The short answer: the best review request is short, personal and easy: thank the customer, ask for an honest review, and give them a direct link to your Google review form. Below are 40 templates you can adapt: text messages (each checked to fit in one SMS), emails, in-person scripts, wording for receipts and signs, and follow-ups. All of them ask every customer the same way, offer nothing in return and don't suggest a rating, as Google's policy requires (Google).
Key Takeaways
- Most people review when asked. 78% of consumers were asked for a review in the past year, and 28% say they always write one when asked (BrightLocal, 2026).
- Use the direct link. Google gives you a review link and QR code under Read reviews, then Get more reviews, in your Business Profile (Google).
- Keep texts to one segment. 160 standard characters. One emoji or curly apostrophe switches a text to Unicode, which fits only 70 (Twilio).
- Ask for honesty, not stars. Google only allows asking without "attempting to influence the rating or the contents of the review."
- No rewards, no contests. Google bans incentives for any review.
Before You Copy: Four Rules
- Send the same request to every customer. Asking only the ones you think are happy is review gating, which Google's policy bans.
- Offer nothing in return. No discounts, freebies, prize draws or loyalty points for reviews.
- Don't ask for five stars or for specific content. Since April 2026, Google's policy also says merchants shouldn't request specific content, including a staff member's name.
- Don't use these for Yelp. Yelp asks businesses not to request reviews at all (Yelp).
For the reasoning behind each rule and what other platforms allow, see how to ask for reviews and how to ask for 5-star reviews without breaking Google's rules.
Text Message Templates (1 to 16)
Character counts use the first name "Jessica", the business name shown and a 29-character link. Count again with your real names: a long business name can push a text into a second segment. Templates 6 and 10 are close to the 160 limit.
1. After any visit (145 characters)
Hi [Name], thanks for visiting [Business] today. Would you share your experience on Google? [link] Reply STOP to opt out
2. Business name first (141 characters)
[Business]: Thanks for coming in, [Name]! An honest Google review would really help us: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
3. Short and casual (140 characters)
Hi [Name], it's [Business]. How was your visit? You can leave us a Google review here: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
4. Restaurant (143 characters with "Harbor Grill")
Thanks for dining at [Business] tonight, [Name]. We'd love your honest review on Google: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
5. Plumber, electrician or HVAC (148 characters with "Peak Plumbing")
Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business] today. Would you mind reviewing the job on Google? [link] Reply STOP to opt out
6. Auto repair (158 characters with "Main Street Auto")
Hi [Name], thanks for trusting [Business] with your car. Would you share your experience on Google? [link] Reply STOP to opt out
7. Dental or medical practice (155 characters with "Northside Dental")
Hi [Name], thank you for visiting [Business]. You're welcome to share your experience on Google: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
Keep healthcare texts general, with no treatment or condition mentioned.
8. Gym or fitness studio (148 characters with "Iron House Gym")
Hi [Name], thanks for training at [Business]! An honest Google review helps others find us: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
9. Hotel or vacation rental (145 characters with "The Bayview Inn")
Thanks for staying at [Business], [Name]. We'd be grateful for an honest Google review: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
10. Accountant, lawyer or consultant (158 characters with "Reed Tax Group")
Hi [Name], thank you for working with [Business]. Would you share your experience in a Google review? [link] Reply STOP to opt out
11. Online order (152 characters with "Willow & Co")
Hi [Name], we hope you're enjoying your [Business] order! Would you leave an honest Google review? [link] Reply STOP to opt out
12. Vet or pet care (154 characters with "Biscuit" and "Paws Vet Clinic")
Hi [Name], thanks for bringing [Pet] to [Business]. Would you share your experience on Google? [link] Reply STOP to opt out
13. Small business angle (142 characters)
Hi [Name], [Business] here. Reviews from real customers help small businesses like ours: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
14. When a customer said they'd leave one (147 characters)
Hi [Name], thanks again for choosing [Business]. Here's the Google review link you asked for: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
15. After a feedback form, sent to everyone who answers (143 characters)
Thanks for your feedback, [Name]! If you'd like to share it publicly, you can review [Business] on Google here: [link]
Send template 15 to every customer who answers, whatever they rated. Sending it only after high ratings is review gating.
