Why This Matters More Than You Think
Hey, it's Richard here.
I'm going to be straight with you — if your gym has fewer than 30 Google reviews, you're invisible. Not because your coaching is bad. Not because your gym isn't great. But because Google doesn't know that yet. And neither do the people searching for a gym near them right now.
Your competitors know this. The gym down the road that keeps stealing your potential members? Check their Google profile. I bet they've got more reviews than you.
But here's the good news — reviews are the one thing you can fix fast. Not in 6 months. Not after spending thousands on an agency. In 30 days.
This guide gives you the exact system. Every script. Every method. Every automation. The same system I use with gym owners in the 30 Members in 30 Days Sprint.
Let's get into it.
How This Guide Works
This isn't a book you read and forget. It's a system you install.
Each section gives you:
- What to do — the method, explained simply
- The exact script — copy, paste, personalise, send
- When to use it — so you're asking at the right moment
- How long it takes — because I know you're time-poor
Your 30-day target: 50 new Google reviews with a 4.7+ star average.
| Week | Focus | Target |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setup + Phone blitz (loyal members) | 15 reviews |
| 2 | Network + Post-class system | 12 reviews |
| 3 | Automation + Contest launch | 12 reviews |
| 4 | Testimonial campaign + Proof stacking | 11 reviews |
Pro Tip
Total time commitment: 15-20 minutes a day. That's one less scroll through Instagram. If you can coach a class, you can do this.
Step One
Get Your Review Link & QR Code
Before anything else, you need a direct link that takes people straight to the Google review form. No searching, no confusion.
How to get your review link
- 1Go to business.google.com
- 2Click on your business
- 3Click "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews"
- 4Copy the short link Google gives you
Save this link. You'll use it in every method below.
Create a QR code
- 1Go to any free QR code generator (qr-code-generator.com works fine)
- 2Paste your review link
- 3Download the QR code image
- 4Print it. Multiple copies.
Put the QR code everywhere
Pro Tip
Every extra tap or search you make someone do cuts your conversion rate in half. The QR code eliminates all friction — they scan, they review, done.
Time to complete: 15 minutes.
Step Two — Week 1
The Phone Blitz
This is the most effective method. Full stop. Phone calls convert at 10x the rate of texts or emails for reviews.
I know it feels uncomfortable. Do it anyway. This single method will get you 15+ reviews in your first week.
Who to call
Pull a list of your current and recent members. Start with:
- Your most loyal — the ones who've been with you longest
- Members who recently hit a milestone (belt promotion, PB, transformation)
- Anyone who's ever said something like "I love this place"
You want 30-40 names. You'll get through them across the week.
"Hey [Name], it's [Your Name] from [Gym]. How's everything going?
Listen, I've got a quick favour to ask — we're really trying to grow and get the word out to more people in the area. If I text you a quick link, would you mind leaving us a Google review? Even just a couple of sentences goes a long way."
Then immediately:
"I've just texted it to you now. It's in your messages. Would you mind having a quick look while we're chatting?"
Pro Tip
People are much more likely to do it while they're on the phone with you. If you hang up and hope they'll do it later, most won't.
The follow-up text (24 hours later)
"Hey [Name], just following up on that review link from yesterday. No stress at all if you're busy — but if you get 30 seconds, it'd really help us out. Here's the link again: [link]"
Time per day: 30 minutes.
Step Three
The Barter Close
Never give a discount "just because." If a prospect or member wants a deal, you trade it for something worth more to your business than the money you're giving up — advertising and social proof.
"Yeah, I can do that for you. Here's what I'm thinking — I'll knock $[amount] off if you:
1. Leave me a Google review
2. Record a quick 30-second video testimonial on your phone
3. Post a photo or story tagging us on socials — at the start, and again after a month
4. Introduce me to two mates who might be interested in training
Fair deal?"
What you're actually getting
| Asset | Value |
|---|---|
| Google review | Worth more than $100 in ad spend |
| Video testimonial | Your best-performing ad creative |
| Social media post | Free advertising to their entire network |
| Two warm referrals | Your highest-converting lead source |
Pro Tip
You just turned a $50 discount into $500+ worth of marketing assets. The discount was going to cost you money anyway — now it's an investment.
