The Best Review Request Templates to Get More Google Reviews

published on 30 September 2024

Want more Google reviews? Here's how to ask effectively:

  • Use pre-written templates to save time and keep messaging consistent
  • Personalize requests with customer names and purchase details
  • Keep messages short, friendly, and easy to act on
  • Include a direct link to leave a review
  • Explain why reviews matter for your business

Key benefits of using templates:

  • 76% of customers leave reviews when asked
  • More reviews boost your Google ranking and visibility
  • 93% of consumers rely on reviews to make purchase decisions

Top tips for effective review requests:

  1. Time it right (e.g. 2-3 days after purchase)
  2. Keep it under 100 words
  3. Use a friendly, conversational tone
  4. Ask 1-2 specific questions about their experience
  5. Make leaving a review quick and easy

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Offering incentives for reviews (against Google's rules)
  • Pressuring customers or asking repeatedly
  • Ignoring negative feedback
  • Using generic, non-personalized requests

With the right approach, review request templates can significantly increase your Google reviews and grow your business online.

Template Type Pros Cons
Email Can include more detail Lower open rates
SMS Very high open rates Limited space
In-person Personal touch Can't reach all customers
Social media Public engagement May get missed in feeds

What are review request templates?

Review request templates are pre-written messages businesses use to ask customers for Google reviews. They're like a starting point for crafting personalized "Hey, how'd we do?" messages.

Why do they matter? Simple:

  • They save time
  • They keep your tone consistent
  • They make it easy for customers to leave feedback

A good template usually includes:

  1. A friendly "Hi there!"
  2. A quick "Thanks for your business"
  3. A polite "Mind leaving a review?"
  4. Clear "Here's how to do it" instructions
  5. A direct link to your Google review page

Here's what a basic email template might look like:

Subject: How was your experience?

Hi [Customer Name],

Thanks for choosing [Business Name]. We hope you loved your [product/service].

Got a minute to share your thoughts on Google? It helps us improve and helps others decide if we're right for them.

Just click here to leave a review: [Google review page link]

Thanks a bunch!

[Your Name]
[Business Name]

Remember, these templates aren't one-size-fits-all. You'll want to tweak them based on your business, your relationship with the customer, and how you're reaching out.

For example, if you're sending an SMS, you'd keep it super short:

Thanks for visiting [Business Name]! Mind leaving a quick review? [Short link]

Why use review request templates?

Review request templates are a game-changer for businesses aiming to boost their Google reviews. Here's why:

They're time-savers. Instead of crafting individual messages, you can reach more customers quickly.

They keep your message consistent. Every request sounds like your brand.

They get results. A BrightLocal study found that 76% of customers asked to leave a review actually do it. That's huge.

More reviews? Better SEO. Google loves businesses with lots of positive reviews.

And let's talk trust. NRC Health says 93% of consumers use online reviews to decide what to buy. Reviews matter.

Templates are flexible. You can tweak them for different customers or situations.

They make it easy for customers. Good templates include clear steps on how to leave a review.

Plus, you can automate them. Set it and forget it.

Here's a quick look at the impact:

Benefit Impact
Time saved Less time writing, more time growing
Response rate 76% of asked customers leave reviews
SEO boost Higher local search ranking
Trust building 93% of consumers rely on reviews
Personalization Tailor messages to customer groups

Bottom line? Templates make getting reviews easier for you AND your customers.

Different kinds of review request templates

Let's look at the main types of review request templates:

Email templates

Emails work well for review requests. Why? 91% of people check their email daily. Here's what makes a good email template:

  • Use the customer's name
  • Mention what they bought
  • Include a clear link to leave a review
  • Keep it short

Here's a simple template:

Subject: How's your [Product Name]?

Hey [Customer Name],

Thanks for buying [Product Name]. How's it working out? We'd love to hear your thoughts on Google.

[Review Link]

Your feedback helps us and other customers.

Thanks, [Your Name]

SMS templates

Text messages are great for review requests. They have a 99% open rate (emails only get 21.33%). For SMS:

  • Stay under 160 characters
  • Be friendly
  • Include a review link

Try this:

Hey [Name]! Loving your new [product]? We'd love your thoughts. Quick Google review? [Link] Thanks! - [Your Name]

In-person scripts

Asking face-to-face can work well. Try this:

"Glad you had a good time. If you have a sec, we'd love a Google review. It helps other customers and means a lot to us."

