From the team
I read Google’s playbook. Here’s what works.
Plain, practical guides to getting more reviews, replying to every one, and ranking locally — straight from what Google publishes, written for the people who run the business.
Can you automate Google reviews? Google's rules (2026)
Google allows review automation but bans gating, scripts, incentives, and kiosks. What the guidelines actually say, and how to stay compliant.
The RealGoodWords team · 2026-05-24 · 6 min
How to rank on Google Maps: the local SEO basics that work
How to rank on Google Maps: three things done consistently, a complete profile, steady genuine reviews, and a reply to every one. No gimmicks.
The RealGoodWords team · 6 min
Google reviews vs social media: where local customers decide
Google reviews vs social media: customers discover you on Instagram but decide on Google reviews. Where local businesses should put their effort.
The RealGoodWords team · 4 min
Google Business Profile optimisation: the 13-point checklist
Google Business Profile optimisation in 13 points from Google's own Playbook. The full checklist, and the one part most businesses skip.
The RealGoodWords team · 5 min
Google review request templates: email, SMS & QR that work
Copy-and-paste Google review request templates for email, SMS, and QR codes, written to follow Google's rules and get replies, not ignored.
The RealGoodWords team · 4 min
What is review gating? Why Google bans it (2026)
Review gating, sending happy customers to Google, unhappy ones to a private form, is banned and can get your reviews removed. How to spot it.
The RealGoodWords team · 4 min
Should you reply to every Google review? (Yes, here's why)
Should you reply to every Google review? Yes, even the five-star ones. Why they matter as much as complaints, backed by Google and independent data.
The RealGoodWords team · 4 min