Subject: Thank you from [business] Hi [name], Thank you for choosing [business] for [the job]. If you have a minute, would you leave us a Google review? It helps other people in [town] find us. [your review link] Thank you, [your name]
How to ask for Google reviews
When to ask, who to ask, and six messages you can copy today. Each one sends customers straight to your Google review form.
When to ask
- The same day the job is done, while the work is fresh and the customer is glad it is finished.
- After the job, not before: ask about work the customer has seen.
- Once, then one reminder a few days later if they have not left one. More than that reads as pressure.
Who to ask
Every customer, the same way. Asking only the customers you expect to be happy is review gating, and Google's policy does not allow it.
Six templates you can copy
Replace the parts in [brackets]. Your review link goes where it says [your review link]; you can get it free on the review link page. Get your review link
Text message
Hi [name], thanks for choosing [business] today. Would you leave us a quick Google review? [your review link]
In person
Thanks for having us. We ask every customer for a Google review, because it helps a small business like ours. Can I text you the link?
Invoice footer
Thank you for your business. We ask every customer for a Google review: [your review link]
Receipt
Thanks for visiting [business]. Tell others how we did: scan the code or go to [your review link]
One follow-up
Hi [name], a quick reminder in case it got buried: if you have a minute to leave [business] a Google review, here is the link. [your review link] Thank you either way!
What Google and the FTC do not allow
- Incentives. No discount, gift, prize draw or anything else in return for a review. Google does not allow incentives at all, and the FTC's rule bans incentives tied to a review saying something positive.
- Asking only happy customers. Screening customers first and sending only the happy ones to Google (review gating) is against Google's policy.
- Review swaps and fake reviews. Swapping reviews with another business, writing reviews for customers or buying them breaks Google's policy, and fake reviews are banned by the FTC's rule.
- Reviews from yourself, staff or family. Google's policy does not allow reviews written with a conflict of interest; reviews should come from customers about a real experience.
How to automate the ask
Asking every customer by hand is the part that slips on a busy week. GossipGarden sends the email for you after every job, to every customer, with one reminder, from your business name. Paste or upload your customers, or forward an invoice, and the ask goes out the same day.
Questions
- What should I say when I ask for a Google review?
- Keep it short: thank them, ask for a review and give the link. One line of context, such as that it helps other people find you, is enough.
- Is it all right to ask every customer?
- Yes, and it is what Google expects: ask everyone the same way, whatever you think their experience was.
- Can I offer a discount for a review?
- No. Google does not allow incentives for reviews, and the FTC's rule bans incentives tied to a positive review.
- How many times should I ask?
- Once, plus one reminder a few days later. If they have not left a review after that, let it go.
More on getting Google reviews: Review link generator · Google review link · How to get a review link · Google review QR code · Printable review card · How to get more reviews