Guide · Updated Jul 2026
How to ask for a Google review (scripts that work)
The single biggest lever on review volume isn't the wording of the ask — it's when you ask and who asks. Here are scripts for the three channels that convert.
TL;DR
Ask at the moment of highest satisfaction, from the person the customer just interacted with, using their first name and a one-tap link. The script matters less than the timing.
Step by step
- 1
In person, at the moment of satisfaction
'Hi [Name] — glad you enjoyed it. If you have 20 seconds, a Google review means a lot to a small team like ours. Scan the QR by the till.'
- 2
SMS within 2 hours of the visit
'Hi [Name], [Your name] here from [Business]. Thanks for coming in today. If you enjoyed it, we'd love a Google review: [link]. No worries either way.'
- 3
Email the day after
Subject: 'Quick favour, [Name]?' Body: two lines, one link. Never gate on 'were you happy?' — that's review gating.
- 4
Follow up once, gently
One reminder after 5 days if they haven't reviewed. Never a third — it turns into spam and hurts trust.
FAQ
- Should I incentivise the review?
- No. Incentivised reviews violate Google's guidelines and get removed; repeat offenders lose their profile.
- Can I ask only happy customers?
- No — 'review gating' violates Google's guidelines. Ask everyone; happy ones convert, unhappy ones rarely follow through anyway.
- What's the best channel?
- SMS beats email by 3-5x in our sample. In-person at the counter beats both if the person asking is the person who served them.
Free tool
Free Google review reply generator
Paste a Google review, get a personalised reply draft in seconds. Free, no sign-up, works for any local business.
Try it free