The Truth About Making Money with Google Reviews and AI Through SaaS

She said she made \$3,000 doing Google reviews with AI through SaaS… But what’s really going on here? Is this a secret passive income hack, or just another digital service with a shiny new name?

Let’s break it down and talk about what’s actually happening behind the scenes, and why it’s not some magical, passive income trick like it might seem at first glance.

What’s Actually Going On?

Here’s the deal: This isn’t SaaS (Software as a Service) in the way you might think. If you’ve heard "SaaS" and assumed it’s all about selling software or having a recurring, hands-off income stream, well, that’s not the case here.

This hustle involves finding local businesses, offering to send follow-up emails asking customers to leave Google reviews, and using automated software to make the process easier. That’s it. The software does the heavy lifting, but you’re the one doing the actual legwork.

The Key Takeaway:

You don’t own the software. You don’t own the clients. You’re just acting as the middleman between the software and the business.

While it may sound like a software business, it’s really just freelancing with some digital tools to help you scale your efforts.

The "SaaS" Claim: Let's Set the Record Straight

There’s nothing inherently wrong with offering digital marketing services like this. But it’s important to be clear about what you’re doing—because calling it a SaaS business can be misleading. Here’s why:

• You’re not the owner of the software: In a typical SaaS business, you would own the platform or system that people subscribe to. In this case, you’re simply using a tool that someone else created to provide a service.

• You’re not creating the product: The software might make your job easier, but you’re still doing the work of finding clients and closing the deals.

So, what you're really selling is a digital marketing service, not a SaaS product. You’re using a digital tool to help local businesses collect reviews, but the real challenge is getting clients to say yes and explaining the value of the service.

The Bottom Line:

The software isn’t the business. You are.

The Hard Part: Getting Clients to Say Yes

Now let’s talk about the hard part—which is also the most important part: getting clients to say yes. Here’s why it’s not as easy as setting up some software and watching the money roll in:

1. Explaining the Value of Google Reviews

Local businesses may not fully understand the importance of online reviews. Convincing them that Google reviews can boost their visibility and help attract new customers is your first challenge.

• How to Overcome This:

• Show them examples of businesses that benefited from having a solid online reputation.

• Provide case studies or data that highlight how reviews impact search rankings and customer trust.

2. Selling Digital Marketing Services

Even if a business understands the importance of reviews, you still have to sell them on the idea of outsourcing the process. Many local businesses prefer handling things themselves because they don’t fully trust external help.

• How to Overcome This:

• Offer a free trial or discounted service at first to prove the value of your service.

• Position yourself as a specialist who is an expert in automating review collection, saving them time.

3. Closing the Deal

Once you’ve explained the value and convinced the business to consider outsourcing, you still have to close the deal. Getting a commitment is often where most freelancers and digital marketers fail.

• How to Overcome This:

• Use a clear and simple pricing structure that’s easy for business owners to understand.

• Make the sales process feel risk-free by offering guarantees or trial periods.

Why This Isn’t Passive Income

This whole setup might look like passive income, but there’s work involved—and it’s not as hands-off as it seems. While automating the review process makes it easier, it doesn’t eliminate the need for client acquisition and relationship management.

You’re still actively managing clients, doing follow-ups, and ensuring that the software is running smoothly. The moment you stop finding new clients or maintaining relationships, the income stops coming in.

Here’s What It Actually Is:

It’s a freelance digital marketing service with the help of automation software.

• It’s a service-based hustle: You’re providing a service, not a product.
• It’s a client-based business: You need to consistently find and close clients to keep the revenue coming in.

The Real Truth: There’s No Magic Trick, Just Hard Work

So, how much can you really make with this model?

While it’s certainly possible to make \$3,000 or more per month if you’re running a decent-sized operation, keep in mind that success here isn’t just about setting up software and waiting for the cash to roll in. It’s about finding clients, explaining the value, and closing deals—just like any other freelance or service-based business.

You can’t just rely on the software to do everything for you. The real value comes from your ability to manage the relationship, maintain trust, and continually bring in new clients.

Realistic Expectations:

• Software doesn’t make the business: You do.
• Client acquisition is the hardest part: Finding clients who trust you enough to outsource this work is a challenge.
• Marketing your service: You need to sell, sell, sell. Make sure you understand the business value of the service you’re offering so you can sell it effectively.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Google Reviews and AI Through SaaS

It’s clear that making money through Google reviews and AI using SaaS tools isn’t some magical passive income trick. While the software can automate certain tasks, you’re still essentially providing a digital marketing service, which requires you to actively find clients and manage relationships.

The key to success? Client acquisition and salesmanship. If you can effectively communicate the value of your service and build a consistent client base, this can definitely be a profitable venture. But it’s not something that just runs on autopilot.

So, what do you think? Have you tried using software for this kind of work before? Or maybe you’ve been pitched this idea? Let me know in the comments—let’s talk about what’s real and what’s just hype!

Drop a comment below with your thoughts or experiences! Have you tried using Google review automation for your business or clients? Or are you thinking about getting started with it? Let’s chat about the realities behind this “SaaS” hustle