressured.
To stay compliant with Google’s review policies, the reward must not depend on a positive review, customers must be able to spin whether they leave a review or not, and your scripts must clearly indicate that you welcome honest feedback, including negative reviews.
You reward participation, not opinion.
This keeps your review collection ethical and sustainable.
4. Ask customers for reviews at the right moment
Timing is everything in how to get more reviews.
The best moments are :
right after an excellent meal
right after a successful service interactionor when a customer says “That was amazing”
At that moment, people are receptive, their experience is fresh, and they are much more likely to leave a review.
Train your staff to use simple, natural scripts. For example:
“If you would like to leave a review and try your luck on our wheel, you can scan this code.”
“We appreciate honest reviews. You can share your feedback here and then spin for a small gift.” “We do not only send emails for reviews, this is a quicker way to give feedback on Google while you are still here.”
These scripts encourage customers without pressure, show that you value feedback, and give them a clear way to help others through honest reviews.
When you ask in person and show a fun game, the barrier falls, and it becomes one of the easiest ways to get more responses from customers who would normally stay silent.
5. Promote your game across channels
To truly generate more reviews, you should not hide your game in a corner.
Use signs and table tents with the QR code placed in visible areas, add a short line on receipts or invoices that includes your review link, and highlight the game on your website and in store displays. Show real winners and real reviews in your social content so people see that others are already using the system.
You can also send SMS or emails to recent visitors, for example:
“Had a good time? Tap here, leave feedback, and spin for a small surprise.”
This combines your existing channels with your gamified review flow.
When you share your best reviews in newsletters and social media, and invite customers to follow you for more offers, you turn review collection into part of your brand story rather than a one-off request.
This omnichannel promotion gives your business more chances to collect reviews from different customer types at different moments.
6. Track the number of reviews and optimize
You cannot improve what you do not measure.
daily and weekly review volume on Google, Tripadvisor and other platforms
how many people scan your QR code versus how many complete the process
the evolution of your average rating over time
Compare your reviews after launching the game to the previous period.
Often, you will see that you generate more reviews in a few weeks than you did in several months.
If things slow down, try a new headline on the review page, adjust your rewards, move the QR code to a more visible spot, or simplify the steps.
Sometimes small changes in text, colors or placement can motivate many more customers to leave feedback.
That is how you use data to manage reviews effectively instead of hoping traditional review requests magically work.
Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid
Gamified review strategy works, but only if you avoid common traps.
Never buy positive reviews
Never offer a reward only for a positive review.
This violates platform rules and makes your feedback look fake.
It can also lead to mass review removal and damage your online reputation.
Instead:
let people post a review whether it is good or bad
let them spin the wheel whether they leave a negative review or a glowing five star review
show publicly that you respond to negative reviews with care and transparency
Readers often judge you more on how you reply to a negative review than on the review itself.
Don’t over-complicate the journey
Too many steps destroy results.
Do not require long forms before reaching the Google review screen, do not hide your Google review link behind multiple clicks, and do not ask for extra logins beyond what Google or Tripadvisor already require.
Remember, reviews are often written in short or spontaneous moments, so your flow must be fast.
If your digital process feels heavy, you will lose many customers before they reach the review stage.
Always reply to reviews
Customers pay attention to how you respond.
Thank people for each positive review, show empathy and concrete action when replying to negative reviews, and prove that you improve your service when similar feedback appears repeatedly.
When customers see that you care about what they say and that you enhance the experience over time, they will be more likely to leave reviews, more willing to engage with your business and more inclined to trust your online reputation.
Why Gamified Spin-to-Win Rewards Generates More Reviews
Let’s look at what can happen when you make a Google review prize wheel the main engine of your review strategy.
Imagine a small restaurant placing a prize wheel at the checkout with a simple journey: “Scan, write a review, spin, win.”
With clear signage, a visible QR code and a good incentive, it goes from a few reviews per month to dozens.
Its average rating improves, its Google Business Profile appears more prominently, and it starts attracting more travelers who rely heavily on online reviews.
In France, the restaurant “Trèfle Rouge” near Montpellier used a Google review prize wheel contest to boost Google reviews.
In six months, they went from about 300 Google reviews to more than 1,600 simply by making it fun for customers to leave a review after each visit.
In examples like this, the wheel makes people want to leave a review, many customers see the game and think it is quick and honest, and your business moves from a discreet position in the search results to a highly visible local reference.
That is the true power of getting more reviews through gamified experiences and transparent collection methods.
