Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ReviewSimple - the most affordable review automation software for small businesses.
Getting Started
How does the 14-day free trial work?
Sign up, add your Google Business link, and start sending review requests immediately. After 14 days, you'll need to add a payment method to continue. You can cancel anytime during or after the trial.
How long does setup take?
About 5 minutes. You'll add your Google Business Profile link, customize your email template, and you're ready to send your first review request. Most people send their first request within 10 minutes of signing up.
Do my customers need to create an account?
No. When customers click your review request link, they see a simple star rating interface. One tap, done. No sign-up, no login, no friction.
How It Works
How do the private feedback option and Google link work?
Every customer who rates you gets a link to leave a public review on Google. Customers who rate below 5 stars also see an option to send private feedback to you instead. They choose. We never hide the public review link from anyone, and we don't filter who can post.
How do I send review requests?
Three ways: (1) SMS — add a customer's phone number and send an automated text with one click. (2) Email — send a personalized email request. (3) QR Code — print and display at checkout. Customers scan, rate, done. All three work the same way.
What happens to the private feedback?
It goes straight to your dashboard inbox. You can see what the customer said and their star rating, and reach out to make it right. Customers who send private feedback can still leave a public review whenever they want.
Can unhappy customers still post on Google?
Yes. Every customer sees the Google link after they rate, whatever rating they gave. The private feedback option sits next to it, so some customers choose that, and some post publicly. Both are fine.
Pricing & Billing
How much does ReviewSimple cost?
ReviewSimple has two plans: Starter at $19.99/month (100 email requests, Google integration, private feedback option) and Pro at $34.99/month (300 email & SMS requests, Google + Yelp, platform choice). No per-email charges, no setup fees, no hidden costs. Both plans are 90%+ cheaper than Birdeye ($299/month) and Podium ($249/month).
What's included in each plan?
Starter ($19.99/month): 100 email requests, unlimited QR code scans, private feedback option, Google Reviews integration, dashboard & analytics, customer management, and email support. Pro ($34.99/month): Everything in Starter plus 300 requests (email + SMS combined), automated SMS review requests, Yelp integration, and platform choice so customers can pick Google or Yelp.
What if I need more requests per month?
Pro gives you 300 requests/month, which is 3,600 per year. For most single-location businesses, that's more than enough. If you need even more, contact us and we can customize a plan for high-volume businesses.
Is there a contract or annual commitment?
No. Month-to-month. Cancel anytime with one click. No cancellation fees, no questions asked. Unlike Birdeye and Podium which require annual contracts, ReviewSimple has no long-term commitment.
Can I upgrade from Starter to Pro later?
Yes. You can upgrade anytime by contacting us at hello@getreviewsimple.com. Every new account starts with a 14-day free trial that includes all Pro features, so you can experience SMS and Yelp before deciding which plan fits.
Compliance & Guidelines
Is this compliant with Google's review guidelines?
We designed it to follow them. Google prohibits incentivizing reviews (offering discounts or rewards) and selectively soliciting positive reviews. We don't offer incentives, and every customer who rates you sees your Google link. Customers who rate below 5 stars also get an optional private feedback form. We can't speak for how Google enforces its policy, and this isn't legal advice.
Is this review gating?
Review gating means steering only happy customers to a public review site and keeping unhappy ones away from it. We don't do that. Every customer who rates you sees your Google link, and the private feedback option is an extra choice for anyone who rates below 5 stars. We're not lawyers and this isn't legal advice, but the design is meant to avoid selectively soliciting positive reviews, which Google's policy prohibits.
Is this TCPA compliant for SMS?
Our SMS is built to support TCPA and carrier requirements. It's sent through an A2P 10DLC registered campaign, which is the carrier-approved method for business text messaging in the US. Every message includes opt-out instructions, and STOP requests are honored. Businesses are responsible for getting consent from their customers before texting them. This isn't legal advice.
Comparisons
How is ReviewSimple different from Birdeye or Podium?
Price, mainly. Birdeye costs $299-499/month. Podium is $249+/month. Both require annual contracts. ReviewSimple is $19.99/month, month-to-month - making it the cheapest and most affordable alternative. They're built for enterprise. We're built for single-location small businesses.
What features do enterprise tools have that ReviewSimple doesn't?
Multi-location management, deep CRM integrations, AI response generation, review monitoring across 50+ sites, and enterprise support. If you're a 20-location franchise, you probably need that. If you're a single barbershop, salon, or dental practice, you don't.
Why is ReviewSimple so much cheaper than competitors?
No sales team. No enterprise overhead. No VC pressure to charge maximum prices. Just a focused product for small businesses, sold directly online. We pass those savings to you.
Is ReviewSimple the cheapest review management software?
Yes. At $19.99/month with no contracts, ReviewSimple is the most affordable review automation software for small businesses. Competitors like Birdeye ($299/month), Podium ($249/month), and NiceJob ($75/month) all cost significantly more.
Support
How do I get help if I'm stuck?
Email hello@getreviewsimple.com directly. I'm the founder, and I read every email personally. Most questions get answered within a few hours.
Is there phone support?
Not a call center, but you can schedule a call if you need hands-on help. Book at calendly.com/reviewsimple.
ReviewSimple Pricing Summary
$19.99
Starter /month
$34.99
Pro /month
90%+
cheaper than competitors
$0
setup fees
The most affordable review management software for small businesses. No contracts, cancel anytime. 14-day free trial with all Pro features.