How to Ask for Google Reviews (Scripts, Timing & Templates)

The short answer

Ask soon after a good experience, make it one tap with your review link, and use the channel the customer will actually see — a text first, then email, plus an in-person nudge. Ask every customer the same way; never route only happy ones to Google. Copy-paste scripts are below. For the full strategy, see our Ultimate Guide to Google Reviews.

The ask that actually works

Three things decide whether a request turns into a review: timing, effort, and channel. Ask while the experience is fresh, remove every extra step with a direct review link, and send it where they'll see it. Get those right and a surprising share of happy customers follow through.

This page is the tactical how-to — the scripts and templates. For the broader playbook (strategy, cadence, what a healthy review profile looks like), read our Ultimate Guide to Google Reviews.

The best time to ask

Ask right after a clear win: at checkout when someone is visibly happy, right after a completed job or appointment, or within a few hours by text/email while it's fresh. The longer you wait, the more the intent fades — a request the same day beats one a week later.

Channels, ranked

Text (SMS) usually wins — it's opened almost every time and the link is one tap away. Email is a strong second and gives room to explain. In person (with a QR code or review card) is excellent because you can ask directly. A line in your email signature quietly compounds. Use two channels, not five — a text plus an in-person ask covers most people.

Never gate your reviews

Don't screen customers by asking how they feel first and only sending happy ones to Google — "review gating" violates Google's policies and the FTC's fake-review rule (which carries real penalties). Ask everyone the same way, with the same link. It's not only compliant; a few honest less-than-perfect reviews make the strong ones more believable.

A simple review-ask that works

1
Pick your moment
Ask right after a clear positive outcome — at checkout, or within a few hours of the appointment or job.
2
Send your review link
Send a short message with your direct Google review link (and/or show a QR code in person) so it's one tap to the review box.
3
Follow up once
If there's no review after a couple of days, send one polite reminder. One follow-up meaningfully lifts response rates; more than that is nagging.

Copy-paste request templates

Swap in your business name and review link. Keep them short.

Text message (SMS)

Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business]! If you have 10 seconds, a quick Google review really helps us out: [review link]. Thank you!

Subject: A quick favor? Hi [Name], Thanks again for visiting [Business] — it was a pleasure. If you enjoyed your experience, would you mind leaving a short Google review? It takes under a minute and helps other people find us: [review link] Thank you so much, [Your name], [Business]

In-person script

"I'm so glad you're happy with it! If you have a second, we'd really appreciate a quick Google review — I can hand you this card with the code, it takes about ten seconds."

Polite follow-up

Hi [Name], just following up — if you have a moment, here's the link for that quick review: [review link]. No worries if not, and thanks again!

Grab ready-to-send request templates

Proven email and SMS review-request templates you can copy, personalize, and send today.

Open the Review Request Templates

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to ask for a review?

Right after a clear positive moment — at checkout, or within a few hours of finishing the job or appointment. The fresher the experience, the more likely they follow through.

How many times can I follow up?

Once. A single polite reminder a couple of days later lifts response rates noticeably. Beyond that it feels like nagging and can backfire.

Is it against the rules to ask for reviews?

Asking is fine and encouraged. What's not allowed is gating (only asking happy customers to post publicly) or paying/incentivizing reviews. Ask everyone the same way with the same link.

What should a review request say?

Thank them, make one specific ask, and give a single direct link. Short beats clever — see the copy-paste templates above.

Put review collection on autopilot

AutoReview sends the review request — with your link — automatically after every appointment or job, then follows up once. Steady review growth without the daily reminder to ask.

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