Google review request templates: texts and emails that work

Before you send anything

• Get your direct review link. It opens the review form for your business in one tap. In your Business Profile, go to Read reviews, then Get more reviews, and copy the link. The same screen lets you save a review QR code, which Google only generates on a computer browser. Our free review link and QR code generator makes the link, a printable QR code and these messages in one go, on any device.
• Send it soon. The best time is within a few hours of finishing the job, while the customer is still pleased and remembers the details.
• Send it from a person. A text from "Mike at Smith Plumbing" gets far more replies than an automated message from an unknown number.
• Never offer anything in return. Discounts, gifts and prize draws break Google's rules and get reviews removed.
• No pressure. Since 2026 Google's rules say you must not pressure or require customers to review while they are with you, set staff review quotas, or ask for reviews that name a staff member. Send the link and let the customer choose.

Text message templates

Straight after the job

Hi Sarah, it's Mike from Smith Plumbing. Thanks again for having us out today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review would really help a small business like ours: [link]

When the customer said something nice

Thanks for the kind words today, Sarah. Would you mind putting that in a quick Google review? It helps other people nearby find us: [link]

For a bigger project, at the final walkthrough

Hi David, thanks for trusting us with the new roof. It was great working with you. If you're happy with how it turned out, a short Google review would mean a lot to the crew: [link]

For an appointment based business

Hi Jenna, thanks for coming in today. If you have a moment, we'd love to hear how your visit went in a quick Google review: [link]

One gentle reminder, a few days later

Hi Sarah, just a quick reminder in case you missed my last message. No pressure at all, but if you have a minute: [link]. Thanks again!

Send one reminder at most. After that, leave it.

Email templates

Subject: Thanks from Smith Plumbing

Hi Sarah,

Thanks again for choosing us to fix your water heater on Tuesday. We hope everything is running smoothly.

We're a local family business, and reviews from customers like you are how most people find us. If you have a minute, you can leave one here: [link]

If anything isn't right, reply to this email and I'll sort it out personally.

Mike Smith Smith Plumbing

Subject: How was your visit?

Hi Jenna,

Thanks for visiting us this week. We'd love to know how it went. If you have a moment, you can leave a Google review here: [link]

And if there's anything we could have done better, just reply and let us know.

The team at Bayside Dental

Practices should keep review requests general and never mention a patient's treatment.

Let customers write in their own words

Detailed reviews that mention the job and the town help you rank and convince future customers, but Google's rules are strict about steering what people write. Do not suggest wording, and do not ask customers to name a staff member. Customers who had a good experience usually describe it on their own. A thank you that mentions the job, like the templates above, is enough of a reminder.

Mistakes that get reviews filtered

• Sending to everyone at once. Ask as jobs finish.
• Asking customers to review on your device or your wifi, such as a tablet in the office.
• Suggesting what to write, or asking customers to mention a staff member.
• Setting review targets for staff.
• Asking staff, friends or family to review the business.
• Offering anything in return.

If reviews have vanished before, our guide on why Google reviews disappear explains what triggers the filter.

Make it a habit

The businesses with the most reviews are the ones that ask every customer, every time, without thinking about it. Make the text part of finishing a job, the same as sending the invoice. If you would like the whole routine run for you, including replies to every review, that is our review management.

Questions owners ask

Should I send review requests by text or email?

Text usually works better for local service businesses. It is read within minutes and the customer can tap the link straight away. Email suits businesses that already email customers, such as practices sending appointment follow ups.

Can I send one request to my whole customer list?

Avoid it. A sudden burst of reviews is one of the main things Google's filters treat as suspicious, and real reviews can be removed with the rest. Ask customers one at a time, as jobs are finished.

Can I ask only my happy customers?

Google's rules say you must not selectively ask for positive reviews. Ask every customer in a way that is easy and pressure free. Most people who bother are the ones who were happy anyway.