September 18, 2024
Menu
Keywords: how to ask for reviews, how to get more reviews for my business, how to request a google review (data from UK nationwide)
For Google, it ranks reviews sourced from your local area better.
Reviews are a crucial ranking factor on Google Local Services Ads and Google Business Profile (including Maps) and can put you at the top of search results. But more importantly, it builds trust with your potential customers and can give them the assurance they need to choose you over a competitor. A few positive words can be enough for a client to pick you over competition.
But in order to get those five stars or words of praise, you need to ask your customers for
reviews. This can feel awkward or self-serving, but the truth is that people generally love to share their opinions; they just need that extra nudge.
In this guide, we’ll explore various strategies for asking for Google reviews—whether in person, through chat, or via other methods. We’ll also provide practical templates and tips to ensure you’re making the task effectively and at the right time.
Table of Contents
● Why Google Reviews Matter
● Making Sure the Timing is Right
● How to Ask for Reviews In Person (Right After Service)
○ Using QR Codes for Convenience
● How to Ask for Google Reviews Through Chat
● Other Opportunities to Ask for Reviews
● Creative Ways to Encourage Google Reviews
Google reviews are a powerful tool for growing your business. They:
● Improve your search ranking on Google
● Increase customer trust and credibility
● Provide valuable feedback for improving your services
● Can lead to more bookings and inquiries
Before you even think about asking for a review, it’s essential to ensure that your customer is
fully satisfied with your service. A dissatisfied customer is unlikely to leave a positive review, and
asking too early could backfire. Here’s how to make sure your customer is happy:
1. Follow Up: After completing the job, check in with the customer to confirm everything is
working as expected.
2. Address Any Issues: If there are any concerns, resolve them promptly before asking
for a review.
3. Ask for Feedback: Sometimes, asking for general feedback can open the door to any
issues that need to be addressed, ensuring that your customer is completely satisfied.
Template for Following Up: “Hi [Customer Name], I wanted to check in and make sure
everything is perfect with the [service/product]. If there’s anything more we can do, please let us
know!”
When you’ve just finished a job and the customer is happy, that’s the ideal moment to ask for a review. You or your staff can ask personally. People are often more willing to leave a review for someone they’ve interacted with than for the business itself. The key is to be polite, express your appreciation, and make it easy for them to leave a review.
1. Ensure Satisfaction: Before asking, confirm that the customer is happy with the
service. A simple “Is everything to your satisfaction?” works well.
2. Be Appreciative: Thank them for choosing your business. A sincere “Thank you for
choosing us!” can set the right tone.
3. Request the Review: Politely ask if they would be willing to share their experience on
Google. Template: “I’m really glad you’re happy with the work! If you have a moment, could you leave us a quick review on Google? It helps us a lot, and we’d love to hear your feedback. I can send you a link to make it easy.”
● If you have the customer’s contact number or WhatsApp, you can send them the review
link directly after the service. This ensures they can leave a review at their convenience.
● Consider adding a QR code to your business card that links directly to your Google
review page. This makes it even easier for customers to leave a review on the spot.
One of the most effective ways to make it easy for customers to leave a review is by using a QR code. You can place this QR code on your business cards, invoices, or even on a small sign that you leave with the customer. When scanned, the QR code will take the customer directly to your Google review page.
Steps to Create a QR Code for Reviews:
1. Generate a Review Link: Use your Google Business Profile to create a direct link to
your review page.
2. Create a QR Code: Use a free online QR code generator and input your review link.
3. Distribute: Add the QR code to business cards, invoices, or any other customer-facing
materials.
Example Placement: “Thank you for your business! Please leave us a review by scanning the QR code below.”
Asking for a review through chat is convenient and often more comfortable for both you and the customer. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Steps to Ask via Chat:
1. Express Gratitude: Start the conversation by thanking the customer for their business.
2. Follow Up: Ensure everything is working as expected and ask if they need anything
else.
