How to Ask Customers for Reviews (Scripts That Actually Work)

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How to Ask Customers for Reviews (Scripts That Actually Work)

Reading time: 8 min | May 2026 | Cluster: GENERATION

Most business owners know they should ask for reviews. Few actually do it consistently — and even fewer do it with the right framing. This guide gives you word-for-word scripts for every channel and situation, so you never have to think about what to say.

Why Your Wording Matters

Make it personal — ‘Would you mind leaving us a Google review?’ hits differently than a generic automated blast
Make it easy — Always include the direct link. Never say ‘find us on Google’
Mention the impact — Customers respond more generously when they understand why it matters
Ask once, follow up once — One ask + one follow-up is the sweet spot. Don’t spam.

In-Person Scripts

For service businesses (plumbers, cleaners, contractors)

‘We really appreciate your business today. One thing that helps us a lot as a small business is Google reviews — if you were happy with the work, would you be willing to leave us one? I can text you the link right now if that’s easier.’

For retail at checkout

‘Thanks so much! If you loved your experience, we’d be so grateful for a Google review. Here’s a card with the link — it really makes a difference for us.’

For restaurants

‘Hope everything was great today! If you enjoyed your visit, a quick Google review means a lot to us. Here’s a card with the link — takes about 60 seconds.’

For professional services (lawyers, accountants, consultants)

‘I’m really glad we could help with that. If you’re happy with how things went, a Google review from you would genuinely help our practice grow. Here’s the direct link — no pressure at all.’

SMS Scripts

First message (within 24 hours)

‘Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business Name]! If you’re happy with [service/product], could you spare 60 seconds for a Google review? It helps us so much: [link]’

Follow-up message (4–5 days later, only if no review)

‘Hi [Name], just following up — your Google review would really help our small team: [link]. Thanks in advance!’

For satisfied customers who expressed happiness in conversation

‘So glad you loved it! A quick Google review would make our day: [link]’

Email Scripts

Standard post-purchase email

Subject: How did we do, [Name]?Hi [Name],Thank you for [purchasing / visiting / working with us]. We hope everything was exactly what you were looking for.If you have a minute, we’d really appreciate a Google review — it helps our small business grow and helps other customers find us.[BUTTON: Leave a Google Review]It only takes about 60 seconds and means more than you know.Thanks so much,[Your name], [Business Name]

Follow-up email (5–7 days later)

Subject: Your feedback still matters to usHi [Name],We know inboxes get busy — just a gentle reminder that your Google review would genuinely help us out.[BUTTON: Leave a Review]No obligation, of course — but if you’re happy with [service/product], we’d love to hear it.Thanks,[Your name]

What NOT to Say

Don’t say: ‘Please leave us a 5-star review.’ — Policy violation, sounds desperate. Never specify the rating.
Don’t say: ‘Leave a review and get 10% off.’ — Incentivized reviews violate Google’s terms and get flagged.
Don’t say: ‘Only leave a review if it’s positive.’ — Manipulative and against policy.
Don’t say: ‘Go to Google and search for us.’ — Too many steps. Use a direct link, always.