Asking for Google reviews is a simple but powerful way to gather feedback from customers that can help establish your business’s online reputation.
More specifically, Google reviews help:
- Improve credibility with prospective customers
- Build trust with existing customers
- Provide feedback you can use to improve your products and/or services
- Improve local SEO rankings
How to Ask for a Google Review: 5 Tips
It’s acceptable—and encouraged—to ask your customers for Google reviews.
Let’s explore five tips to keep in mind when asking for a Google review.
Ask at the Right Time
Requesting reviews at the right moment can impact the quality of feedback you receive.
Here are some things to consider regarding timing:
- Is the customer in a post-purchase or post-service phase? Ideally, ask for a review soon after the customer has interacted with you. This ensures the experience is fresh in their minds and that they can remember specific details to include in their feedback.
- What is the customer’s current mood? This mostly applies to face-to-face or phone interactions. If a customer is in a bad mood or had a subpar experience, address their concerns before asking for a review.
- Has the customer already provided praise? If a customer has recently sent a compliment, thanked you for your service, or shown satisfaction in another way, ask for a review. They’ve proven they already think highly of your business.
Make It Easy
Making the review process easy and convenient can translate to more reviews from customers.
Google makes it simple to ask for Google reviews by providing a shareable link that will take customers directly to a screen where they can leave you a review.
Just Google your business while logged into the corresponding account and click the “Ask for reviews” button.
A screen will pop up that contains your review link.
Share this link with your customers to streamline the process.
You can take this a step further and create a QR code that customers can easily scan to land on your review page.
There are many free tools to use for this. Like QR Code Generator.
Make It Personal
Personalizing your review requests can make them seem more genuine, which increases the odds that customers will act on them.
Here are some ways you can add a personal touch when asking for reviews:
- Use the customer’s name. Starting your request with the customer’s name can immediately grab their attention. It feels more like a direct conversation. And it won’t make them feel like just another number.
- Mention specific interactions. If possible, mention details about the customer’s purchase or service. For instance, “We hope you enjoyed the blueberry cheesecake you ordered last Tuesday!” Details like these show the customer that you value their individual experience.
- Acknowledge loyalty. For repeat customers, mention that you recognize and appreciate their continued business. “Thank you for choosing us again! We’d love to hear about your recent experience.”
The goal of making the request personal isn’t just to get a review. It’s also about making the customer feel valued and appreciated.
This can lead to long-term customer relationships.
Ask Specific Questions
Guide customers toward meaningful feedback by prompting them with focused questions.
For example:
- What did you enjoy most about your visit?
- How would you describe the atmosphere of our [Business Type]?
- What made you decide to choose our [Product / Service]?
- Did you find our location and accessibility to be convenient?
- How did you hear about us?
The clearer your request, the better your review is likely to be.
Encourage Genuine Feedback
Invite honest opinions. This approach follows Google’s guidelines and can make customers feel more comfortable sharing.
Avoid practices like:
- Asking the same customer for multiple reviews from different accounts
- Offering payment or other incentives in exchange for reviews
- Discouraging negative reviews
- Asking specifically for positive reviews
For example, this text message that explicitly asks for a five-star review doesn’t align with Google’s recommendations.
8 Examples of How to Request a Google Review
By Email
Asking for reviews via personalized emails gives customers time to think about their experiences and leave reviews when it’s convenient for them.
Here are two templates showing how to ask for Google reviews by email—and notice they both include the review link.
Example #1
Hi [Customer Name]!
This is [Your Name] from [Company Name]. Just wanted to say thank you for your business, and that we hope you enjoyed our [Product / Service]! We really appreciate each and every customer that we have. You keep us going!
Would you be interested in sharing your experience with us online? We’d love to get your feedback and let others know what to expect.
Simply click on the following link to be taken to a review screen: [Google Review Link]
If you have time, we would love if you could mention specifics like:
- What you enjoyed about our [Product / Service]
- How your interaction with [Employee] was
- What you appreciated the most
Thank you for your time, [Customer Name]!
