Google review request templates
Copy these, swap in your details, and send them to every customer. Need the link? Make one with the review link generator.
Text message, right after the job
Hi {first name}, it's {your name} from {business}. Thanks for choosing us today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review helps a small business like ours more than you'd think: {review link}Text message, gentle reminder (3 days later)
Hi {first name}, {your name} again from {business}. No pressure at all, but if you were happy with the work, a few words on Google would mean a lot: {review link}Email, after the job
Subject: How did we do, {first name}?
Hi {first name},
Thanks for trusting {business} with {the job}. I hope everything is working the way it should.
If you have a minute, would you leave us a short review on Google? It's the main way new customers find us, and I read every one.
{review link}
Thanks,
{your name}In person, at the end of the visit
"Before I go, if you were happy with today, would you mind leaving us a Google review? I'll text you the link so it takes ten seconds."
When to ask, by type of business
Plumbers
A few hours after the job closes, once the customer has seen that the fix held.
HVAC
The day after an install, or right after a maintenance visit while the tech is still on site.
Contractors
At final walkthrough, when the customer is seeing the finished work for the first time.
Dentists
Later the same day, after a routine visit rather than a difficult procedure.
Med spas
Once the result has settled - typically a couple of weeks after treatment rather than the next day.
Salons and barbers
The evening of the appointment, while the client still likes the cut.
Restaurants
For most restaurants the volume is already there - the priority is replying rather than asking.
Auto repair
A day or two after pickup, once the customer has driven the car and knows the problem is gone.
Law firms
After a matter concludes, once the outcome is known and the client is not mid-process.
Roofers
A day or two after the crew has cleaned up and left, once the customer has walked the yard and seen nothing left behind.
Electricians
The same evening for a service call, or after the final inspection passes on a larger job.
Landscapers
A few weeks into a recurring service, or once a design project has had time to settle and look the way it was meant to.
Pest control
After the follow-up visit that confirms the problem is gone, or a few visits into a recurring plan.
Cleaning services
After the first or second regular clean, once the client has seen the standard, or the day after a one-off deep clean.
Chiropractors
A few visits into a care plan, once the patient is feeling the difference, rather than after the first adjustment.
Physical therapists
Shortly after discharge, when the patient has reached their goal and is no longer coming in.
Optometrists
After glasses or contacts have been picked up and fitted, rather than straight after the exam.
Veterinarians
The day after a routine visit or a successful procedure, never after a euthanasia or a difficult outcome.
Pet groomers
The evening of the appointment, while the owner is still taking photos of the fresh groom.
Real estate agents
A few days after closing, once the keys are handed over and the client has had a moment to settle.
Insurance agents
After a claim is handled well, or shortly after a new policy is bound and the client has seen how easy it was.
Accountants
Once a return is filed or the year-end work is delivered, when the client feels the relief of it being done.
Gyms
A month or so after joining, once the new member has settled into a routine and is coming regularly.
Yoga and pilates studios
After a new student’s third or fourth class, once they have found their footing and a teacher they like.
Tattoo shops
Once the tattoo has healed, typically a few weeks after the session, when the client can see the finished result.
Car dealerships
A day or two after delivery for a sale, and the day after pickup for a service visit.
Movers
Two or three days after the move, once the customer has unpacked enough to know everything arrived safely.
Painters
At the final walkthrough or the day after, once the furniture is back and the customer can see the finished rooms.
Garage door companies
The same day as the repair, once the customer has opened and closed the door a few times and is happy it works.
Pool services
A month into weekly service, or a few days after an equipment repair once it has run without trouble.
Questions
When is the best time to ask for a review?
As soon as the job is finished and the customer is happy, ideally the same day. Memory and goodwill both fade fast. One reminder a few days later is fine; more than that starts to feel like pressure.
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Google does not allow incentives for reviews, and in the US the FTC treats reviews bought with a reward tied to a positive rating as deceptive. Ask, make it easy, and leave it there.
Can I only ask customers I know are happy?
No. Google calls that review gating and does not allow it. Send the same request to every customer. If the service was good, the reviews follow.
Text or email: which works better?
Text messages are read faster and usually get more reviews; email works well for customers you already email invoices to. Using both, with one reminder, covers most people.
Your Rep starts with a reply
Send these automatically.
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