Social media posts

Social media is another option. Keep it short and include your Google review link.

Template Type Pros Cons
Email Can say more, reaches many Fewer people open them
SMS Most people read them, quick Limited space
In-person Personal touch Can't reach everyone
Social media Public engagement Might get missed

Key parts of good review request templates

What makes a review request template work? Let's break it down:

Personal touch: Use the customer's name and what they bought. It shows you care.

"Hi Sarah, how's that eco-friendly water bottle treating you?"

Clear instructions: Make it easy. Include a direct link to your Google review page.

"Share your thoughts here: [Your Google Review Link]"

Why it matters: Tell them why their review counts.

"Your feedback helps us improve and guides other customers."

Keep it short: People are busy. Get to the point.

"Hey Tom, how was your Clips & Curls haircut? Quick feedback? [Link]"

Friendly tone: Write like you're talking to a friend.

Timing: Send it 2-3 days after the purchase or service.

Here's how good and not-so-good elements stack up:

Good Not-So-Good
Uses customer's name Generic greeting
Mentions specific purchase Vague references
Includes direct review link No link or unclear instructions
Short and punchy Long, wordy messages
Friendly tone Formal or pushy language
Sent 2-3 days after purchase Sent too soon or too late

Offer a reward

Want more Google reviews? Try offering a reward. It's a simple way to get customers' attention and push them to act.

Here's a template you can use:

"Hi [Customer Name],

Thanks for choosing [Your Business]. We'd love your feedback! Leave us a Google review and get a 10% off coupon for your next visit.

Review link: [Your Google Review Link]

Your input helps us improve and helps others find us. Thanks!"

This works because it:

  • Uses the customer's name
  • Offers a clear reward
  • Includes a direct review link
  • Explains why reviews matter

But be smart about it. Rewards can boost reviews, but they can also backfire.

Do Don't
Reward all reviews Reward only good reviews
Keep rewards small Give big rewards
Be clear about the reward Be vague about the incentive
Thank all reviewers Ignore negative reviews

Google allows review incentives, but be clear: the reward is for writing a review, not for a positive one.

Some businesses see big results. Beginning Boutique saw a 53% jump in coupon use when they offered review rewards.

But watch out. The FTC has rules about this. You can't make the reward depend on a good review. It's about honest feedback, not just praise.

A smart approach? Offer a small discount to anyone who leaves a review - good or bad. It's fair and follows the rules.

2. Keep it short and direct

When asking for Google reviews, cut to the chase. People are busy. A quick, straightforward request works better than a long one.

Try this template:

"Hi [Name],

Thanks for choosing us. Mind leaving a quick Google review?

[Your Google Review Link]

It helps us improve and others find us. Thanks!"

Why this works:

  • Uses the customer's name
  • Keeps it brief
  • Includes a direct link
  • Explains why reviews matter

The shorter your email, the easier it seems to leave a review. This can boost your response rate.

Charlie Hustle, a clothing company, saw more feedback after switching to short, simple requests.

Do Don't
Stay under 100 words Write long paragraphs
Use a clear call-to-action Add unrelated info
Provide a direct link Complicate the process
Explain review value Skip please and thank you

REVIEWS.io found that longer emails get fewer responses. So, treat each word like it costs $100. It'll help you stay brief and on point.

3. Use a friendly tone

A friendly tone can make a big difference when asking for Google reviews. It makes customers feel valued and more likely to leave feedback.

Here's a template that keeps things casual:

"Hey [Name],

Thanks for choosing us! We loved having you. 😊

Got a sec? We'd love your thoughts on Google. It helps us improve and shows others what to expect.

Here's the link: [Your Google Review Link]

Thanks a bunch!

[Your Name]"

Why this works:

  • Uses the customer's name
  • Keeps it light with an emoji
  • Explains why reviews matter
  • Gives a direct link

Marty Weintraub, founder of aimClear, uses a similar approach:

"Hi Gina, Marty here! We're thrilled we helped you find the perfect dress for your big day. 👰 As I mentioned, reviews help us make dreams come true. Mind sharing your experience? Thank you! ❣️ www.search.google.com/review"

Marty's example shows how personal details make the request feel genuine.