Warm regards,
- [Your Name]
Example #2
Hello [Customer Name],
You’ve been a customer of ours for a while, and we’d love to know what you think of our [Product / Service]. Would you be open to sharing your feedback with us?
If so, simply click on the following link and leave us a review: [Google Review Link]
Thanks so much [Customer Name]!
Warm regards,
- [Your Name]
Via Text
Text messages work well for service-based businesses, especially right after a transaction or appointment.
Here are two examples of how to ask for a review on Google via Short Message Service (SMS).
Example #1
[Customer Name], thanks for purchasing from [Company Name]. Would you leave us a review on Google? Tap here: [Google Review Link]. Text STOP to opt out.
Example #2
[Company Name] relies on customers like you, [Customer Name]! Please share your experience by tapping here: [Google Review Link]. Text STOP to opt out.
On Social Media
If you’ve interacted with someone via direct messages, it’s natural to continue the conversation by asking for a review.
Just be sure to ask these customers directly rather than soliciting feedback through public posts—those may attract trolling.
Here are two examples of how you can ask for reviews on social media.
Example #1
[Name],
Just wanted to say thank you for the amazing video you shared from our [Business Type].
Would you be open to leaving us a quick review? If so, simply click on the following link: [Google Review Link]
We know your time is valuable, so thank you!
Example #2
[Name],
Been scrolling through [Social Media Platform]? We have, too. And we found YOU!
We just wanted to say thank you for your business, and we hope you enjoyed our [Product / Service]. Do you have it in your heart to leave us a review on Google?
If so, simply click on this link: [Google Review Link]
Thank you!
In Person
Face-to-face requests are powerful because you can ask right after a customer has a positive experience. Show a QR code to make it quick and easy.
Here are some examples of how to ask customers for Google reviews in person with a QR code.
Example #1
We’re so glad you enjoyed your visit today!
If you have a moment, we’d appreciate it if you could leave us a quick Google review. It helps other customers learn about us.
You can scan this QR code to leave one easily.
Thank you so much for your support!
Example #2
It’s wonderful to hear that you had a great experience with us!
If you would be willing to share your thoughts in a Google review, it would mean a lot to us. And it helps others find our business. You can scan this QR code over here.
Thank you!
What to Do After Asking for a Review
Follow Up if Needed
Polite reminders can lead to more reviews.
Keep in mind that following up once or twice is perfectly fine. More than that may seem spammy.
Here’s one example follow-up message you could send via email:
Hi [Customer Name],
We hope you’re doing well! We recently reached out to see if you’d be willing to write a Google review sharing your experience with [Business Name], but our message might have slipped through the cracks.
Your feedback is valuable to us, as it helps us improve and serve customers like you better. If you have a moment, we’d truly appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Here’s a link where you can leave your feedback: [Google Review Link]
Thank you for choosing [Business Name]. Have a wonderful day!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Show Appreciation for Feedback
Thank customers for taking the time to leave a review. Because any type of feedback can ultimately benefit your business.
Positive reviews help boost your reputation as well as your local rankings. Negative reviews offer an opportunity for growth
Responding to them shows you’re committed to addressing concerns. And that can reassure potential customers that you’re dedicated to excellence.
In both cases, timely and genuine responses are key.
Use Semrush’s Review Management tool to streamline review management on Google and other platforms.
Once you’ve configured the tool, go to the “Reviews” tab to see your overall rating, total number of reviews, and more.
Scroll down to read your reviews.
To reply to your Google reviews directly in the platform, simply write your response or click the “Generate draft” button to have the tool create one for you.
Click “Reply” to post your response.
And use the “Review Analytics” tab to create reports that allow you to see how your reviews stack up to your competitors’s reviews.
Improve Your Online Reputation
Regularly asking for and responding to Google reviews is vital for maintaining a strong online reputation.
With Semrush Local, you can:
- Manage reviews efficiently
- Distribute listings to multiple directories
- Optimize your Google Business Profile
Get started with Semrush Local today.