How to get more Google reviews: scripts that work
Most businesses with few reviews don't have unhappy customers. They have no habit of asking. A short, personal message with a direct link, sent at the right moment, is what turns happy customers into reviews.
Why reviews don't happen
- Nobody owns asking. There's no trigger or habit, so it doesn't happen.
- There's no direct link, so customers have to hunt for your profile.
- There's only one ask. A single message is easy to miss.
When to ask
Ask within a few hours of a good experience, while it's fresh. Send one gentle reminder two or three days later. Stop there: two messages is plenty.
| Business | Best moment |
|---|---|
| Trades and home services | 1 to 2 hours after the job; reminder on day 3 |
| Dentists, clinics, salons | Same day, within an hour of the appointment |
| Restaurants and cafés | Within a few hours, plus a QR code on tables or receipts |
| Car repair | Same day, after pickup |
| Professional services | After the key piece of work, not the first meeting |
Scripts to copy
Hi Sarah, thanks for choosing us today! If you have 30 seconds, a quick Google review would really help other local people find us: [link]. Thanks, Jo at The Corner Café
Hi Sarah, no pressure at all, but if you get a moment, we'd love to hear how your visit went: [link]. Thank you! Jo
Subject: How did we do? Hi Sarah, Thanks again for coming in this week. Reviews help other people nearby find a business they can trust, so if you have a minute, we'd be grateful for yours: [link] Thanks, Jo, The Corner Café
“I'm really glad you're happy with it. We're a small business and Google reviews help us a lot. I'll text you the link so you don't have to search for us.”
Mistakes that cost you reviews
- No direct link. This is the biggest one.
- Waiting days or weeks. Goodwill fades fast.
- Generic messages without the customer's name or what you did.
- Asking before the job is finished, or while there's a problem or a billing dispute.
- Only asking once.
- Offering a discount or gift for a review.
The rules
Google allows and encourages you to ask customers for reviews. It doesn't allow incentives (discounts, gifts or money), asking only happy customers, asking for specific wording, or fake reviews. Consumer protection law in the US, UK and Australia also prohibits fake and incentivised reviews.
