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When someone searches for "skin specialist near me" or "child doctor in Saket", the clinics with more recent, genuine reviews tend to get the call. Reviews help new patients decide, and they are one of the signals that influence how your Google Business Profile appears in local search.
Most happy patients never leave a review simply because nobody asked. Here is how to ask well.
Start with a complete Google Business Profile
Before asking for reviews, make sure your profile is complete and accurate: clinic name, address, phone number, opening hours, specialties, photos of the clinic and a link to book. Patients who click through should find everything they need.
Ask every patient, at the right moment
The best time to ask is shortly after the visit, when the experience is fresh. A short WhatsApp message with a direct review link works better than a card at the counter, because it takes one tap.
Follow Google's rules
Google's policies for reviews are strict, and breaking them can get reviews removed. In short:
- Do not offer anything in return for a review. No discounts, free consultations or gifts.
- Do not ask only happy patients. Selectively asking for positive reviews, sometimes called review gating, is against Google's policy. Ask everyone the same way.
- Do not write reviews for yourself or ask staff, family or agencies to post them.
Respond to reviews, carefully
Reply to reviews, good and bad. A short thank-you shows that a real team reads them. For negative reviews, stay calm, apologise for the experience and invite the person to contact the clinic directly.
Never confirm that the reviewer is your patient or mention any treatment details in a reply. Even if they shared details themselves, a public reply from the clinic should not.
Treat negative reviews as feedback
A pattern in negative reviews, such as long waits or rude reception, is valuable information. Fix the cause and the reviews change on their own.
Aim for a steady flow
Ten reviews in one week and none for six months looks odd to patients. A steady flow of reviews from asking every patient is more natural and more useful.
How Nabhaya helpsNabhaya Clinic can send every patient a feedback link to your Google Business Profile after their visit, on every plan. See all features