How to Leave a Review for a Small Business (It Takes 2 Minutes)
When you love a local business, the most helpful thing you can do costs nothing: leave a review. For small, locally owned businesses, reviews are how new customers find us. Big chains have ad budgets. We have you.
Why it matters more than you think
Most people check reviews before they call anyone, whether it's a plumber, a restaurant or a place to leave their dog. Google also uses reviews to decide which businesses show up when someone searches nearby. A few honest sentences from a real customer go a long way.
How to leave a Google review (phone or computer)
Open Google or Google Maps and search the business name.
On the business profile, tap Reviews, then Write a review.
Sign in to your Google account if it asks.
Pick your star rating.
Write a few sentences (see tips below). Add a photo if you have one.
Tap Post. Done.
If the business sent you a review link, tapping it skips straight to step 4.
What to write (if you're stuck)
You don't need a paragraph. One or two specific details help the next customer more than "great place!" Try one of these:
What did you come in for?
What stood out: a person, how they handled something, how you felt afterward?
Would you go back, or recommend them to a friend?
Example: "Boarded our 12-year-old lab for a week. She came home relaxed and they kept us updated with photos. We'll be back."
Other places that help
Facebook: On the business page, look for Reviews or Recommendations and answer "Do you recommend…?"
Nextdoor: Search the business and tap Recommend. Neighbors trust neighbors.
A few honest notes
Be honest, good or bad. Real reviews help everyone, including the business.
Had a problem? Tell the owner first if you can. Most small business owners would rather fix it than read about it.
You can edit your review later if things change.
From me
Paws Up has been locally owned since 2018, and most of our new families find us through reviews from people like you. If your dog has stayed or played with us, I'd be grateful if you shared how it went. Leave a Paws Up review on Google
Questions? I answer most calls myself: 469-409-3044. 2200 Los Rios Blvd #130, Plano.
