How can a gym get more Google reviews?
Ask members at the moments they feel good about training with you, such as the end of their first month, finishing a challenge or hitting a personal best, and send your review link by text straight after. Don’t offer a week’s pass, a shake or a prize draw in return: Google doesn’t allow incentives, and UK law bans reviews that hide one.
By Sammy Morgan, who runs M1 Studio in Chichester. Updated .
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- Industry
- Gyms and fitness studios
- Problem
- Too few Google reviews
- The fix
- Local Search Fix, £800
- Do it yourself?
- Yes, the first steps below
Why it happens to gyms and fitness studios.
- “Gym near me” compares stars
- People choose between a few gyms on Google Maps by rating, review count and photos. A thin set of reviews makes a busy gym look quiet.
- The reward habit
- Offering extra days or merchandise for a review is common in fitness. It breaks Google’s rules, and reviews gathered that way can be removed.
- Coaches know the moment
- The coach who sees a member hit a first pull-up or finish a six-week challenge is the right person to ask, not a generic email a month later.
- New starters come in waves
- January and September bring many new members at once. If there’s no routine to ask them after a few weeks, the chance passes.
What to do, in order.
Get your review link
Copy it from your Google Business Profile. Put a QR code by the front desk and in the changing rooms.
Pick the moments
End of the first month, the last session of a challenge, a grading or a personal best. Ask everyone at those points, not only the members you know are happy.
Let coaches ask
A quick word after class, followed by a text with the link the same day.
Drop the rewards
No passes, discounts or draws for reviews. Thank people after instead.
Automate the ask
The Local Search Fix sets up your profile and review requests to every member; Missed-Call Rescue adds timed requests and reminders.
Where M1 can do it for you.
Fixed prices, or a fixed quote before any work starts. No VAT is charged. Any running costs are listed before you agree.
- Local Search Fix £800
Your gym’s profile filled in with photos, classes and opening hours, and a review request sent to every member with no screening.
Look right when locals search for what you do.
- Missed-Call Rescue £800
It sends review requests at set points, such as a new member’s first month, alongside reminders and a text back for missed calls.
Missed calls get a text back, automatically.
- Growth Plan £1,000 a month
It keeps review requests going every month and handles replies and Instagram posts around your classes and events.
Keep enquiries turning into bookings.
Want to check the rest of your business first? Take the free Scorecard: 12 questions, about 3 minutes.
Before you decide.
Something else? Ask Sammy on WhatsApp.
Can we give members a week’s pass for a review?
No. Google doesn’t allow incentives for reviews, and UK consumer law bans reviews that conceal an incentive. Ask plainly, at a good moment, and make it easy.
Should we only ask members who love the gym?
No. Choosing who to ask based on whether they’ll be positive is review gating, which Google doesn’t allow. Ask everyone at the same points.
Do reviews in our booking app count on Google?
No. Ratings inside a class booking app stay there. People searching Google Maps see your Google reviews, so ask for those as well. The guide to getting more Google reviews has more.
Keep reading.
Know what to fix. Then decide.
Sammy writes down what’s holding your business back and what to fix first. The Foundation Blueprint is yours within 5 working days of your answers.
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