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How to Ask for Google Reviews

Most happy customers never leave a review — not because they don't want to, but because nobody asked and it takes too many taps. Here's how to ask for Google reviews the right way: what to say in person, word-for-word text and email templates, and what Google and the FTC don't allow.

Updated · Based on Google'stips to get more reviewsand review policy

The short answer

  1. Copy your Google review link. In Google Business Profile choose “Ask for reviews” and copy the g.page/r/…/review link — it opens the review form directly.
  2. Pick the moment. Ask right after a good moment: payment, pickup, a finished job or a compliment.
  3. Ask in person, in one sentence. Ask every customer for an honest review. Don't ask for five stars or for specific words.
  4. Make it one tap. Hand them a card or point to a stand with NFC and a QR code, so the review form opens on their own phone.
  5. Follow up the same day. Send one short text or email with the link. One reminder is enough.

Step 1: Get your Google review link

Sign in to Google, search your business name, and choose Ask for reviews (or “Get more reviews”) in your Business Profile. Copy the short link — it looks like g.page/r/…/review and opens the review form directly, so customers don't have to find you first.

Don't have access to the profile? Paste your Place ID into ourfree Google review QR code generator to build the link, or find your business in the review checker — it shows your direct review link with the results.

Step 2: When to ask for a Google review

The best time to ask is right after the customer feels the value — not a week later. These moments work for most local businesses:

BusinessAsk whenWhat to hand over
Restaurant / caféWhen you bring the check, or a guest says the food was greatTable tent or a card with the check
Salon / barberWhile they admire the result in the mirrorStand at the station or the front desk
Auto repairAt pickup, after you explain what was fixedCard on the invoice or with the keys
Dentist / clinicAt checkout, with the next appointmentTake-home card (they review at home)
Home servicesWhen the job is done and the customer has checked itCard left on the counter + same-day text
Retail shopAt the register, when they thank youCounter stand next to the card reader
Real estate agentAt closing or key handoverCard with the keys + follow-up email
Law firmAfter the matter closes (settlement, signing, closing)Card in the closing packet + closing-letter link

Step 3: What to say when you ask for a review

One sentence, a reason, and an easy next step. Ask for an honest review — never for five stars. Pick the script that sounds like you and copy it:

Simple ask (any business)
Thanks so much for coming in! If you have a minute later, would you leave us a quick Google review? Just tap your phone on this card or scan the code — it opens the review page.
Busy counter
One favor — an honest Google review really helps a small business like ours. The card has a QR code, so it takes 30 seconds whenever you're ready.
After a compliment
That really made our day, thank you! Would you mind sharing that on Google? It helps other people find us. Here's a card that opens the review page.
Regular customer
You've been coming in for a while now and we really appreciate it. If you've never left us a Google review, we'd love to hear what you think — honest is perfect.
After fixing a problem
Thanks for your patience while we sorted that out. If you feel we handled it well, a Google review would mean a lot. And if not, please tell me first — I want to make it right.
Service at the customer's home
We're all done — have a look and let me know if anything isn't right. If you're happy with the work, I'll leave this card: tap your phone on it to leave a quick Google review.

Review request text message templates

A text sent the same day gets read. Keep it under 160 characters plus the link, use their first name, and send one reminder at most. Only text customers who gave you their number and agreed to hear from you.

Same-day text
Hi [First name], thanks for choosing [Business] today! If you have a minute, we'd love your honest Google review: [review link]
Text after a service job
Hi [First name], it's [Your name] from [Business]. Thanks again for having us out! If you're happy with the work, a quick Google review helps a lot: [review link]
One gentle reminder (3–5 days later)
Hi [First name], just a quick reminder — if you have a minute, here's the link to review [Business] on Google: [review link]. Thanks either way!

Google review request email templates

Email works best for online orders and bookings. Put the link on its own line, sign with a real name, and include your business address.

