Google reviews matter more than almost anything else for local businesses. Most owners know this. Almost none of them ask consistently. This guide gives you the exact words to use in every situation: in person, by text, and by email.
Timing is Everything
The window to ask is tiny. Ask right after the job is done. Not a week later. Not when you send the invoice. Ask when they've just seen the result and said something positive. If you wait, they forget. The moment passes and you lose the review.
Face-to-Face Requests
This works best. Before leaving a job or as a client is checking out, say this:
"I'm glad things went well today. If you have a quick minute, leaving us a Google review makes a huge difference for a small business like ours. I'll send you a link right now if that's okay."
Then send the text on the spot. While they're standing right there. They can tap it immediately. Most will.
Texting the Link
People actually read their texts. Keep it short.
Right after the job:
Hi [Name], it was great working with you today. If you have 60 seconds, a Google review would help our business: [link]. Thanks so much.
If you didn't meet them:
Hi, this is [Name] from [Business]. We completed [service] for you recently. Hope everything is working great. If you'd leave us a quick Google review, it means a lot: [link]. No pressure, and thanks for choosing us.
Following up (do this once, then stop):
Hey [Name], just wanted to check in and make sure everything is still going well with [service/product]. If you get a chance, that Google review link is still [link]. Thanks.
Email as a Backup
Skip email unless you have to. Text gets read first. Email is for B2B clients or when you don't have a phone number.
Subject: A quick favor - 60-second Google review?
Hi [Name],
It was great working with you on [project/service]. I hope everything is going smoothly.
If you're happy with how things went, we'd be grateful if you left us a Google review. It takes about 60 seconds and makes a real difference for our business: [link]
No pressure at all, and thanks again for choosing [Business Name].
[Your name]
Finding Your Review Link
You need the exact short link from Google. Don't make customers search for your business.
- Go to business.google.com
- Select your profile
- Click "Get more reviews" or "Share review form"
- Copy the short link
Save this in the notes app on your phone. You'll be sending it constantly.
Google's Rules
Google does have actual rules here. Ignore them and your reviews get deleted.
Don't ask for a positive review specifically. Just ask for a review.
Don't offer discounts for reviews. It costs you money and violates policy.
Don't tell them what to write. Scripted reviews sound fake and customers can spot them instantly. Let them use their own words.
Software Makes It Consistent
Manual requests fail because you get busy. If you use a CRM or field service software, check if it handles automated review requests. Jobber, ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, and others have this built in or as an add-on.
A basic automation that sends a text two hours after a job finishes will beat your manual efforts every time. Not because it's smarter. Because it actually happens.
For the full review-building system, see How to Get More Google Reviews.