The 10-Minute Marketing Move Most Small Businesses Skip (But Shouldn’t)
If you’re like most business owners, marketing can feel…heavy.
Funnels, content calendars, ad campaigns, SEO—it’s a lot.
But there’s one simple move you can make this week that doesn’t require a big budget, a huge time investment, or a full-blown strategy session.
It takes about 10 minutes.
It can dramatically boost your credibility.
And it works alongside everything else you’re already doing.
That move?
Ask for 3 New Reviews Each Week
If you want more leads, more trust, and more momentum from your marketing, reviews are one of the fastest ways to get there.
When someone discovers you—through an ad, a referral, a social post, or a Google search—what do they do next?
They check you out.
They look at:
Your website
Your social media
And very often…your reviews
Those little stars and short paragraphs carry a huge amount of weight. In a world where people are skeptical and options are endless, social proof helps them feel safe choosing you.
The good news?
You probably already have happy clients who would gladly vouch for you—you just haven’t asked.
Why Reviews Matter So Much (Especially Now)
Here’s what a few fresh, detailed reviews can do for your business:
Make you stand out against competitors
If someone is comparing you to 2–3 other options and you’re the only one with recent, thoughtful reviews, you instantly look more trustworthy.Help new leads feel confident reaching out
People want to see themselves in your reviews: “Oh, they helped someone like me. This might work.”Support the marketing you’re already doing
Your ads, emails, and social posts create interest. Your reviews confirm that interest and reduce hesitation.
Think of reviews as the “yes, this is real and it works” layer on top of your existing marketing.
Exactly What to Say When You Ask for a Review
If asking for reviews feels awkward, you’re not alone. The trick is to keep it honest, simple, and specific.
Here’s a message you can copy, paste, and send to a few of your favorite clients right now:
Hey [Name], I’ve really enjoyed working with you and I’m always trying to improve how we show up online. If you’re open to it, would you mind leaving us a quick review here: [link]? Even 2–3 sentences about your experience would mean a lot.
A few tips to make this work even better:
Choose clients who’ve already expressed that they’re happy.
The ones who’ve said things like “You’ve made this so much easier” or “We’re really seeing a difference.”Make it easy.
Drop the direct link to your review page so they don’t have to hunt for it.Set a small goal.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Aim for 3 reviews this week. That’s it.
How Reviews Amplify Your Existing Marketing
This isn’t about changing your entire marketing strategy. It’s about amplifying what’s already in motion.
Here’s how it all works together:
Your marketing (ads, emails, social, SEO) brings people to your world
Curious leads search your name or click through to your profiles
Your reviews help them feel safe, seen, and understood
That safety turns into inquiries, bookings, and sales
You don’t need dozens of reviews overnight. Even a handful of recent, specific reviews can make a noticeable difference in how people respond to your marketing.
Make This Your 10-Minute Task for the Week
If you’ve been feeling behind on marketing, consider this your gentle reset.
You don’t need to rebuild everything today.
You don’t need a brand-new strategy by tomorrow.
You just need one simple, doable action that moves you forward.
So this week, make it your goal to:
Pick 3–5 happy clients
Copy and paste the message above
Send it with a direct link to your preferred review platform
That’s it. Ten minutes. Real impact.
If you’re not sure which review platform to focus on (Google, Facebook, Yelp, or something industry-specific), start with the one your ideal clients are most likely to check first.
And if you’d like help deciding who to ask or what link to use, that’s exactly the kind of thing we help with at Sandman Marketing.
You don’t have to overhaul everything to see better results—sometimes, it’s the small, strategic moves that create the biggest momentum.