Do Don't
Use their name Say "Dear valued customer"
Keep it casual Use formal language
Use emojis (if on-brand) Overdo exclamation points
Mention specifics Use generic language

4. Ask specific questions

Want better reviews? Ask better questions.

Here's a template that works:

"Hi [Name],

Thanks for choosing [Your Business]. Mind sharing your thoughts? Here's what we'd love to know:

  1. What did you like best about our [product/service]?
  2. How was our team?
  3. Any suggestions for us?

Your feedback helps us improve. Leave a review here: [Google Review Link]

Thanks! [Your Name]"

Why this works:

  • Uses the customer's name
  • Gives clear writing prompts
  • Asks about specific experiences
  • Includes a direct review link

Hoot Design Company nailed this approach:

"We get 7 out of 10 clients leaving Google Reviews we're proud of."

They ask:

  1. How was your [website/brand/sales funnel] before us?
  2. How is it now?
  3. What was it like working with us?

Jeda Logistics took it up a notch:

Step Action
1 Ask for stars (1-5)
2 Get open feedback
3 Ask about public sharing
4 Link to Google on the thank you page

Result? 67 new Google reviews in months.

Specific questions = better reviews. Simple as that.

5. Share your business story

Telling your company's story can make review requests more personal. It helps customers connect with your brand, making them more likely to leave a review.

Here's a template that works:

"Hi [Customer Name],

We started [Your Company] in [Year] to [Your Mission]. Since then, we've [Brief Achievement].

Your experience matters. Mind sharing your thoughts in a quick Google review? It helps us improve and shows others what to expect.

[Google Review Link]

Thanks for being part of our story!

[Your Name]"

Why this template works:

  • Gives a quick company history snapshot
  • Shows your mission and progress
  • Makes the customer feel part of something bigger

Real-world example: Groupon boosted sales by hiring Second City writers to create funny product backstories. Result? Higher email open rates and more sales.

To craft your business story:

  1. Identify the problem you solve
  2. Explain what sparked your business idea
  3. Describe how you're fixing the problem now
  4. State your mission

Take BrewDog's story:

Element BrewDog's Story
Problem Boring industrial beers
Spark "What if we can fix this?"
Action Started their own brewery
Mission Make more people love craft beer

They add details like leasing a building at 24 and selling beers from an old van. These make the story stick in people's minds.

6. Support a cause

Linking review requests to charitable donations? Bad idea. Google's not a fan.

Here's the deal:

  • It's against Google's rules
  • It can skew reviews
  • Your business might get penalized

So, what can you do instead?

1. Keep charity and reviews separate

Do good deeds just because. No strings attached.

2. Show off your good side

Mention your charitable work in review requests, but don't make it a condition.

3. Get customers involved

Let them choose causes you support. It builds community without messing with reviews.

Try this template:

"Hey [Customer],

Got a sec? We'd love your honest take on [Your Company] on Google.

[Google Review Link]

BTW, we're supporting [Cause] this month. Just thought you'd like to know.

Thanks!

[Your Name]"

This way, you're playing by the rules and still showing you care about more than just business.

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7. Tailor to your industry

Different businesses need different approaches to get reviews. Here's how to tweak your review requests for specific industries:

Restaurants Focus on the dining experience and specific dishes:

"Hi [Name], thanks for dining with us! What was your favorite dish? Share your thoughts on Google? [Link]"

Healthcare Keep it professional, emphasizing patient care:

"Dear [Patient], we hope your visit was comfortable. Your feedback helps us improve. Share your experience on Google? [Link]"

Retail Highlight products and customer service:

"Hey [Name], enjoying your new [product]? Tell others about your shopping experience on Google. [Link]"

Home Services Emphasize quality and reliability:

"Hi [Name], how was your [service]? Happy? A quick Google review would mean a lot. [Link]"

Tailoring your approach shows customers you value their specific experience, increasing the likelihood of getting a review.

8. Ask a simple question

Want more Google reviews? Just ask. Here's how:

1. Pick the right time

Ask when customers are happy. Like right after they buy something or have a good experience.

2. Keep it short

Use questions that are easy to answer:

  • "How was your experience?"
  • "Would you recommend us?"
  • "What did you like best?"

3. Tell them why it matters

"Your feedback helps us improve and helps others choose. Mind sharing your thoughts in a quick Google review?"

4. Make it easy

Give them a direct link to your Google review page.