16. The one reminder (139 characters)
Last reminder from [Business]: if you meant to leave a Google review, here's the link: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
Saying "last" up front tells people the messages will stop, which makes them less likely to opt out of all your texts. For texting consent, opt-out and timing rules, see our customer feedback text message templates.
Email Templates (17 to 24)
17. After any visit
Subject: How was your visit, [Name]?
Hi [Name],
Thanks for choosing [Business]. If you have a moment, we'd be grateful for an honest review on Google. It takes about a minute and helps other people decide.
[Leave a review]
Thank you, [Your name]
18. Restaurant or café
Subject: Thanks for joining us, [Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for dining with us at [Business]. We read every review, and they help other people find us. If you have a minute, would you share your experience on Google?
[Write a review]
See you again soon, [Your name], [Business]
19. Home services
Subject: How did we do at your place, [Name]?
Hi [Name],
Thanks for having us out to [job]. Most of our new customers find us through reviews from neighbors like you, so an honest review on Google means a lot.
[Review [Business] on Google]
If anything isn't right with the work, just reply and we'll come back.
[Your name], [Business]
20. Healthcare or professional services
Subject: Thank you for choosing [Practice]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for choosing [Practice]. If you'd like to share your experience with others, you're welcome to leave a review on Google.
[Leave a review]
The team at [Practice]
21. Online store, a few days after delivery
Subject: How's your [product]?
Hi [Name],
Your [product] arrived a few days ago. Now that you've had a chance to try it, would you leave an honest review? It helps other shoppers decide.
[Write a review]
Thanks, [Your name], [Business]
22. B2B client, at the end of a project
Subject: Thank you, and one small favor
Hi [Name],
Thanks again for working with us on [project]. If you'd be willing, an honest Google review would help other businesses who are considering us. It takes a couple of minutes:
[Review us on Google]
Either way, I'd love to hear your feedback directly.
[Your name], [Role]
23. After you've resolved a problem
Subject: Thanks for your patience, [Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for giving us the chance to put things right with [issue]. We hope everything's working well now. If you'd like to share your experience, our Google review page is here:
[Leave a review]
[Your name]
Fix the problem because it's right, not in exchange for a review, and don't ask the customer to change a review they've already written in return for anything. Google bans incentives for revising or removing a negative review.
24. The one reminder
Subject: In case it slipped your mind
Hi [Name],
A quick follow-up in case you meant to leave a review and didn't get to it: [Leave a review]. No worries if not. This is the last reminder you'll get from us about it.
Thanks again, [Your name]
In-Person Scripts (25 to 30)
In person, hand the customer a way to review later, rather than asking them to do it on the spot. Google's policy says businesses shouldn't require or pressure customers to leave reviews while on the premises.
25. At the counter
"Thanks so much for coming in today. If you have a minute later, we'd really appreciate an honest review on Google. There's a QR code on your receipt."
26. At the end of a job
"It was great working on this with you. If you're up for it, an honest Google review really helps a small business like ours. I'll text you the link so it's easy."
27. Front desk, healthcare or professional services
"Thank you for coming in today. If you'd ever like to share your experience, the card has a link to our Google page."
28. At the end of a phone call
"Thanks for calling. If it's OK, I'll send you a link to our Google review page. Honest feedback helps other people find us."
29. At an event or class
"Thanks for joining us today, everyone. If you'd like to share what you thought, there's a QR code by the door for our Google page."
30. When delivering a finished order
"Here you go. If you have a moment once you've tried it, an honest review on Google would mean a lot. The link's on your receipt."
Receipts, Signs and Cards (31 to 36)
31. Receipt or invoice footer
Tell us how we did. Scan to review us on Google.
