The way to get reviews as a balloon decorator is to ask every client, the day after their event, with a direct link and the photos of their setup in the same message. Then put those reviews where people decide to book: your Google Business Profile first, then your booking page or website, your Instagram highlights, and your quotes.
This post covers when and how to ask (with scripts), where reviews matter most, what not to do, how to reply to reviews including bad ones, and a simple monthly system.
Why reviews matter so much for balloon decorators
A client booking a decorator is trusting a stranger with a once-a-year moment, and usually paying a retainer up front. Reviews answer the questions they're too polite to ask: Will she show up? Will it look like the photos? Was it worth the money?
They also help you get found. Google says local results are based on relevance, distance and prominence, and reviews (how many, how good) are part of prominence. More on that in how balloon decorators get found on Google.
And for newer businesses, reviews close the trust gap fast. Our November 2026 audit of 421 US balloon businesses without a website found that only 3% said they were insured and only 5% mentioned a deposit or retainer in their bio (State of the Balloon Business 2026). When most profiles look the same, a row of specific, recent reviews makes you look like the safe choice.
Reviews are one piece of the bigger getting clients plan, and they're the written version of word of mouth.
When should you ask a client for a review?
The day after the event. The host is still happy, the guests' compliments are fresh, and they're scrolling the photos. Wait a week and the moment is gone.
Second-best: right after the setup, when the client sees it for the first time and says "oh my gosh." You can say:
I'm so glad you love it! I'll send you some photos tomorrow. If you have a minute after the party, a quick review would help me so much.
Then send the real ask the next day.
How to ask for a review (scripts to copy)
Always include a direct link to your Google review form. You can get a share link to request reviews from your Google Business Profile dashboard; save it in your phone's text shortcuts.
Next-day text:
Hi [Name]! Thank you again for having me decorate [event]. Here are a few photos from before guests arrived: [photos]
If you have 30 seconds, a Google review would mean so much to my small business: [link]
If you mention what you loved most (the colors, the setup, how it held up), it really helps other parents know what to expect!
That last line matters. "Loved it!" is nice. "She matched our inspo pic exactly and it held up all afternoon outdoors" is what sells the next client.
Reminder, 4 days later (only once):
Hi [Name], no pressure at all, just floating this back up in case it got buried: [link]. Thank you either way!
For corporate or venue clients (email):
Subject: Thank you + a quick favor
Hi [Name], thank you for choosing [Business] for [event]. I've attached photos you're welcome to use. If you were happy with the setup, a short Google review would help other businesses find us: [link]. I appreciate you!
What not to do: review rules to follow
Keep it honest. These protect your listing and your reputation:
- Don't pay or offer discounts for reviews. Google's review policies prohibit incentivized reviews, and listings can be penalized for them.
- Don't only ask happy clients (sometimes called review gating). Ask everyone the same way.
- Don't write reviews for yourself or have friends review work you didn't do for them.
- Don't post screenshots of reviews with clients' full names or faces without permission.
Asking every client politely, with a link, is enough. You don't need tricks.
Where should balloon decorators put their reviews?
Get reviews in one place, then show them everywhere people decide.
| Where | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | Shows in local search and Maps | Primary place you ask for reviews |
| Booking page / website | Where people are deciding to book | Add 3 to 5 short quotes near your prices or inquiry form |
| Instagram highlights | Where most of your audience browses | A "Reviews" highlight with screenshots (first names only) |
| Facebook page | Recommendations show on your page | Ask Facebook-first clients to recommend you there |
| Quotes and vendor sheets | Right when they're comparing prices | One short quote at the bottom of each quote |
Pick reviews that answer common worries: punctuality, matching the inspo, durability outdoors, being easy to work with. Always use first name and event type ("[First name], first birthday"), and get permission before featuring a review prominently.
How to respond to reviews (including the bad ones)
Reply to every review. It shows future clients that you're present and professional.
Positive review:
Thank you so much, [Name]! [Child's name]'s rainbow garland was one of my favorites this year. I'd love to decorate the next one!
Keep it short and specific. Mention the event type and your city naturally when it fits ("...one of my favorite first birthdays in [City]").
Negative or mixed review: Don't reply angry, and don't reply the same day if you're upset. Wait, then:
Hi [Name], thank you for the feedback. I'm sorry the garland didn't hold up the way you expected in the afternoon heat. I'd like to make this right, and I've sent you a message directly. I take every setup seriously and I appreciate you letting me know.
Then take it private. Future clients read how you respond more than the complaint itself. For the full approach to upset clients, see the angry client playbook.
If a review is fake or violates Google's policies, you can flag it for review in your Business Profile. Don't argue in public.
The math: what a steady review habit builds
Example: Say you do 6 events a month and ask every client. If 4 in 10 leave a review (track your real rate), that's about 2.4 reviews a month.
- After 3 months: ~7 reviews
- After 6 months: ~14 reviews
- After 12 months: ~29 reviews
Compare that to asking "when you remember," maybe 1 in 10 events: about 7 reviews in a year. Same work, same clients, four times the proof. The difference is a saved text shortcut and a habit.
Monthly review system (15 minutes)
- Review link saved as a text shortcut on your phone
- Next-day text sent after every event (photos + link)
- One reminder sent 4 days later to anyone who didn't leave one
- Every new review replied to
- Best 1 to 2 new reviews added to booking page and Instagram highlight
- Count: events this month vs. reviews received
Frequently asked questions
How do I ask clients for reviews for my balloon business?
Send a text the day after the event with photos of their setup and a direct link to your Google review form. Ask them to mention what they loved most, such as the colors or how it held up. Send one gentle reminder four days later, then let it go.
Where should balloon decorators get reviews?
Make Google Business Profile your main place to collect reviews, since it shows in local search and Maps. Then feature short quotes on your booking page or website, in an Instagram highlight, and on your quotes and vendor sheets, with the client's permission.
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google's review policies prohibit offering incentives for reviews, and incentivized reviews can lead to them being removed or your listing being penalized. Ask every client the same way, with a direct link, and let them choose.
How should I respond to a bad review as a balloon decorator?
Wait until you're calm, then reply briefly and professionally: thank them, acknowledge the specific issue, say you've reached out directly, and take the conversation private. Future clients judge you more by your response than by the complaint itself. Flag reviews that violate Google's policies instead of arguing.