When to use this
- New member sign-ups asking about pricing
- Existing members asking to freeze or reduce fees
- Anyone negotiating on PT packages or upgrades
- Mates and family who want a deal
Step Four — Week 2
The Network Blitz
This one surprises most gym owners — you don't need to be someone's coach for them to leave a review.
Friends, family, training partners, other coaches, suppliers, even your accountant — anyone who knows your character and the quality of your gym.
Who to ask
- Friends and family who've visited or trained with you
- Other coaches and gym owners you've collaborated with
- Suppliers and business contacts who know your work
- Former training partners
- Anyone who knows what you bring to the community
"Hey mate, I'm building up the Google reviews for [Gym Name]. Would you mind leaving a quick review about your experience with me / the gym? Doesn't need to be long — even 2-3 sentences helps. Here's the link: [link]. Cheers!"
These are character references, not client testimonials. They focus on your dedication, passion, and professionalism. Totally legitimate — Google doesn't require the reviewer to be a paying customer.
Time: One 20-minute session to send the texts.
Step Five — Ongoing
The Post-Class Ask
The best time to ask for a review is when someone is happiest — right after a great session.
This isn't a one-time tactic. This becomes your daily habit for the rest of your gym's life.
In person — the individual ask
After a class, especially when someone's had a breakthrough, hit a PB, or just crushed a session:
"Hey, that was a solid session. Would you do me a favour? If I text you a quick link, would you mind leaving us a Google review? Really helps us get in front of more people in the area."
The group ask — "While you're here"
After a great class, while everyone's still buzzing:
"Hey everyone — quick favour. If you've been enjoying the classes, would you mind scanning that QR code on the wall and leaving us a quick Google review? Even one sentence helps. It's how new members find us."
Pro Tip
Train your other coaches. Give every coach the script. Make it part of the post-class routine. If you've got 3 coaches running 15 classes a week, and each one asks once, that's 3-4 reviews per week on autopilot.
Make it a routine. Pick one class per week where you do this. Friday evening and Saturday morning classes tend to have the best energy.
Time: 30 seconds per ask.
Step Six — New Offers
The "First Five Free" Method
This one's specifically for when you're launching something new — a new class, a new program, a kids' class, a PT package. Anything new.
Give it away for free to 5 people. In exchange, they give you reviews and feedback.
"I'm launching [new program] and I'm looking for 5 people to try it out for free. Since I'm only taking five, I can give you all the attention you need to get a great result.
All I ask in return is that you:
1. Actually use it
2. Give me honest feedback
3. Leave a Google review if you think it deserves one
Sound fair?"
Why this works
- People are far more forgiving and generous with reviews when they got value for free
- You get real feedback to improve the offer before you charge for it
- 5 reviews specifically about your new program = instant social proof
- These become your first case studies and testimonials
When to use this
Step Seven — Week 3
The Review Contest
This works best if you've got 30+ active members. Turn reviews into a game with a prize.
How to run it
- 1Announce it in class, in your member group, and via text/email
- 2Every member who leaves a Google review goes into a draw
- 3Prize: free month membership, PT session, branded merch, or gift card
- 4Run it for 2-4 weeks
- 5Draw the winner live in class or on social media
"Hey everyone — we're running a Google Review Challenge this month. Anyone who leaves us a Google review goes into the draw to win [prize]. All you need to do is scan the QR code at the front desk and leave a quick review. We'll draw the winner on [date]."
Important
You're incentivising leaving a review, not leaving a positive review. Ask for honest feedback — this keeps it within Google's guidelines.
Milestone Awards — The Hormozi Upgrade
Take this further. Create a physical award — a small trophy, a framed certificate, branded merch — tied to a milestone:
- 6-month member → Invite to leave a video testimonial → unlock the award
- Belt promotion / PB / transformation → Same deal
Tell them the award requires: a video testimonial + a public post tagging the gym + a Google review.
Pro Tip
The award sits on their shelf. Their mates see it. They ask about it. You've just turned your best members into walking advertisements. Word of mouth on steroids.
