How to Ask for a Google Review Without Feeling Awkward

Asking for a review feels awkward. It gets easier with a few lines ready and a link you can send in seconds. This guide gives you the right moment, the exact words, the text to send and where to find your link. It takes about 15 minutes to set up.

You need: a verified Google Business Profile.

Step 1. Get your review link

1. On a computer, go to business.google.com and open your profile.
2. Select Read reviews, then the share icon labeled Get more reviews.
3. Copy the link. Save it in your phone's notes, or as a text shortcut, so you can paste it in a few seconds.

You can also save the QR code from the same screen for a counter sign or a receipt. Google says QR codes can only be created on a computer. Their page is Create a Google link or QR code to request reviews. Menus change now and then, so look for the closest match if a button has a different name.

Step 2. Ask at the right time

Ask soon after the visit or the job, while it is fresh. A thank you, a smile, a finished job or a "that was great" are good moments. Waiting weeks means the moment has passed and the request feels random.

Make it a habit with every customer, not only the ones you expect to give five stars. Google's policy does not allow selectively asking only happy customers, or discouraging people from leaving a negative review.

Step 3. Say it out loud

You do not need a speech. Here are the words:

• Line one: "I'm glad that worked out. Would you share that on Google? It helps a lot."
• Line two: "If you have a minute, I can text you the link right now."
• Line three: "Thank you. It means a lot to us."

Then send the text.

Step 4. Send the text

Keep it short, and put the link right in it:

Thanks again today. Here is the link to leave a review: [your link]. We appreciate it.

The fewer steps between finishing with you and leaving a review, the more likely people are to follow through.

One rule

Never offer anything in exchange for a review. No discount, no free item, no entry in a drawing. Just ask, and let the answer be honest. Google says offering free or discounted goods or services for a review is prohibited. Honest reviews are worth more to the next customer reading them anyway.

Where to ask

• At the counter or the door, when someone thanks you.
• At the end of a job, before you pack up or drive away.
• In a text or email afterward, while the experience is fresh.
• On a small card or a line on the receipt, with the QR code, if you do not talk to customers face to face.

Track it

Each week, write down how many people you asked and how many reviews came in. After a month you will know which way of asking works best for your business.

After the review comes in

Reply. A short, warm reply tells the next reader that someone is paying attention, and it is how you thank the person who took the time. See How to Answer a Google Review, Good or Bad. For the whole system in one place, see How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Business.

Check your work

• You can find your review link in under a minute.
• You know the three lines by heart.
• You asked at least three customers this week.
• You did not offer anything in return.

If you would rather hand this off

Asking happens at your counter, so that part stays with you. The replies are what we take off your plate, in your business's own voice, and we never write or invent reviews. See our review response service, or get started.