Hubspot Guide: How to Get Google Reviews Without Paying for Them

Many service teams using Hubspot want more Google reviews, but paying for them can trigger serious penalties. This guide explains what Google allows, what it forbids, and how to earn authentic feedback that improves visibility and trust without violating policy.

Why Google Review Rules Matter for Hubspot Users

Google reviews influence click-through rates, search visibility, and buyer trust. For brands that manage contacts and tickets in Hubspot, reviews are also a key signal of service quality. Ignoring the rules can lead to:

• Review removal or filtering
• Account or listing suspensions
• Legal and reputational damage

Understanding the policies helps you design sustainable feedback workflows that align with your CRM and support tools.

Is Paying for Google Reviews Allowed?

Google’s policies clearly prohibit paying for reviews, directly or indirectly. That includes compensated reviews posted on Google Business Profiles, no matter how subtle the incentives are.

According to Google’s guidelines, you must not:

• Offer money, gifts, or discounts in exchange for reviews
• Use third-party services that sell reviews or review swaps
• Reimburse customers for “time spent reviewing” your business

These practices are considered deceptive and can distort search results and user trust.

What the Hubspot Article Explains About Incentives

The source article from Hubspot on paying for Google reviews clarifies how incentives can cross the line. Even well-meaning campaigns can violate policy if they tie rewards to any promise of positive or specific star ratings.

Based on Google’s rules, the following incentives are not allowed:

• “Leave us a 5-star review and get a $10 gift card.”
• “Post a positive review and receive a discount on your next purchase.”
• “Share your experience on Google for a chance to win a prize.”

These examples link a benefit directly to the act of reviewing, which makes the content biased and unreliable in Google’s view.

Exceptions: What Is Acceptable Under Google Policy

The Hubspot explanation also notes that not every interaction related to feedback is forbidden. You can still encourage reviews if you follow these principles:

• Ask for honest, unbiased feedback with no condition attached
• Treat positive and negative reviews equally
• Do not pressure or coerce customers

For example, you may send a follow-up email that says, “If you found our service helpful, consider leaving an honest review on Google.” This kind of neutral request is acceptable.

Step-by-Step: How to Request Reviews Safely

Using a CRM or ticket system alongside Hubspot makes it easy to structure compliant review outreach. Follow these steps to stay inside Google’s rules:

Step 1: Identify the Right Moment

Ask for feedback after a clear interaction or milestone, such as:

• Resolving a support ticket
• Completing a project or onboarding
• Delivering a product or service

At this moment, customers remember the details and are more likely to respond thoughtfully.

Step 2: Use Neutral, Policy-Safe Language

Make sure your request avoids any hint of compensation or rating bias. You can say:

• “We’d love your honest review on Google to help others learn about your experience.”
• “Your feedback on Google helps us improve our service.”
• “If you have a minute, please share a review on Google. All feedback is welcome.”

Do not mention specific star ratings, rewards, or gifts.

Step 3: Provide a Direct Link

Make leaving a review easy by including a direct link to your Google Business Profile review form. This small step dramatically improves response rates without crossing policy boundaries.

Step 4: Automate Follow-Ups Carefully

If you use automation tools or workflows, keep them compliant by:

• Limiting the number of reminders you send
• Allowing contacts to opt out of review requests
• Ensuring your messaging remains neutral and transparent

Automated reminders should feel helpful, not pushy.

How Hubspot Users Can Avoid Common Policy Violations

Teams working with support pipelines or marketing automation often design campaigns that accidentally break Google’s rules. The Hubspot article highlights patterns to avoid, including:

• Sending rewards only to customers who post reviews
• Review gating, where you ask only happy customers for public reviews
• Editing or rewriting customer reviews before they are posted
• Asking employees or friends to pose as customers

Any system that hides negative experiences or amplifies only positive ones undermines review integrity.

Better Alternatives to Paying for Google Reviews

Instead of buying reviews, invest in practices that naturally generate positive feedback. The guidance shared in the Hubspot source can be distilled into these strategies:

Deliver Remarkable Service First

Excellent service is the most reliable way to earn good reviews. Focus on:

• Fast and clear communication
• Accurate expectations and timelines
• Proactive problem resolution

When customers feel supported, they are more likely to share genuine praise on their own.

Ask Every Eligible Customer

Broad, fair outreach helps you gather a balanced picture of satisfaction. Ask:

• New clients after onboarding
• Repeat customers after multiple purchases
• Support contacts after successful resolutions

A higher volume of unbiased reviews builds trust and reduces the impact of occasional negative feedback.

Respond Thoughtfully to All Reviews

Google and customers notice when businesses respond to reviews. To build credibility:

• Thank reviewers for taking the time to write
• Address issues calmly and professionally
• Offer to continue the conversation offline for complex problems

This shows you value feedback and take it seriously.

Legal and Ethical Risks Highlighted by Hubspot

Beyond Google’s own penalties, paying for reviews can trigger legal and ethical risks. The Hubspot article notes that misleading endorsements may violate consumer protection laws in some regions.

Potential consequences include:

• Fines or legal actions from regulators
• Loss of customer trust if fake reviews are exposed
• Damage to partnerships and referral relationships

Maintaining ethical standards protects your brand in the long run.

Practical Compliance Checklist for Hubspot-Oriented Teams

Use this quick checklist when planning any review campaign:

• No payments, discounts, or gifts tied to reviews
• No contests or raffles in exchange for posting on Google
• Neutral language that welcomes all feedback
• No filtering to show only happy customers the review link
• No fake, employee, or friend reviews posing as clients

If a tactic feels like it might “game the system,” it probably violates policy.

Further Reading and Helpful Resources

To dive deeper into the specifics of review policies and recommendations, see the original Hubspot article on paying for Google reviews here: Hubspot breakdown of Google review rules.

For broader help with ethical growth, CRM strategy, and compliant review workflows, you can explore consulting resources such as Consultevo, which offers guidance on digital customer experience and acquisition.

Conclusion: Build Sustainable Reviews Without Shortcuts

Google’s policies are designed to protect users from misleading claims and fake endorsements. The Hubspot perspective on paying for reviews underscores a simple truth: shortcuts create long-term risk.

By focusing on real customer outcomes, neutral and transparent review requests, and consistent follow-up, your business can earn trustworthy reviews that improve search visibility, reinforce your brand, and stand up to policy scrutiny over time.