Step Eight — Week 4
The Testimonial Machine
Written reviews are great for Google rankings. But video testimonials are your most powerful sales weapon. They become your ads, your social proof, and your conversion tool.
The 6-Point Video Script
Give them these 6 prompts. They don't need to memorise them — just answer naturally:
"What was life like before you joined?"
Internal struggle — frustration, self-doubt, being unfit
"What were you struggling with specifically?"
External struggle — weight, flexibility, confidence
"What were your concerns about joining?"
Skepticism — "I thought I was too unfit"
"What made you join anyway?"
The tipping point — what pushed them over the edge
"What's changed since you started?"
External results — weight loss, strength, belts, fitness gains
"What's the best part about training here?"
Internal victory — confidence, community, energy, mental health
Pro Tip
iPhone is perfect. Raw and real outperforms slick production. Film after a great class while they're still buzzing. Keep it under 90 seconds. When it comes to gym ads, 80% of the top performers feature real members, not the owner.
Step Nine — Non-Negotiable
Respond to Every Single Review
Every review — positive and negative — gets a response. Google rewards businesses that engage with reviewers, and potential members read your responses.
Positive reviews
Keep it short, genuine, and specific. Mention something from their review:
"Thanks heaps [Name]! Glad you're loving the classes. See you on the mat"
"Cheers [Name], means a lot. The early morning crew is something special — stoked to have you in it."
Negative reviews
- 1Don't respond immediately. Take a breath.
- 2If it's fake — report it through Google's review dispute process.
- 3If it's real — reach out privately first: "Hey, I saw your review. I'm sorry about your experience. What can I do to make it right?"
- 4If you can't resolve it privately — respond publicly with empathy.
"Thanks for the feedback [Name]. I'm sorry to hear about your experience. We take this seriously — please reach out to us directly at [email/phone] so we can sort it out."
Important
Never argue publicly. Never get defensive. A gracious response to a negative review actually builds more trust than another 5-star review. Other potential members are reading everything.
The weekly routine
| Day | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Respond to all new reviews from the weekend | 10 min |
| Wednesday | Check for any new reviews, respond | 5 min |
| Friday | Respond + screenshot best reviews for proof folder | 10 min |
Step Ten
Automate the Machine
Once you've built momentum with the manual methods, layer in automation so the machine runs without you thinking about it.
Email / SMS Automation
Set up an automated sequence in GoHighLevel (or similar) that triggers after someone:
- Completes their first week of training
- Attends their 10th class
- Hits a milestone (belt promotion, PB, etc.)
"Hey [Name], you've been training with us for [X weeks] now and we love having you in the gym. Would you mind doing us a quick favour? Tap the link below to leave us a Google review — even a couple of sentences helps more than you'd think. [link]"
Important
Automated review requests get about 3-5% response rate. That's decent as a supplement, but it should never replace personal asks. Automation is the drip. Personal asks are the flood.
The "Marketing Machine" Scrape
This makes sure you never miss a win that could become a review, testimonial, or ad.
Set up a "Proof" folder (Google Drive, Dropbox — whatever you use). Then weekly:
- 1Check your Facebook group / community for member wins
- 2Check your DMs and texts for compliments or results updates
- 3Screenshot everything positive
- 4Drop it in the Proof folder
- 5Follow up with those members and ask for a Google review
Pro Tip
Keywords to search for: "love," "thanks," "best," "changed," "results," "recommend," "amazing," "PB," "belt," "progress." Every win is a review waiting to happen.
Step Eleven
Weaponise Your Reviews
Getting reviews is only half the game. The other half is using them to convert prospects into members.
Floor-to-Ceiling Proof (In-Gym)
Screenshot every 5-star review. Print them. Put them in cheap frames. Line the walls of your lobby or waiting area.
When a prospect walks in for a trial, they're surrounded by proof before you say a word. This creates what Hormozi calls "absolute certainty" — they've already decided you're legit before the tour even starts.