Review request email
Subject: How did we do, [First name]? Hi [First name], Thank you for choosing [Business]. We're a small team and we read every review — it helps us improve and helps people nearby find us. Could you take a minute to leave an honest Google review? [review link] Thank you, [Your name] [Business], [address]
Follow-up email (one only)
Subject: Re: How did we do, [First name]? Hi [First name], Just bringing this back up in case it got buried. If you have a minute, here's the link: [review link] No worries if not — thanks again for choosing us. [Your name], [Business]

Step 4: Make leaving a review one tap

Every extra step loses people. A direct link is better than “search for us on Google”, and a tap is quicker than a scan:

OptionCustomer doesBest for
“Search for us on Google”Search, find you, scroll, tap “Write a review”Nothing — skip it
QR code signOpen the camera, scanFree start, windows, receipts
NFC review standHold the phone near it (or scan)Checkout counters · $24.98
NFC review cardTap at home, whenever they're readyTake-home, invoices, staff pockets · from $11.90

Tap works on iPhone XS and newer and on NFC Android phones; our cards and stands also carry a QR code for everyone else.QR review stickers are the cheapest way to put the link everywhere.

What Google and the FTC don't allow when you ask for reviews

Asking for reviews is encouraged. These are the lines not to cross — from Google'scontent policy and the FTC'sRule on the Use of Consumer Reviews(in force since October 2024):

No rewards for reviews

Discounts, freebies, prize draws or anything else in exchange for a review break Google's policy, and the FTC rule bans incentives for reviews that express a particular sentiment (16 CFR 465.4).

Ask everyone — no review gating

Google doesn't allow discouraging negative reviews or selectively asking only happy customers. Ask every customer the same way.

Don't tell people what to write

Google asks businesses not to request specific content, such as naming a staff member, and not to give staff review quotas.

No pressure on the premises

Don't make customers review on the spot or on your device. Let them review on their own phone, when they're ready.

No staff, family or bought reviews

Reviews from employees and relatives are a conflict of interest under Google's policy; buying reviews or writing fake ones is banned by the FTC rule and can bring civil penalties.

Don't threaten or bury bad reviews

Pressuring someone to remove a negative review — or hiding negative reviews on your own site — is review suppression under the FTC rule (465.7). Reply calmly instead.

Step 5: How many customers to ask — and how to track it

Work backwards from a goal. A business at 4.3★ with 60 reviews needs34 new 5-star reviews to show 4.6★. Spread over 12 weeks that's about 3 reviews a week — and if 1 in 10 customers you ask leaves one, about 30 asks a week.

Plug in your own numbers with the Google review calculator, and see how your review count compares with the top 3 businesses near you. Then check your count every Monday — what gets counted gets done.

How to reply once the reviews come in

  • Keep it short and personal. Use their name and mention one real detail — not the same “thanks!” every time.
  • Stay conversational, not promotional. Google advises against using replies for deals or promotions.
  • Take problems offline. Apologize where it's fair, never share private details, and give a phone number to sort it out. Healthcare practices: see our HIPAA-safe reply templates; law firms: confidentiality-safe replies.

How to ask for Google reviews: FAQ

Is it illegal to ask for Google reviews?

No. Google encourages businesses to ask customers for reviews and to share a review link or QR code. It becomes a problem when you offer something in return, ask only happy customers, or pressure people.

Can I ask customers for a 5-star review?

Ask for an honest review instead. Asking for a specific rating or specific words steers the content, which goes against Google's policy, and it tends to put customers off.

Can I offer a discount for leaving a Google review?

No. Google removes reviews posted for an incentive, including discounts, free products and giveaway entries, and the FTC's consumer review rule bans incentives for reviews with a particular sentiment.

When is the best time to ask for a Google review?

Right after a good moment — payment, pickup, a finished job or a compliment — and again in one short text or email the same day. Response drops the longer you wait.

Do customers need a Gmail address to leave a Google review?

They need a Google Account, but Google says it can be set up with a non-Gmail email address. Most phone users are already signed in.

Should I ask customers who had a problem?

Yes — ask everyone. Fix the problem first and let them decide. A calm public reply to a mixed review often builds more trust than a page of perfect ones.

Ask every customer — make it one tap

NFC review cards and stands with your logo and review link. Customers tap their phone or scan the QR code and your Google review form opens.

Design review cardsDesign a counter stand

Related tools & guides

Google Review CalculatorReviews you need + a check against local competitorsGoogle Reviews for DentistsFront-desk scripts and HIPAA-safe repliesGoogle Reviews for LawyersClosing-letter scripts and ethics-safe repliesFree Google Review QR CodeYour review link, QR code and a printable signGoogle Review NFC StandTap-to-review stand for your counter