How to Ask for Google Reviews: 15 Templates That Work
Most happy customers never leave a review. Not because they don’t want to, but because nobody asked them at the right moment, in a way that took ten seconds. Fix that and reviews start coming in on their own.
The simple version: ask on the same day, while the experience is fresh, and send your Google review link so they land straight on the review box. Below are 15 ready-to-send messages for text, WhatsApp, email and in person, plus the rules Google enforces so you don’t get your reviews removed.
At a glance
- Time: 2 minutes per customer
- Cost: free
- Best moment: same day as the service
- You’ll need: your Google review link
Step one: get your Google review link
Your review link takes customers straight to the box where they write a review. Without it, they have to search for you, find the right listing and hunt for the button, and most give up.
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile with the account that manages it.
- Choose Ask for reviews (the wording can vary slightly by device).
- Copy the link. Google also offers a QR code you can print, according to its Business Profile help page.
Tip: save the link as a quick reply in WhatsApp Business or as a text shortcut on your phone, so asking takes one tap.
When should you ask?
Ask when the customer is happiest, which is usually right after you’ve delivered. Waiting a week cuts your chances, because the moment has passed and your message gets buried.
- Job done or order delivered
- Ask the same day
- Send the link
- Thank them and reply to the review
| Business | Best moment to ask | Best channel |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate agent | On completion day or key handover | WhatsApp or text |
| Clinic, salon, spa | Within a few hours of the appointment | WhatsApp or text |
| Home services | When the job is finished and they’re happy | In person, then a text with the link |
| Restaurant or café | At the table or with the bill | QR code on the table or receipt |
| Online store | A few days after delivery | |
| Agency or consultant | After a milestone or a good result |
Text message templates
Keep texts short and personal. Use their name, mention what you did, and put the link last. Tap Copy on any box.
Text · After a service
Hi [name], thanks for choosing [business] today. If you were happy with [service], would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps. [review link]
Text · After a purchase
Hi [name], we hope you’re enjoying your [product]. If you have 30 seconds, a Google review would mean a lot to our small team: [review link]
Text · Real estate, after completion
Congratulations on your new home, [name]! It was a pleasure working with you. If you’re happy with how it went, would you share a quick Google review? [review link]
Text · Gentle reminder (send once)
Hi [name], just a quick reminder in case you missed my last message. Your review would really help other customers find us: [review link]. Thanks either way!
WhatsApp templates
WhatsApp messages can be a touch warmer. Most people read them within minutes, which makes it one of the best channels for review requests.
WhatsApp · General
Hi [name], thank you for coming to [business]! Could you spare a minute to tell others about your experience on Google? Here’s the link: [review link]
WhatsApp · Clinic or salon
Hi [name], it was lovely seeing you today. If you’re happy with your visit, a short Google review would help us a lot: [review link]. See you next time!
WhatsApp · Home services
Hi [name], thanks for having us over to sort out your [job]. If everything’s working well, would you mind leaving a quick review? [review link]
WhatsApp · Restaurant
Thanks for dining with us, [name]! If you enjoyed your meal, we’d love a Google review: [review link]
Email templates
Email suits online stores, agencies and longer projects. Use a clear subject line and one big link. Don’t make people scroll to find it.
Email · Standard request
Subject: Quick favour, [name]?
Hi [name],
Thank you for choosing [business]. We’d love to hear how we did.
Could you take a minute to leave a Google review? It helps other people find us and helps us keep improving.
[Leave a review] [review link]
Thank you,
[your name]
Email · After a project or milestone
Subject: Thank you, and one small ask
Hi [name],
It’s been great working with you on [project]. If you’re happy with the results, a short Google review would mean a lot to our team.
You can leave one here: [review link]
Thanks again,
[your name]
Email · One-week follow-up
Subject: Did you get a chance?
Hi [name], just following up on my last email. If you have a minute, your Google review would really help: [review link]. No worries if not, and thanks for your business.
In-person and printed templates
Asking face to face works best of all, because people find it hard to forget a friendly request. Follow it up with the link so they don’t have to search.
In person · At the counter or end of a job
I’m really glad you’re happy with it. Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I’ll text you the link now so it only takes a minute.
Phone · End of a call
Before you go, would you be open to leaving us a Google review? I’ll send the link by text or WhatsApp right after this call.
Print · Table card, receipt or flyer
Enjoyed your visit? Scan to leave us a Google review. It takes 30 seconds and helps a local business.
Print · Thank-you card in a delivery
Thank you for your order! If you love it, scan the code to tell others on Google. We read every review.
The rules: what gets reviews removed
Google takes review manipulation seriously, and breaking the rules can get reviews deleted or your profile restricted. Stay on the right side with these.
Don’t offer rewards. Google’s help page says offering incentives such as free or discounted goods or services in exchange for reviews is “strictly prohibited”. That includes discounts for changing or removing a review.
- Ask everyone, not just happy customers. Google’s policy bars discouraging negative reviews or asking only people you expect to be positive (sometimes called review gating).
- No staff quotas or scripted reviews. Since an April 2026 policy update, businesses may not tell staff to collect a set number of reviews, or to ask for reviews with specific content such as a staff member’s name, as PPC Land reported.
- No fake or bought reviews, and no reviewing yourself from family accounts.
What most guides leave out
- Timing beats wording. A plain message sent the same day will usually beat a clever one sent a week later.
- Replying to reviews brings more reviews. When people see you thank reviewers and handle complaints calmly, they’re more willing to leave one too. Reply to every review, good or bad, within a day or two.
- Make it part of your process. Reviews grow when asking happens every time, not when you remember. Add the request to your job-complete checklist or set up an automatic message after each booking.
FAQ
How do I get my Google review link?
Sign in to your Google Business Profile and choose “Ask for reviews”. Copy the link it gives you and share it by text, WhatsApp, email or a printed QR code.
Can I offer a discount for a Google review?
No. Google prohibits offering free or discounted goods or services in exchange for reviews, and reviews obtained that way can be removed.
When is the best time to ask for a review?
On the same day you deliver the service or the customer receives their order, while they’re still pleased. For physical products, wait until they’ve had a few days to use it.
How many times should I ask?
Once, plus one gentle reminder at most. More than that starts to feel pushy.
Do customers need a Google account to leave a review?
Yes. Google says customers must be signed in to a Google Account to post a review.
Sources and update notes
Rules on incentives and the account requirement come from Google’s Business Profile help page on reviews. The April 2026 staff-quota and scripted-content rules are from PPC Land’s report on Google’s Maps content policy update. Last updated: October 2026.
Related: how to create a WhatsApp link for your business.
Want review requests to send themselves? YouMaximize builds lead systems that reply to every enquiry in seconds and follow up automatically after each job, including the review request.