How to Ask for Google Reviews: Message Templates

Most businesses don't have a review problem, they have an asking problem. Happy customers are usually glad to help, but few will leave a review unless someone asks. This guide covers how to ask customers for Google reviews, with templates you can copy for in person, WhatsApp, SMS and email.

The three rules of asking

1. Ask everyone. Google's rules don't allow asking only the customers you think are happy. Ask every customer the same way.
2. Never offer anything in return. No discounts, freebies or prize draws for reviews. It breaks Google's rules, and Google can remove those reviews.
3. Make it one tap. Always give a direct review link, QR code or NFC card, never "search for us on Google". See how to create a Google review link.

Asking in person

Asking face to face works best because it's personal. Keep it short, and have the QR code or NFC card ready so the customer can do it right there.

At the counter or till

"Thanks for coming in! If you have a moment, we'd really appreciate a Google review. Just tap your phone here, it takes a few seconds."

After a compliment

"Thank you, that means a lot! Would you mind sharing that in a Google review? It helps other people find us. You can scan this code."

At a table

"If you enjoyed your meal, the card on your table takes you straight to our Google reviews. It really helps us."

An NFC review card on the counter or table means the customer just holds their phone near it. There's nothing to type, so more people finish the review.

Asking by WhatsApp

WhatsApp works well for appointments, deliveries and services. Send the message a few hours after the visit, while the experience is fresh.

After an appointment

Hi [Name], thank you for visiting [Business] today. We hope you're happy with the result! If you have a minute, a Google review would mean a lot to us: [link]

After a delivery

Hi [Name], your order from [Business] should have arrived. We hope you love it! Could you share your experience in a quick Google review? [link] Thank you!

A gentle follow-up (send once, a few days later, only if they haven't reviewed)

Hi [Name], just a quick reminder in case you missed our last message. If you have a moment, we'd love your feedback on Google: [link]. Thanks again for choosing [Business].

Asking by SMS

Text messages need to be short. Put the link at the end so it's easy to tap.

Thanks for visiting [Business] today! We'd love your feedback: [link]

Hi [Name], how was your visit to [Business]? Leave us a quick Google review: [link]

Asking by email

Email is good for online orders and bookings. Use a clear subject line and one big button or link.

Subject: How was your visit to [Business]?

Hi [Name],

Thank you for choosing [Business]. We hope everything went well.

If you have a minute, would you leave us a Google review? It helps other customers find us and tells our team what we're doing right.

[Leave a Google review]

If anything wasn't right, just reply to this email and we'll put it right.

Thanks, [Your name], [Business]

What not to say

Avoid	Why
"Leave us 5 stars and get 10% off"	Rewards for reviews break Google's rules
"If you're happy, review us on Google; if not, tell us instead"	Steering unhappy customers away from Google is review gating
"Search for us on Google and leave a review"	Too many steps; many customers give up
"Please leave a review" sent five times	Too many reminders annoy customers. Ask once, follow up once at most

It's fine to invite customers to tell you privately if something went wrong, as long as they can still leave a Google review too.

Make asking automatic

The easiest system is one your team doesn't have to think about:

• A QR code sign or NFC card at every till and table, so there's always something to point to.
• One sentence every staff member uses.
• A saved WhatsApp or SMS template for every appointment and delivery.
• A reply to every review that comes in.

GatherRatings sets this up for you: a branded review page, printable signs with your own wording, NFC review cards, and a dashboard that shows your ratings and which card or sign each one came from. See plans and prices, or read our full guide on how to get more Google reviews.