How to Ask Customers for Google Reviews (Templates and Scripts)

Short answer: ask soon after a good experience, through the channel the customer already uses (text, email or in person), and include your direct Google review link. Keep it short and personal: their name, a thank you, one sentence asking for a review, and the link. Send one gentle reminder a few days later if needed. Ask every customer (not just happy ones), never offer rewards, and let people review on their own phones so reviews aren't filtered. Ready-to-use scripts are below.

This guide is part of our how to get more Google reviews series. For help building a review process, see our reviews and reputation service.

When is the best time to ask?

Right after the moment of value. That's when customers feel the benefit most: when a plumber fixes the leak, when a client collects their car, a patient finishes treatment, a meal ends well or an order arrives. For services with a delayed result, ask when the result shows, such as a week after a garden makeover or once a new website goes live.

Waiting weeks lowers response rates because the experience has faded. Asking too early, before the customer has seen the result, gets fewer and weaker reviews.

What do I need before asking?

Your direct review link. Get it from your Google Business Profile ("Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews"). It opens the review form directly, which removes the biggest barrier: customers not knowing where to click. See how to create a Google review link.

Text message templates

After a service visit:

Hi [Name], thanks for having us today! If you're happy with the [job], would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps other local people find us: [link]. [Your name], [Business]

After an appointment:

Hi [Name], it was great to see you today. If you have a moment, we'd love your feedback on Google: [link]. Thank you!

Reminder (three to five days later):

Hi [Name], just a gentle reminder in case you missed it. If you have a minute, a Google review would mean a lot: [link]. No worries if not. Thanks again!

Email templates

Subject: Thank you, [Name]. One quick favour?

Hi [Name],

Thank you for choosing [Business] for your [service/order]. We hope you're enjoying [result].

If you have a minute, would you share your experience on Google? Reviews help other people find a business they can trust, and they help us improve.

Leave a Google review

Thanks again, [Your name]

For B2B clients:

Hi [Name], it's been a pleasure working with you on [project]. If you've been happy with the results, a short Google review describing what we did together would help us a great deal: [link]. Thank you for your trust.

In-person scripts

At the end of a visit:

"I'm really glad we could sort that out for you. We're a small local business, and Google reviews make a big difference for us. Would you be happy if I texted you the link so you can leave one later?"

When a customer compliments you:

"Thank you, that really means a lot! Would you mind putting that into a quick Google review? I can send you the link now."

Then send the link to their phone. Avoid asking them to review on a shop tablet or your Wi-Fi, as many reviews from one device or network can be filtered by Google.

Where else can I ask?

• Receipts and invoices: a short line plus your link or QR code
• Email signatures: "Happy with our service? Review us on Google"
• Order confirmation and delivery emails for online shops
• Packaging inserts and thank-you cards
• Your website's thank-you page after a booking or purchase

What are the rules?

Google's policies prohibit incentives and selective asking. Don't offer discounts, prizes or gifts for reviews, don't ask only customers you think are happy, and don't let staff or family post reviews. In the US, the FTC's 2024 rule on fake reviews also bans buying reviews and conditioning incentives on positive sentiment. Breaking these rules can lead to reviews being removed or your profile being restricted. See why Google reviews disappear.

How do I make asking a habit?

Build it into your process so it happens automatically. Add a review request to your job completion checklist, booking system or CRM. Many booking and review tools can send a text or email automatically after an appointment. Track how many requests you send and how many reviews you get each month; a response rate of one in five or better is a good sign your timing and wording work. See review management software.

How should I respond once reviews arrive?

Reply to every review. Thank positive reviewers personally and respond calmly to criticism. Replies show future customers you care, and they encourage more people to review. See review response templates.

A worked example

A cleaning company used to ask for reviews "when they remembered" and had 23 reviews after three years. It adds an automatic text two hours after each clean, using the short template above and its review link, plus one reminder three days later. Within six months it has well over 100 reviews and starts appearing higher in Google Maps for "cleaners near me". (Illustrative.)

The bottom line

Ask soon after a good experience, keep the message short and personal, include your direct link, send one reminder, ask everyone and never offer rewards. Automate it so it happens after every job.

Want a review system that runs itself? Request a free growth audit.