Google review request templates (ready to copy and use)

Most businesses wait for customers to leave reviews on their own. Some do — mostly the ones who had a problem. The satisfied ones usually say nothing, not because they didn't enjoy the experience, but because they simply didn't think about it.

Businesses that actively ask for reviews get 3 to 4 times more than those that don't. The difference isn't having better customers. It's asking.

The three rules of a good review request

Before you copy any template, understand what makes one work:

1. Keep it short. Your customer doesn't owe you anything. Every extra word is a reason not to finish reading. A good message is 2-4 sentences.

2. Include a direct link. If a customer has to search for where to leave a review, they won't leave one. Always include the direct link to your Google Business profile. Find it in your Google Business dashboard under "Get more reviews" or "Share review form."

3. Timing is everything. The best message sent at the wrong time doesn't work. Ask when the experience is fresh — right after the service ends, within a few hours, the following day at the latest.

WhatsApp templates

WhatsApp has a 98% open rate. It's the most effective channel for review requests in most local service businesses.

Template 1 — direct and brief

Hi [Name], thanks for coming in today. If you have a minute, it would mean a lot if you left us a Google review: [direct link] Thank you!

Template 2 — with service context

Hi [Name], hope you're happy with [the treatment / your order / the installation] today. If you'd like to share your experience on Google, here's the direct link: [direct link] Only takes a moment and it helps us a lot.

Template 3 — follow-up (if they didn't respond the first time)

Hi [Name], I know you're busy — but if you get a moment this week, a Google review would really help us: [direct link] Thanks so much.

A single follow-up can double your response rate. More than one starts feeling pushy.

Email templates

Email works better for B2B services, higher-ticket transactions, or when you already have a more formal relationship with the customer.

Template 1 — post-service, same day

Subject: How was your experience with us?

Hi [Name],

Thanks for trusting [business name] today. If everything went well, we'd really appreciate it if you shared your experience on Google — it only takes a few seconds and helps us enormously.

[Button or link: Leave a review]

Thanks, [Your name]

Template 2 — 2-3 days after the service

Subject: Your feedback matters to us

Hi [Name],

It's been a couple of days since your visit and I wanted to check that everything was to your satisfaction. If you have a moment, a Google review would go a long way in helping more people find [business name].

[Direct link]

And if anything wasn't quite right, just reply to this email and tell me directly.

Best, [Your name]

That second variant has a built-in advantage: it gives dissatisfied customers a private outlet before they go public. That reduces the number of negative reviews you receive and gives you a chance to fix the problem first.

SMS template

SMS open rates are exceptionally high, but space is tight. Get to the point.

Hi [Name], thanks for visiting [business]. If you enjoyed it, would you mind leaving us a Google review? Just one minute: [short link]. Thanks!

Use a URL shortener so the link doesn't take up half the screen.

How to ask for a review in person

In-person requests have the highest conversion rate of all methods, especially when it's the person who delivered the service doing the asking.

The script is simple:

"By the way, if you're happy with how everything went, it would really help us if you left a Google review. Not many people know we're here yet and each review makes a real difference. Do you have your phone handy? I can send you the link right now."

That last part — sending the link in the moment — is critical. If the customer says they'll do it later, there's a good chance they won't.

What you should never say in a review request

Some phrases instantly reduce a customer's willingness to respond:

• "If you're satisfied, leave a review." This implies you only want positive reviews, which violates Google's policies and customers can sense it.
• "We're running a review campaign this month." Sounds like manipulation, even if it isn't.
• Long messages with a lot of corporate setup. If you have to explain yourself at length, something is off.

How to stop doing this manually every time

Asking for reviews one by one is fine when you're starting out. Beyond a certain volume of customers, doing it manually becomes unsustainable.

The solution is automation: the system sends the review request automatically after a booking is confirmed, an order is closed, or an invoice is issued. Tools like Relvio integrate this workflow so you don't have to remember to ask for each review individually — and no customer slips through without receiving a request.

Automating this process typically increases review volume by 40-70% within the first 60 days.

A note on consistency

The difference between a business with 20 reviews and one with 200 isn't how long they've been open. It's whether they have a systematic process for asking.

Ask every time. From every customer, not just the ones you perceive as happy. Most mediocre reviews come from customers nobody asked — who turned out to be more satisfied than they seemed.

You might also like:

• 12 strategies to get more Google reviews
• How to improve your Google reviews