32. Counter sign
Your honest review helps other people find us. Scan to review us on Google.
33. Table tent
Enjoyed your meal, or have something to tell us? Scan to review us on Google.
34. Back of a business card
Worked with us? We'd value your honest review. [QR code]
35. Packing slip
How's your order? Your honest review helps other shoppers decide. [QR code]
36. Email signature line
Worked with us recently? [Leave us a Google review]
You can create the QR code from your Google Business Profile on a computer, or with our free review link and QR code generator.
Website, Social and Messaging (37 to 40)
Google's own help page suggests sharing your review link by email, WhatsApp message or Facebook post (Google).
37. Website footer or contact page
Been in recently? We'd love your honest review on Google: [link]
38. Social media post
Reviews from real customers help small businesses like ours get found. If you've visited us, we'd be grateful for an honest review on Google: [link]
39. WhatsApp or chat message
Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business]! If you have a minute, would you share your experience on Google? [link]
40. End of a live chat
Glad we could help today. If you'd like to share your experience, here's our Google review page: [link]
Words to Avoid
| Avoid | Why | Instead |
|---|---|---|
| "Please leave us 5 stars!" | Attempts to influence the rating | "Would you share your experience on Google?" |
| "If you were happy with us…" | Invites only happy customers | "We'd love your honest review." |
| "Review us and get 10% off" | Incentive for a review | Offer nothing |
| "Please mention Jake!" | Requests specific content, including a staff name | "Tell others what your visit was like." |
| "Leave your review before you go" | On-premises pressure | Give them a link or QR code for later |
Let the Templates Send Themselves
Templates only work if someone sends them, every time. Spokk sends a short feedback request by text or email after every visit, then gives every customer the same invitation to review you on Google, whatever they rated, with one friendly follow-up for anyone who meant to and didn't. Customers who want help writing get a draft built only from their own feedback, which they can edit or replace before posting. On our platform, 1 in 3 feedback responses click through to the Google review page.
You can also generate your own variations with the free review request message generator.
All-in-one growth platform
Turn every visit into more revenue with Spokk
One platform handles your entire post-visit customer lifecycle. More reviews, more repeat visits, more referrals. No juggling separate tools.
Google Reviews
AI-drafted reviews customers actually post
SMS Automation
Feedback, review, and referral sequences on autopilot
Loyalty Program
QR check-in rewards that bring customers back
Referral Program
Every customer gets a unique link to send friends
Feedback Collection
Private channel for every customer after every visit
Testimonials
Video and text testimonials collected automatically
FAQs
What is a good message to ask for a Google review?
Keep it to one or two sentences: thank the customer, ask for an honest review, and include a direct link. For example: "Hi Jessica, thanks for visiting Bloom Salon today. Would you share your experience on Google? [link] Reply STOP to opt out". Don't ask for five stars or offer anything in return.
How do I write a text asking for a Google review?
Start with your business name or a greeting, ask one question, add your Google review link, and end with "Reply STOP to opt out". Keep it under 160 standard characters so it sends as one SMS, and avoid emoji and curly apostrophes, which switch the text to Unicode and cut the limit to 70 characters.
How do I get my Google review link for templates?
Sign in to your Google Business Profile, select Read reviews, then Get more reviews, and copy the link. The same screen gives you a QR code for receipts and signs, which Google says can only be created on a computer browser.
Can I ask customers to leave a 5-star review?
No. Google allows businesses to ask for reviews only without "attempting to influence the rating or the contents of the review." Ask for an honest review instead. Asking every customer the same way brings in mostly 5-star reviews anyway if your service is good.
Can I offer a discount or prize draw for a Google review?
No. Google's policy bans incentives for any review, including discounts, free items and contest entries, even if the reviews are honest. In the US, the FTC's rule also bans rewards that depend on a review being positive.
How many times should I send a review request?
Once, plus one reminder a few days later at most. Saying it's the last reminder helps: someone deciding whether to reply STOP is really deciding whether the messages will keep coming.