Here's how it can boost your reviews:

Question Review Increase
"How was your experience? Review us: [link]" 15%
"What do you think of your new [product]? Share here: [link]" 20%
"Would you recommend us? Let others know: [link]" 25%

Simple questions = easier reviews. They also guide customers to give specific, helpful feedback. That's good for you AND future customers.

9. Build community spirit

Want more Google reviews? Build community spirit in your requests. Here's how:

  1. Show the collective benefit

Tell customers how reviews help everyone:

"Your review helps us improve and guides others. Share your experience to support our community!"

  1. Highlight review impact

Show how feedback makes a difference:

Review Feedback Our Action
Product ideas Added new features
Service issues Improved staff training
Pricing concerns Launched loyalty program
  1. Create belonging

Make customers feel part of something bigger:

  • Use "our community" or "fellow customers"
  • Share your review count
  • Thank reviewers for their role
  1. Start conversations

Invite customers to join in:

"Join 1,000+ customers who've shared thoughts. Your voice shapes our future!"

  1. Link to good causes

Tie reviews to charity. Pledge to donate or plant trees for each review. It's extra motivation to participate.

10. Add a personal touch

Want more reviews? Make your requests feel genuine. Here's how:

  1. Use the customer's name in the subject and email.

  2. Mention their recent purchase or service:

"Hey Tom, how's that new mountain bike treating you?"

  1. Customize based on their history with you.

  2. Show you're grateful for their business.

  3. Write like you're chatting with a friend (but keep it professional).

  4. Sign off with your name and role.

Here's a template to get you started:

Subject: Tom, got a sec to share your thoughts on [Your Company]?

Hi Tom,

Mike here from [Your Company]. Saw you picked up our [specific product] a couple weeks back. Hope it's been awesome!

Mind sharing your experience? Your feedback helps us up our game and guides other customers.

Quick review link: [Review Link]

Thanks for choosing us. Can't wait to hear what you think!

Cheers,
Mike Johnson
Customer Experience Manager
[Your Company]

Adjust templates for different businesses

Different industries need different approaches to review requests. Here's how to tailor your templates:

Retail and E-commerce

Focus on the recent purchase:

Hi [Name],

How's that [product] working out? We'd love your thoughts on Google. It helps us improve and helps other shoppers too.

Quick review here: [Google Review Link]

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Hospitality

Emphasize the guest experience:

Hi [Name],

Enjoyed your stay at [Hotel Name]? Your feedback matters to us and future guests. Share your experience on Google?

Review here: [Google Review Link]

Thanks,
[Your Name], Guest Relations

Healthcare

Keep it professional, focus on care quality:

Hello [Name],

Thanks for choosing [Practice Name]. We're all about top-notch care. Got a moment to share on Google? It helps others make healthcare choices.

Review here: [Google Review Link]

Best,
Dr. [Your Name]

Service-based Businesses

Timing is key:

Service When to Ask What to Say
Immediate (salon) Within 24 hours "Like your new look?"
Short-term (auto repair) 1-3 days after "Car running smooth?"
Long-term (construction) 1-2 weeks after "Enjoying the new kitchen?"
Ongoing (therapy) Milestones/biannually "How's our progress?"

Adjust your tone to fit your industry and what customers expect. As Michele Potts from Zoe Marketing & Communications says:

"Ask people to share their honest experiences and include the link."

Tips for using review request templates

Timing and approach are crucial when using review request templates. Here's how to get the most out of them:

Pick the right moment

Timing your requests can boost response rates:

  • Hard goods: 21 days after purchase
  • Soft/perishable goods: 14 days after
  • Seasonal items: Within 7 days

Best days and times

Day Time Why
Wednesday 10 AM - 2 PM High email open rates
Saturday Around 6 PM More downtime

Smart follow-ups

Only 68% of customers review after the first ask. A second email can bump that up by 28%. Wait 7 days before following up if there's no response.

Industry-specific approaches

Industry Timing Focus
Retail 1-3 days post-purchase Product satisfaction
Hospitality Within 24 hours of stay Overall experience
Healthcare 1 week post-appointment Care quality

Handling negative feedback

Turn bad reviews into chances to improve:

  • Respond in 48 hours
  • Apologize sincerely
  • Offer a solution
  • Take it offline

A Hotel Santa Barbara manager shared:

"For negative reviews, we apologize, address concerns, and offer a free upgrade next time. It shows we care and want to improve."

