How we built our own review automation tool because nothing else did the job properly

Google reviews matter. Most local businesses know this. The problem is actually getting them consistently without making it awkward or adding another task to an already full plate.

The existing tools were either built for enterprise, priced for enterprise, or so complicated they never got used. None of them were built with a Newcastle tradie or a Beaumont St restaurant in mind.

So we built one ourselves.

Testimo is a review automation tool built specifically for local businesses. The idea is simple. A business sends a customer an SMS with a direct link to leave a Google review. Automated follow-ups handle the rest. No chasing, no awkward asks at the counter, no relying on customers to remember.

Under the hood it's a full-stack application. SMS delivery, automated follow-up sequences, a live review dashboard, QR code generation for physical locations, and AI-suggested replies for incoming reviews. Built from scratch, integrated with Stripe, and live at testimo.com.au.

We built it because we kept recommending review tools to businesses and none of them were good enough. Building it ourselves meant we could make it exactly what local businesses actually need rather than a watered-down version of something designed for a national chain.

Every Growth Partner client gets Testimo included. More Google reviews without changing how you run your business.