# How to ask for a Google review (scripts that work)

> Word-for-word SMS, email, and in-person scripts that turn happy customers into Google reviews — no incentives, no rating gating.

_Updated 2026-07-21 · By Elizabeth Davis_

Source: https://happyreplies.com/how-to/ask-for-a-google-review

## 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.

## Overview

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.

## Steps

### 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.