Glossary

Review Automation

Review automation is the practice of automatically sending customers a review request - usually by email or SMS a set time after their visit - using contact details captured at the venue, so online review volume grows without staff effort.

Review automation is the practice of automatically asking customers for an online review - usually by email or SMS, a set time after their visit - instead of relying on staff to remember. The request goes to contact details the business already holds, links directly to the review form (most often Google), and runs continuously in the background.

How WiFi-driven review automation works

Guest WiFi is a natural trigger: the venue captures an email at sign-in via the captive portal, the platform knows exactly when the visit happened, and 24-48 hours later - while the experience is still fresh - it sends a short message with a one-tap link to the venue's Google review page. No till integration or staff prompting is needed.

Why it works

  • Most happy customers never think to leave a review - a timely, personal ask converts a meaningful share of them.
  • Volume and recency matter for local SEO - a steady flow of recent reviews is a strong signal in Google's local ranking, ahead of a large but stale total.
  • It compounds - every week of WiFi sign-ins feeds every following week of review requests.

Play by the platform rules

Google's policy prohibits "review gating" - only asking customers you expect to be positive - and prohibits offering incentives in exchange for reviews. Compliant automation asks everyone whose consent you hold, uses neutral wording, and lets unhappy guests reply privately so problems reach the manager before they reach the internet. Sending the request itself is a marketing communication, so the guest's opt-in (see PECR) must be in place.

For pubs, restaurants and salons this is usually the fastest-payback piece of WiFi marketing. See how to automate Google reviews and WiFi review automation for local SEO.

Related

Related terms

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