Why Asking for Reviews Boosts Google Rankings, AI visibility and Client Loyalty

Google’s Latest Update: Prominence = Links + Reviews

Google recently updated its local ranking documentation, putting greater emphasis on a ranking factor called “Prominence.” That now specifically means links and reviews, not vague “SEO best practices.”

If you’re a local business or SEO agency, this update makes one thing clear: reviews and links are critical for visibility.

AI Search Results Are Powered by Reviews

With the rise of AI-generated search results like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), reviews now influence more than just rankings—they determine if your business is even mentioned.

98% of consumers use online reviews to guide purchase decisions, and AI models do the same.

AI results often pull from content within review sites and Google Business Profiles, so if you don’t have strong reviews, you may not show up at all.

The Ben Franklin Effect: A Hidden Tool for More Referrals

The Ben Franklin effect is a psychological principle where people tend to like you more after doing you a favor. It’s based on the idea of cognitive dissonance—our brains reconcile the act of helping by deciding, “I must really like this person.”

Why It Works in Business

When you ask a happy customer for a favor—like a Google review or testimonial—it:

Strengthens their emotional connection to your brand
Makes them more likely to refer others
Deepens the relationship

When we began asking for video testimonials at Mannix Marketing, we didn’t just get great content—we started receiving more referrals from those same clients. That simple ask sparked loyalty and pride in the relationship.

Cialdini’s Principle of Reciprocity: Ask at the Right Time

According to persuasion expert Dr. Robert Cialdini, one of the most powerful motivators is reciprocity. When you’ve helped someone, they often want to return the favor.

Ask for a review right after a win—a project launch, a compliment, or a milestone. When emotions are high, your client is more likely to want to help you in return.

How to Ask for Reviews Without Feeling Pushy

I highly recommend asking for reviews in person or on a call; this way, you can wait for the yes (Cialdini’s principle of commitment). Follow up with an email and a link that opens the Google review box for them. After they’ve reviewed you be sure to respond to the review online via Google My Business and thank them! Once you have the review in Google, use it on your website and social media.

Asking for Reviews is not manipulation. It’s Connection.

When we work with clients to help them gain more reviews, one of the biggest hesitations is the perception that asking for a review is manipulation or gaming the system. But it is not. Asking for reviews is about creating mutual value—not guilt or flattery. You help your client succeed, and in turn, they help your business grow through visibility, trust, and referrals.

Reviews aren’t just helpful for local SEO—they’re essential for AI-generated results, word-of-mouth marketing, and relationship-building.

So the next time a client is thrilled with your work, just ask. You’ll rank higher, build deeper loyalty, and generate more business.

Love this article? Love Mannix Marketing – feel free to review us on Google, we would greatly appreciate it… and here is the link that opens the review box to make it easy for you! Need help, contact us, we’d be happy to help you grow your business and grow your reviews and leads. Want to read more about improving you visibility on Google’s Map results, read this article on Do Google My Business Posts Matter?

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