3. Request the Review: Mention how much you’d appreciate a review and provide the
direct link or QR code.
Template for Text or Email: “Hi [Customer Name], I hope you’re enjoying the [service/product]
we provided! If you’re happy with everything, we’d be grateful if you could share your
experience with us on Google. Here’s the link: [Insert Google Review Link]. Thank you for your
support!”
Template for WhatsApp or Other Messaging Apps: “Hi [Customer Name], thank you for
choosing [Your Business Name]! If you’re pleased with our service, would you mind leaving us a
review on Google? It only takes a moment, and it helps us a lot! [Insert Google Review Link]”
Beyond the immediate follow-up after a service, there are several other touchpoints where you can ask for a review:
1. At the End of a Project or Service Contract: If you’ve completed a long-term project or
service contract, the end of this period is an ideal time to ask for a review, as the
customer will have seen the full scope of your work.
Template:
“Thank you for trusting us with your [type of service/project]! If you were satisfied with
our work, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could share your experience in a Google
review. It helps us continue to improve and serve customers like you. Here’s the link:
[Insert Google Review Link]”
2. After a Follow-Up or Maintenance Visit: If you’ve returned to the customer’s location
for a follow-up or maintenance visit, use this opportunity to ask for a review, especially if
the customer is still satisfied with your service.
Template:
“It was great to check in and ensure everything is running smoothly. If you’ve been
happy with our service, would you mind leaving us a review on Google? It only takes a
moment, and we’d be very grateful! [Insert Google Review Link]”
3. After Receiving Positive Feedback: If a customer spontaneously gives you positive
feedback, that’s a perfect moment to ask for a review. They’ve already expressed their
satisfaction, so it’s just a matter of capturing it online.
Template:
“I’m so glad to hear that you’re happy with our work! If you have a moment, would you
mind sharing that feedback in a Google review? It really helps us out, and we’d love for
others to hear your experience. Here’s the link: [Insert Google Review Link]”
4. In Seasonal or Special Occasion Communications: If you send out seasonal
greetings, holiday cards, or special occasion emails to your customers, you can include
a gentle reminder to leave a review.
Template:
“As we approach the [holiday/season], we want to thank you for being a valued
customer. If you’ve enjoyed our services this year, please consider leaving us a review
on Google. It’s a small gesture that means a lot to us. [Insert Google Review Link]”
Beyond direct asks, there are other creative methods to encourage reviews:
1. Include Review Requests in Follow-Up Emails: After every service, send a follow-up
email thanking the customer and asking for a review.
2. Incentivize Reviews (Where Appropriate): While you can’t pay for reviews, offering a
small discount on the next service as a thank you for leaving a review can be a good
incentive.
3. Share Positive Reviews on Social Media: When a customer leaves a glowing review,
share it on your social media pages, and encourage others to leave their own.
Here’s the revised section with the added information, followed by the new section for “Other Opportunities to Ask for Reviews”:
Even with the best service, negative reviews can happen. The key is to handle them gracefully:
1. Respond Promptly: Always respond to negative reviews as soon as possible.
2. Be Professional: Keep your response professional and courteous, addressing the
customer’s concerns.
3. Offer to Resolve the Issue: If possible, offer to resolve the issue offline to turn a
negative experience into a positive one.
Template for Responding to Negative Reviews: “Thank you for your feedback, [Customer
Name]. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would like to make it right. Please
contact us at [your contact info] so we can resolve this issue.”
Asking for Google reviews doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By ensuring customer satisfaction, using polite and friendly language, and making it easy for customers to leave
reviews, you can build a strong online reputation. Use the templates and tips provided in this guide to ask confidently, and consider incorporating creative methods like QR codes to make the process even easier.
Building a strong foundation of positive Google reviews will help your business thrive, attracting more customers and establishing trust in your services. Happy reviewing!
Get Started with Google Guaranteed Today
Wilmington Services LTD
Company Number: 15632733