How Prize Wheels Reviews Also Boosts Loyalty
The prize wheel is not only a way to get more Google reviews or to learn how to collect more reviews today.
It also shapes your long term relationship with your customers.
Rewards that bring people back
If the reward is used “next time,” customers have a reason to return.
They come back to use their coupon or free gift, and most spend more than the value of the reward.
This means you retain happy customers, attract new curious visitors, increase your average basket size, and create more opportunities to ask for another review.
The result is higher customer lifetime value and more chances to collect additional reviews over time rather than just a one time spike.
The result is higher lifetime value and more chances to get more reviews over time, not just in one burst.
Stronger emotional connection
A fun mini game at checkout or after a service gives customers a story to take with them.
They remember the wheel they spun, the suspense and the prize they won.
This type of interaction builds loyalty.
It encourages people to recommend you, leave reviews on social media and help others discover you when they search.
Over time, the mix of steady reviews, a trustworthy rating and a positive emotional memory becomes one of your most powerful assets.
Staying Compliant with Google, Tripadvisor and Other Platforms
Platforms like Google and Tripadvisor are strict about reviews collected through incentives.
You must follow their rules to protect your long term reputation.
The core principle is simple :
you cannot condition rewards on a specific rating or a positive review
you must not tell people what to write
your script must clearly state that they are free to leave a review or skip it
A good compliant message would be: “Scan this code, tell us what you think on Google or Tripadvisor, then spin our wheel. Your chances of winning are the same whether your review is good, bad or mixed.”
A bad example would be :“Give us five stars on Google and get a free bottle.”
The first approach is healthy and helps you get more reviews in the long run.
The second puts you at risk of losing all your reviews at once and destroying the trust you have built.
You can still highlight that you appreciate honest feedback, that you are happy when customers leave a Google review, and that you are easy to find when they search for your brand on Google, as long as you remain transparent.
Using a Platform to Run Gamified Campaigns
You can build a simple spin-to-win flow yourself, however, if you want a faster, more robust system, tools built for online reviews and games can help.
Platforms like Up Review are designed to connect your google business profile and other key sites, generate a clean google review link and other shortcuts, power gamified wheels, scratchcards, and contests, centralize review collection and reply to reviews from one dashboard, and send SMS and email to request reviews after a visit.
This kind of tool makes it easier to get more reviews, to get feedback at the right moment, and to manage reviews effectively at scale, especially if you run multiple locations or if your local business lives on tourism and word of mouth.
Conclusion, A Simple Way to Get More Reviews and Stronger Customer Relationships
If you have struggled with how to get more reviews, the problem is rarely your customers, it is the way you ask.
Plain emails and tiny QR stickers do not move people.
A short, fun spin-to-win flow does. It gives clear incentive without breaking rules, it makes customers to leave reviews feel valued and free, it helps you increase both volume and quality of feedback, and it turns first-time visitors into loyal fans and advocates.
In a world where reviews impact search, trust, and revenue, turning review work into a light game might be the smartest move you can make.
Start small, add a wheel, test a prize, and watch how to get more reviews, stop being a mystery and become a repeatable process, one that will generate more reviews, a higher star rating, and deeper loyalty for your brand.
About the Author
Nathanaël Butet is an expert in traffic acquisition and local visibility, specializing in helping businesses grow through customer reviews. A regular writer on the Up Review blog, he supports shop owners, restaurant managers, agencies and SMEs in implementing effective strategies to generate more Google reviews, improve their online reputation and increase revenue through local SEO.
With extensive field experience and ongoing monitoring of Google Business Profile best practices, Nathanaël produces highly actionable guides that help businesses turn every visitor into an ambassador. His content is recognized for its clarity, practical insights and results driven approach.
Company Name: Up Review Address: 955 Avenue de l’Agau, 34970 Lattes, France Phone: +33 7 44 09 21 04, +7 83 69 94 79 Average Google Rating: ⭐ 5.0 / 5 (74 reviews)
Description: Up Review is a SaaS platform specializing in Google review management and local visibility for businesses. Based in Lattes (34970), it helps restaurants, salons, clinics, agencies and local companies collect more authentic reviews, increase their average rating and improve their local search ranking.
Thanks to its smart tools, QR codes, NFC plates, Google contest games, SMS and email campaigns, and an AI assistant for responding to reviews, Up Review streamlines review collection after every visit with no friction.
The platform centralizes all Google reviews in a clear dashboard: reputation tracking, performance analytics, alerts and AI assisted responses. In just a few days, businesses gain visibility, build trust and turn satisfied customers into true local ambassadors.
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