There’s one thing every café, bar, or local business wants—but most struggle to get: More 5-star reviews.
They boost your ranking on Google and Yelp. They build trust with first-time visitors. And they help you stand out in a sea of similar shops.
So how do you actually get more reviews without awkwardly begging for them?
A local café in Austin cracked the code—with two simple print tools: custom coasters and stickers.
Here’s how their strategy worked, why it worked, and how you can use it (even if you’re not in food service).
The Problem: Great Experience, No Reviews
The café already had loyal customers. People loved the coffee, the playlists, the vibe. But online? Crickets.
They only had 18 reviews, despite serving over 150 customers a day. Like most small businesses, they relied on word-of-mouth and hoped reviews would come on their own.
Spoiler: they don’t.
According to BrightLocal, 76% of consumers will leave a review if asked—but most businesses never ask clearly or creatively.
🔗 Source: BrightLocal 2024 Local Consumer Review Survey
The Print Hack That Changed Everything
Instead of sending generic email reminders or training staff to awkwardly ask for reviews, the café printed:
- Branded coasters with a review prompt on the front
- Custom stickers placed on to-go cups, cookie bags, and napkin holders
The message was short, cheeky, and low-pressure. Something like:
“Love your latte? Tap the stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
[QR CODE → Google Reviews]
For the stickers, they rotated messages:
- “Your review keeps us brewing ☕”
- “Was it love at first sip? Tell the world.”
The QR code led straight to their Google review page. No forms, no redirects—just a frictionless path to share the love.
The Results: From 18 to 47 Reviews in 3 Weeks
Here’s what happened after they rolled out their print strategy:
- Google reviews increased by 161%
- Review frequency went from 1 per week to 3–4 per day
- Their average rating improved from 4.2 to 4.7 (due to more happy customers finally speaking up)
Even better?
Customers started mentioning the coasters in their reviews. It felt playful, unexpected, and memorable. One customer even posted a pic of their coaster on Instagram with the caption:
“My iced mocha told me to leave a review…so I did.”
Free UGC? Yes, please.
How to Use This Strategy in Your Business
You don’t need to run a café to copy this approach. Whether you’re a bakery, brewery, salon, or boutique, this tactic works anywhere customers hang out and touch your brand.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Create Review-Boosting Coasters
Use custom coasters to place review prompts directly where customers engage—tables, counters, bars.
Tips:
- Keep the message fun and casual
- Add a QR code linked directly to your Google Business or Yelp review page
- Use colors and branding that match your aesthetic
2. Print Stickers for To-Go Orders & Packaging
Use stickers on:
- Takeout bags
- Cold drink cups
- Cookie boxes
- Gift packaging
Why it works: You’re meeting your customer in a moment of delight—just after they’ve had a great experience. That’s when they’re most likely to leave a glowing review.
Bonus tip: Try running a giveaway—e.g., “Leave a review & tag us for a chance to win a free drink Friday!”
3. Make It Instant & Effortless
Here’s the key: make it insanely easy.
Use QR codes that lead directly to your Google or Yelp review form. No searching, no log-ins, no friction.
You can use free tools like:
Place the QR on your coaster or sticker. You’re good to go.
Why This Works (Psychology Meets Print)
✅ It’s low-pressure: No awkward ask, just a friendly nudge.
✅ It’s well-timed: Placed during or right after a great experience.
✅ It feels personal: Print feels more thoughtful than a templated email.
✅ It’s fun: Customers love surprises, and coasters/stickers spark joy.
As behavioral marketing expert Nancy Harhut says:
“When you create a physical interaction tied to emotion, people are far more likely to take action.”
🔗 Source: Nancy Harhut, MarketingProfs Behavioral Science in Marketing
Ready to Try It? Print Your First Batch Today
Whether you’re chasing your first 20 reviews or trying to hit 500, this small tweak can change the game, without spending on ads or nagging your staff.
Start with:
- A set of 100 coasters with a review prompt
- A roll of stickers for bags and packaging
- A custom QR code that makes it click-and-go
Overnight Prints can ship it fast, so you can start getting reviews before the weekend.
