When is the best time to ask for a review?

As soon as possible after a positive experience — ideally the same day, while it's fresh. Same-day asks dramatically outperform ones sent days later.

Can I ask for reviews by text?

Yes, but only text customers who've consented to messages from you, keep it short, and include an opt-out like "Reply STOP." U.S. texting is governed by the TCPA.

What should I do if a customer doesn't respond?

Send one gentle follow-up a few days later. A single reminder meaningfully lifts your response rate; more than that starts to feel pushy.

Can I offer a discount for a review?

No. Incentivizing reviews violates Google's policies and can get them removed. Ask for honest feedback with no strings attached.

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How to Ask Customers for Reviews (email & text templates)

Asking is the single biggest thing you can do to get more reviews. Here are the templates — and the timing — that actually work.

6 min read·Updated June 29, 2026

If there's one secret to getting more Google reviews, it's almost embarrassingly simple: ask. Most happy customers are glad to leave a review — they just never think to without a nudge.

But how you ask makes a big difference to whether they follow through. Below are copy-paste templates for email, text, and in person, plus the timing and small details that lift your response rate.

What makes a good ask

Time it right — ask while the experience is fresh, ideally the same day.
Make it personal — use their name and reference what you did for them.
Include a one-tap link — never make them search for you on Google.
Keep it short — a few sentences; long asks get ignored.
No pressure, no strings — ask for honest feedback, and never offer an incentive (it's against Google's rules).

Email templates

Email is the workhorse because you can include your direct review link. Three versions for different moments — swap in your details:

After a completed job or service:

Subject: Quick favor, [First name]? Hi [First name], thanks again for choosing [Business]! If you have a spare minute, a quick Google review would mean the world to us — and it helps other locals find us. You can leave one here: [review link] Thank you! — [Your name]

After a purchase or first visit:

Subject: How did we do? Hi [First name], it was great having you at [Business]. We're a small local team and reviews genuinely help us grow — if you enjoyed your visit, would you mind leaving a quick review? [review link] Thanks so much!

A gentle follow-up, if they haven't reviewed after a few days:

Subject: No worries if not — just checking in Hi [First name], I know life gets busy! If you have a moment, we'd still love a quick review of your experience with [Business]: [review link] Either way, thank you for your business.

Text (SMS) templates

Texts get opened fast, which makes them great for reviews — but only text customers who've agreed to hear from you, and always include an opt-out.

Hi [First name], thanks for choosing [Business]! Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps: [review link] Reply STOP to opt out.

[First name], it was a pleasure helping you today. A quick review would mean a lot: [review link] — thank you! Reply STOP to opt out.

Asking in person

A face-to-face ask, right after you've done great work, converts better than anything — if you make the next step effortless:

"I'm so glad you're happy with it! Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I can text you the link right now so it only takes a couple taps." Then actually send the link while you're standing there.

Mistakes that kill your response rate

Asking too late — a week later, the moment and the goodwill have passed.
No link — "search for us on Google" loses most people.
Generic mass blasts — impersonal asks to a cold list feel spammy and get ignored.
Offering a reward — discounts or gift cards for reviews violate Google's policies and can get reviews removed.
Asking once and giving up — a single polite follow-up meaningfully increases responses.

Make it happen every time

The hard part isn't the wording — it's remembering to ask every customer, every time, at the right moment. The businesses that win put it on autopilot, so the right message goes out automatically after each job or visit with the link already in it.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to ask for a review?: As soon as possible after a positive experience — ideally the same day, while it's fresh. Same-day asks dramatically outperform ones sent days later.
Can I ask for reviews by text?: Yes, but only text customers who've consented to messages from you, keep it short, and include an opt-out like "Reply STOP." U.S. texting is governed by the TCPA.
What should I do if a customer doesn't respond?: Send one gentle follow-up a few days later. A single reminder meaningfully lifts your response rate; more than that starts to feel pushy.
Can I offer a discount for a review?: No. Incentivizing reviews violates Google's policies and can get them removed. Ask for honest feedback with no strings attached.