How to ask for Google reviews (with 8 templates)
Most happy customers will leave a review if you ask at the right moment and make it easy. Most businesses just never ask. Here's a simple system you can start today, plus templates you can copy.
By the Chorodra team · Updated November 2, 2026
1. Ask at the right moment
The best time to ask is when the customer has just felt the value of your work: the job is finished, the project is delivered, the problem is solved, or they've just thanked you. A week later, the feeling has faded and your email competes with everything else in their inbox.
Build the ask into the moment you already close a job. For most service businesses that's one of these:
- Right after you mark a job or project complete.
- When a customer pays the final invoice.
- When a customer compliments you by email, text or in person.
- After a milestone for longer engagements, like a launch, a first month or a renewal.
2. Make it one tap
Every extra step loses people. Don't ask customers to search for your business on Google. Send a direct link that opens your review form, and use a QR code for in-person moments.
You can get both in a minute with our free Google review link generator at chorodra.com/tools/google-review-link. It also gives you ready-made messages with your link already in them.
3. Follow Google's rules
Google's policies don't allow two things that many businesses do without realising:
- Review gating: asking only customers you expect to be happy, or sending unhappy customers somewhere else first. Ask everyone the same way.
- Incentives: offering discounts, gifts or entries into a draw in exchange for reviews.
- Also avoid writing reviews for customers, posting reviews from staff or family, or asking for reviews in bulk from people who never used your service.
4. Eight templates you can copy
Replace anything in [brackets]. Keep it personal: a name and one detail about the job makes a big difference.
1.Email after the job is done
Subject: Thank you, [first name] Hi [first name], Thanks again for choosing us for [the job]. It was great working with you. If you were happy with how it went, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It takes about a minute and really helps a small business like ours. [your review link] Thank you, [your name]
2.Text right after the visit
Hi [first name], it's [your name] from [business]. Thanks for having us today! If you have a minute, a quick Google review would mean a lot to us: [your review link]
3.In person, at the end of the job
"I'm really glad this came out the way you wanted. Can I ask a small favour? Reviews on Google are how most of our new customers find us. If I text you the link, would you mind leaving a couple of lines when you get a chance?"
4.One friendly reminder (3 to 5 days later)
Hi [first name], just a gentle nudge in case my last message got buried. If you have a minute, here's the link to leave a review: [your review link]. No worries at all if not, and thanks again for your business.
5.When a customer compliments you
That's so kind, thank you! Would you be willing to share that on Google? It helps other people find us. Here's the direct link: [your review link]
6.B2B client after a project
Subject: Quick favour after [project] Hi [first name], Now that [project] is live, thank you for trusting us with it. If you've been happy with the work, a short Google review would help other [type of businesses] find us. Something about what we worked on and how it went is perfect. [your review link] Thanks, [your name]
7.Line for invoices and receipts
Thank you for your business! Happy with our work? Leave us a review on Google: [your review link]
8.Card or counter sign with a QR code
Loved working with us? Scan to leave a Google review. It takes a minute and helps a small business a lot. [QR code]
5. Reply to every review
Replying shows future customers that a real person cares. Thank happy reviewers by name and mention something specific. For a negative review, stay calm, acknowledge their experience, avoid arguing in public, and offer to sort it out directly. Many people judge a business more by how it handles a bad review than by the review itself.
6. Make it a habit, not a campaign
A steady trickle of recent reviews matters more than a burst once a year. Ask every customer, every time. If remembering is the hard part, Chorodra's Review Generator drafts a personal request when a project is marked complete, sends one reminder, and tells you when the review lands, so asking happens without you thinking about it.
Questions
How many times should I ask?
Once, plus one friendly reminder a few days later. After that, let it go.
Should I ask by email or text?
Use whichever channel you already use with that customer. Text tends to suit quick jobs; email suits projects and B2B clients.
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Google's policies don't allow incentives for reviews, and it can get reviews removed.
Can I ask only my happiest customers?
No. Selectively asking (review gating) isn't allowed. Ask everyone the same way; most customers who had a good experience will say so.
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