Review Policy
Reviews only help if they're real. This page explains exactly how Searchlight asks for Google reviews on behalf of clients, and what I will never do.
What I do
- Give each client a direct Google review link and a printable QR code for their business.
- Help the client ask every customer for an honest review, usually by text or email after a job or visit.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, in a calm and professional way.
- Watch for new reviews and report on the rating trend each month.
- Flag reviews that appear to break Google's policies (spam, fake, off-topic, conflicts of interest) so Google can look at them.
What I never do
- Write, buy or sell reviews, or create fake accounts or customers.
- Offer rewards for reviews: no discounts, gifts, entries, payment or free service in exchange.
- Gate reviews: I never ask "how was your experience?" first and send only happy customers to Google. Everyone gets the same public link.
- Ask for only positive reviews or pressure anyone about what to write.
- Write reviews for employees, owners or relatives to post, or ask staff to review their own employer.
- Promise to remove a negative review. Only Google decides what is removed.
If a customer has a problem
A customer who had a bad experience is still free to leave a review. The best response is a short, honest reply and, where it makes sense, fixing the problem privately. A good reply to a bad review often does more for your business than the review costs it.
Where the rules come from
These practices follow Google's policies for reviews and user-contributed content and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's rules against fake reviews and misleading endorsements. Google and the FTC can and do act on violations, including removing reviews and suspending business listings.
Testimonials about Searchlight
If a client gives me a testimonial, it's their own words, used with their written permission. A testimonial is never a condition of getting my services or any price, and is never required to be positive.
Concerns
If you think a review of a Searchlight client, or a Searchlight message, breaks these rules, use the form on our site and I will look into it. Searchlight is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google LLC.