The Proof Binder
Keep a physical binder (or iPad) at your front desk loaded with:
- Screenshots of 5-star Google reviews
- Before/after transformation photos
- Video testimonial screenshots with quotes
- Social media posts from happy members
Hand it to prospects while they wait. Let them scroll through hundreds of happy members.
Reviews as Ad Creative
| Format | How |
|---|---|
| Screenshot ads | Raw Google review screenshots with your logo. No design needed. |
| Compilation reels | Stitch 5-6 short video testimonials into a 60-second highlight reel. |
| Proof parades | Walk through the gym, ask 5-6 members the same question, cut it together. |
Pro Tip
Customer-generated content outperforms polished agency creative 80% of the time. Real people, real stories, real results. That's what converts.
The "Drip Beats Blast" Rule
One critical rule — don't get all your reviews in one week and then stop.
Google wants to see reviews coming in steadily. A gym that gets 4-8 reviews per month, every month, sends a stronger signal than 50 in one week and nothing for 6 months.
Think of it like training. Consistent effort beats a one-week binge.
What Not to Do
Important
Never buy fake reviews. Google is getting better at detecting them. If you get caught, your entire profile gets penalised or removed. Not worth the risk.
Important
Don't blast 50 people in one day. Google flags sudden spikes in review activity. Spread it across the month — that's the whole point of the weekly system.
Important
Don't rely on automation alone. Automated emails get 3-5% response rates. Personal asks convert at 40-50%. The system needs both.
Important
Don't ignore negative reviews. A gracious response builds more trust than another 5-star review. Handle them with empathy, take it offline, and resolve it.
Important
Don't aim for a perfect 5.0. A 4.7-4.9 average actually looks more authentic. The occasional 4-star review is fine. Don't stress about it.
Where Do You Sit?
Maintenance System — After the 30 Days
| Action | Frequency | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Post-class ask (1 class/week) | Weekly | 30 sec |
| Respond to all reviews | 2-3x/week | 15 min total |
| Review the Proof folder for wins | Weekly | 10 min |
| Automated review request triggers | Ongoing | 0 min |
| Phone calls to long-term members | Monthly | 30 min |
| Review contest / testimonial campaign | Quarterly | 1 hr setup |
Monthly target after the blitz: 4-8 new reviews per month. That's enough to maintain and grow your ranking.
Your 30-Day Action Plan
Tick them off as you go. No thinking required — just follow the system.
Week 1: Setup + Phone Blitz
- Get your Google review link5 min
- Create QR code and print 5+ copies10 min
- Place QR codes around the gym10 min
- Pull a list of 30-40 loyal members15 min
- Call 5-10 members per day using the phone script30 min/day
- Follow up with non-reviewers after 24 hours10 min/day
- Respond to every review that comes in5 min/day
Week 2: Network + Post-Class System
- Text 10-15 people from your personal network20 min
- Start the post-class ask — pick 2-3 classes this week30 sec each
- Train your other coaches on the post-class script10 min
- Use the Barter Close with any discount requestsas needed
- Continue responding to all reviews5 min/day
- Set up your Proof folder and start screenshotting wins15 min
Week 3: Automation + Contest
- Set up automated review request sequence in your CRM30 min
- Launch the Review Contest — announce in class, text, and socials15 min
- Print the review count leaderboard and display in gym10 min
- Continue post-class asks30 sec each
- Use "First Five Free" if launching anything newas needed
- Respond to all reviews5 min/day
Week 4: Testimonials + Proof Stacking
- Ask 5-10 members for video testimonials (6-point script)15 min slots
- Print and frame your best reviews for the lobby30 min
- Build your Proof Binder (physical or iPad)30 min
- Screenshot your best reviews for ad creative15 min
- Draw the contest winner live in class5 min
- Set up the maintenance system for Month 2+15 min
- Respond to all reviews5 min/day
reviews in 30 days
Want the Full System?
This guide gives you the review machine. But reviews are just one piece of a complete local marketing system.
The 30 Members in 30 Days Sprint gives you everything:
$67-97/mo. "Do The Work" guarantee — complete the sprint and see results, or your money back.
Cheers,
Richard
Rumble Digital
Gym Marketing That Actually Works