Ask on the day you finish the job, while the customer can still see the work. Ask every customer, not just the ones you think loved it. Send one short text with your direct review link, and mention their name and the job.
That's most of it. The rest of this post covers timing, the words to use, and the rules that can get reviews removed.
The short version
- Ask on the day of the job. Within an hour or two of finishing is ideal.
- Ask everyone the same way. Google doesn't allow asking only happy customers.
- Send your direct review link, so leaving a review takes two taps.
- Use their first name and the job you did. It reads like a person, not a system.
- Never offer a discount or a gift for a review. Google bans it.
- Ask once, nudge once, then leave it.
Why most businesses don't get reviews
It's rarely because the customer was unhappy. Usually nobody asked. Or the ask came weeks later, in a generic email.
A customer who just got their heating back is relieved and grateful. A week later, they've moved on. The review that would have taken one minute now feels like a chore.
So the fix is mostly timing and effort. Ask while the job is fresh, and make it as easy as tapping a link.
When to ask
| Type of job | When to ask | How |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day repair or service call | Before you leave, then text within two hours | In person, then text |
| Multi-day project | At the final walkthrough | In person, then text or email |
| Emergency call-out | The next morning | Text |
| Recurring service, like cleaning or lawn care | After the second or third visit | Text |
Emergency jobs are stressful. Give the customer a night's sleep before you ask. You'll get a calmer, more useful review.
For recurring work, the first visit is too early. The customer hasn't seen you be reliable yet, and reliability is what they'll write about.
Get your direct review link first
Don't make people search for you. Send the link that opens the review box straight away.
Google lets you make one from your Business Profile. Go to your profile, select Read reviews, then Get more reviews. You can copy the link or download a QR code. Google notes the QR code can only be made in a computer browser, not on a phone. See Google's steps for review links and QR codes.
Save the link where you can paste it fast. Your phone's text shortcuts, your invoice template and your job software all work.
Review request templates
Swap the words in [brackets] for your own.
The text right after the job
Use this for most jobs. It's short enough to read at a glance.
Hi [First name], it's [Name] from [Business]. Thanks for having us out today.
If you have a minute, a quick Google review really helps a small business like ours:
[review link]Why it works: it comes from a person, it thanks them first, and the link does the rest.
When you'd like more detail
Reviews that mention the job help the next customer who needs the same fix. You can ask for that without telling anyone what to write.
Hi [First name], [Name] here from [Business]. Hope the [job] is working well.
Would you leave us a quick Google review?
Mentioning what we did helps neighbors who need the same job.
[review link]The email version
Some customers prefer email, especially on bigger projects. Keep it nearly as short as the text.
Subject: How did we do, [First name]?
Hi [First name],
Thanks for choosing [Business] for your [job].
We'd really value an honest Google review. It takes about a minute: [review link]
And if anything isn't right, reply to this email and I'll sort it out.
[Name]
[Business]The one reminder
If there's no review after three or four days, send one nudge. Then stop.
Hi [First name], a quick nudge in case my last text got buried.
Here's the review link if you have a minute: [review link]
Thanks either way!"Thanks either way" keeps it light. It tells them you're not keeping score.
In person, before you leave
The ask lands best face to face. Then the text is a reminder, not a cold request.
"Glad we got that sorted. I'll text you a link in a bit.
If you have a minute to leave us a Google review, it really helps."For customers who don't text, print the QR code on your invoice or a leave-behind card.
What Google doesn't allow
Some common review tactics break Google's rules. Google can remove reviews that break them, and it can restrict your profile.
- No incentives. Google says offering free or discounted goods or services in exchange for reviews is "strictly prohibited". That includes "10% off your next visit for a review". Source: Google's tips to get more reviews.
- No cherry-picking. Google's content policy says businesses can't "selectively solicit positive reviews" or discourage negative ones. So no "Happy? Tap here for Google. Unhappy? Tell us privately" funnels. Source: Google Maps content policy.
- No fake or staff reviews. Google says reviews "must reflect a genuine experience". Don't write them for customers, and don't have staff or family post them.
- In the US, the FTC has rules too. Its rule on fake reviews took effect on October 21, 2024. Rewards that depend on a positive review break it. Source: FTC questions and answers on the rule.
The plain version: ask everyone, the same way, and give nothing in return.
Then reply to every review
Google recommends replying to reviews, and doing it promptly. Its advice is to be "conversational, not promotional".
Keep replies short and specific.
Thanks, [First name]! Glad the [job] went smoothly.
[Tech name] will be pleased to hear it. We're here whenever you need us again.For a bad review, stay calm and take it offline.
Sorry to hear this, [First name]. That's not the standard we aim for.
I'd like to put it right. Please email me at [email] and I'll get back to you today.Writing replies takes time when the reviews start coming in. That's part of what our Reviews, answered service is being built to do. It drafts each reply around what the customer said, and nothing posts until you approve it. It's still in build.
Example scenario
This is an illustrative example, not a real client.
A one-van heating company finishes a furnace repair at 2pm. Before leaving, the tech tells the homeowner a review link is coming. At 3pm the text goes out, with the customer's first name and "the furnace" in it.
That evening, the customer leaves a review that names the tech and how fast the heat came back. The owner replies the next morning with a short thank-you.
Nothing clever happened. The ask was quick, personal and on the same day.
Fair questions
Can I only ask customers I know were happy?
No. Google's policy doesn't allow you to ask only for positive reviews. Ask every customer the same way. If a job went wrong, fix it, and reply calmly if a bad review lands.
Can I offer a discount or a prize draw for reviews?
Not for Google reviews. Google bans incentives in exchange for reviews. A thank-you message is fine. A reward isn't.
Should I ask by text or email?
Text, for most home-service jobs. People tend to see a text sooner, and the link is one tap away. Use email for customers who prefer it, or for big projects you already email about.
How many times should I ask?
Once, plus one gentle reminder a few days later. After that, let it go. More starts to feel like pressure.
What if they leave a bad review?
Reply calmly, keep it short and offer to fix it offline. Future customers read your reply as closely as the review. Google's own advice is to value all reviews, because honest and balanced reviews help customers decide.
Start with one text
Get your review link today. Save the first template in your phone with the link already in it. Then send it after your next job, before you've left the street.
Want to know what your reviews say before you ask for more? Email your Google listing link to info@futureflexdigital.com. We'll send back the five complaints that come up most and the five things people rave about. It's free.
Keep reading
- Missed Call Text Templates That Get a Reply: Copy-paste texts for every kind of missed call.
- Win Back Past Customers Without Sounding Desperate: Message examples that give past customers a reason to book again.