Check if your templates are working

Want to know if your review request templates are doing their job? Here's how to keep tabs on their performance:

1. Watch your review count

See a jump in new reviews after rolling out new templates? That's a good sign.

2. Check response rates

Figure out how many customers actually leave a review after you ask. Higher numbers mean your templates are hitting the mark.

3. Look at those stars

What to check What you want
Average rating 4.5 stars or more
5-star reviews At least 70%

4. Get a feel for sentiment

Use Google Business Profile Insights to see if reviews are mostly positive or negative.

5. Email click-throughs

For email templates, aim for 2-5% of people clicking your review link. That's what Google likes to see.

6. Review speed

Are reviews coming in steadily? That means your templates are working consistently.

7. Compare locations

Got multiple spots? Use tools like Synup or ReviewTrackers to see how templates perform at different locations.

8. Customer actions

Keep an eye on:

  • Website clicks
  • Direction requests
  • Phone calls

More of these? Your better reviews might be bringing in more business.

9. Try A/B testing

Test two template versions to see which one works better.

10. Use UTM tracking

Add UTM parameters to your review links. This lets you track how they're doing in Google Analytics and Search Console.

Mistakes to avoid in review requests

Asking for Google reviews can be tricky. Here are some pitfalls to dodge:

1. Paying for fake reviews

Don't do it. Google's smart enough to catch you. The fallout? Lost reviews, search ranking hits, and a damaged reputation.

2. Offering incentives

Freebies for reviews? Nope. It's against Google's rules. You could lose reviews or even your Google Business Profile.

3. Pressuring customers

Don't be pushy. No repeat asks, guilt trips, or on-the-spot demands. Keep it natural.

4. Ignoring negative feedback

Bad reviews happen. Don't hide from them. Here's how to handle them:

Do Don't
Respond quickly Ignore it
Say thanks Get defensive
Own the issue Make excuses
Offer a fix Blame the customer
Take it private Argue publicly

5. Using generic requests

One-size-fits-all doesn't work. Personalize your ask:

  • Use names
  • Mention their purchase
  • Ask about specific experiences

6. Creating a "review station"

On-site review areas? Bad idea. Google might flag them as fake due to the same IP address.

7. Asking only for positive reviews

Don't cherry-pick happy customers. It looks fishy. Welcome all feedback.

8. Neglecting to ask at all

Don't assume customers will review without prompting. A gentle nudge often helps.

Wrap-up

Good review request templates are your secret weapon for getting more Google reviews. Why? They make asking for feedback a breeze.

Here's the deal:

  • 76% of people leave reviews when asked. That's HUGE.
  • More reviews = better Google ranking = more eyeballs on your business.
  • 91% of young adults trust online reviews as much as their friends' advice.

Want to nail your review requests? Here's how:

1. Mix it up

Try different templates. See what clicks with your customers.

2. Keep it short and sweet

No one likes to read an essay. Get to the point.

3. Make it personal

Use their name. Mention what they bought. It shows you care.

4. Make it easy

Give them a direct link to leave a review. One click and they're there.

Do This Not That
Be friendly Push too hard
Ask quickly Bribe for reviews
Follow up (once) Ask for only good reviews
Say thanks Ignore bad feedback

Remember: good templates = more reviews = more business. It's that simple.

FAQs

How do I ask customers to give a Google review?

Asking for Google reviews is easier than you might think. Here's a quick guide:

1. Be direct and friendly

Just say, "Hey, mind leaving us a Google review?"

2. Explain why it matters

Tell them, "Your review helps us improve and helps others find us."

3. Make it easy

Give them a direct link: "Here's where you can share your thoughts: [Your Google review link]"

4. Time it right

Ask right after they've had a good experience with you.

5. Follow up once

If they don't respond, send one gentle reminder.

Do Don't
Keep it short Pressure customers
Personalize it Ask for only good reviews
Say thanks Ignore bad feedback

Here's a real example that worked:

"Hi [Name], thanks for stopping by [Business Name] today! How was it? We'd love to hear your thoughts on Google. It helps us do better and helps others find us. Here's the link: [Google Review Link]. Thanks!"

This simple approach got 30% more reviews in just a month. And get this: 76% of people will leave a review if you just ask. So go for it!

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