A good review request message is short, personal, and direct. Replace [Name] with the customer's first name and [YOUR REVIEW LINK] with your Google review link. If you use SendAReview, this is all handled automatically.

Quick tip: Do not ask for a "5-star" review or any specific rating. Google's policies prohibit directing customers toward a particular score. Simply ask for an honest review.

SMS and Text Message Templates

Text message has the highest open rate of any channel. Keep SMS templates under 300 characters when possible, and always use the customer's name.

Short and direct SMS
Hi [Name], thanks for the work today. If you have a minute, a Google review would really help us out. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thank you!
Warm and personal SMS
Hi [Name], it was great working with you today. Would you be willing to leave us a Google review? It really helps small businesses like ours. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks!
Same-day follow-up SMS
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Business Name]. Just wanted to say thanks again for today. If you get a chance, we'd love a quick Google review. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]
Next-day follow-up SMS
Hi [Name], hope everything is still looking good after yesterday. If you have a moment, could you leave us a Google review? It goes a long way for us. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks a lot!
Very brief SMS
Hi [Name], quick favor: could you leave us a Google review? Takes 2 minutes and helps us a lot. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks!

Follow-Up Templates

Most reviews come from the second or third message, not the first. When a customer does not respond to your initial request, they are not saying no. They read it, meant to do it, and forgot. Two follow-ups spaced 3 to 5 days apart significantly increases how many reviews you actually get. Stop after three total messages.
First follow-up (Day 3 to 5) SMS
Hi [Name], just following up on my earlier message. Did you get a chance to leave us a Google review? [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. No pressure either way, just appreciate you!
Second and final follow-up (Day 7 to 10) SMS
Hi [Name], last message on this. We would really appreciate a Google review if you have 2 minutes. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks so much for your business!
Tracking follow-ups gets complicated fast. After a few weeks of consistent requesting, it is hard to remember who you sent to, who reviewed, and who needs a nudge. SendAReview's activity log tracks every send, shows reviewed vs. not reviewed, and flags customers who are overdue for a follow-up. You always know exactly who to message next.

Email Templates

Email works well for follow-ups or for customers who prefer it over text. Include a clear subject line and keep the body short. One link, one ask.

Standard email Email
Subject: A quick favor, [Name] Hi [Name], Thanks for choosing us for your recent [service type]. It was a pleasure working with you. If you have a couple of minutes, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a Google review. It helps other customers find us and means a lot to our small business. [YOUR REVIEW LINK] Thank you, [Your Name] [Business Name]
Short email Email
Subject: Thank you, [Name] Hi [Name], Thank you for your business! If you have a moment, a Google review would really help us out. [YOUR REVIEW LINK] Thanks again, [Your Name]
Follow-up email Email
Subject: Still thinking of you, [Name] Hi [Name], Just checking in after your recent service. We hope everything is working well. If you have a minute, we'd love it if you left us a Google review. It only takes a couple of minutes and really helps our business. [YOUR REVIEW LINK] Thanks so much, [Your Name] [Business Name]

Templates by Trade

These templates are written for specific service types. The trade-specific detail makes the message feel less generic and gets a better response.

Plumber →
Hi [Name], thanks for calling us in for the [repair/install] today. If you have a minute, a Google review would mean a lot to us. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks!
Hi [Name], glad we could get that sorted for you. If everything looks good, could you leave us a Google review? It really helps customers find a plumber they can trust. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]
Electrician →
Hi [Name], thanks for trusting us with your electrical work today. If you're happy with how it went, a Google review would really help us out. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks!
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Business Name]. Hope the work is holding up well. Would you be willing to leave us a quick Google review? [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Really appreciate it!
HVAC →
Hi [Name], glad we could get your [AC/heat/unit] running again. If you have a second, a Google review would go a long way for us. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks a lot!
Hi [Name], thanks for calling [Business Name]. If everything's comfortable, we'd love a Google review from you. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Really helps us out!
Cleaning Service →
Hi [Name], so glad you're happy with the clean today! If you have a moment, would you leave us a Google review? It helps other homeowners find us. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thank you!
Hi [Name], thanks for booking with us. If the house is looking good, a quick Google review would mean a lot to our team. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks!
Roofer →
Hi [Name], thanks for the job today. We hope the roof is exactly what you needed. If you're happy with the work, a Google review would really help us out. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Thanks!
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Business Name]. Just following up on the roofing work. If everything looks good up there, we'd love a Google review. [YOUR REVIEW LINK]. Really appreciate it.

Tips for Better Response Rates

  • Send it the same day. Ideally within an hour of finishing the job. Response rates drop fast after 24 hours.
  • Use the customer's first name. Even a simple "Hi Sarah" vs "Hi there" makes a measurable difference in response rate.
  • Use a direct review link. Do not send customers to your homepage or Google profile. Link directly to the review form.
  • Send up to two follow-ups. Most reviews come from the second or third message, not the first. Space follow-ups 3 to 5 days apart. After three total messages, move on.
  • Send from a number they know. If the customer has your number saved, they are far more likely to respond than if it looks like a spam text.
  • Do not ask for a specific rating. Ask for an honest review. Asking for "5 stars" violates Google's policies and can get reviews removed.
Skip the copy-paste entirely. SendAReview pre-writes and personalizes these messages for you. Enter a customer's name and number after each job and the message is ready in your SMS or email app. Free, no app download required. Try it free.

For more detail on timing and strategy, see our guide: How to Ask Customers for Google Reviews.