- In BrightLocal's 2026 survey, 97% of consumers read reviews for local businesses, and 74% look for ones written in the last three months.
- Ask every customer, right after you've delivered, with a direct link.
- Never offer a reward for a review. Google prohibits it.
- Reply to every review. In the same survey, 89% of consumers expect it.
Good businesses with few reviews usually have the same problem: nobody asks. Happy customers mean to leave a review and forget. Here is a simple way to ask that takes seconds and follows the rules.
Why it's worth the effort
BrightLocal's 2026 survey of 1,002 US adults found that 97% read reviews for local businesses, 68% will only use a business with four or more stars, and 74% look for reviews written in the last three months. A strong rating from two years ago doesn't do the job. You need a steady flow.
When to ask
Right after you've delivered: the job is finished, the customer has said thanks, the invoice is paid. The longer you wait, the fewer people follow through.
How to ask
- Get your direct review link. Open your Google Business Profile and choose the option to ask for reviews. You'll get a link and a QR code that open the review box directly.
- Ask in person first, if you can. "Would you mind leaving us a quick review? I'll send you the link."
- Send the link. By text or email, so it opens in one tap.
- Send one reminder. A few days later. Then stop.
Templates you can copy
- Text: "Hi [Name], it's [You] from [Business]. Thanks for choosing us today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review would mean a lot to a small business like ours: [link]"
- Email: "Subject: How did we do? Hi [Name], thank you for choosing [Business]. Reviews help other people nearby decide who to trust, and they help us improve. If you can spare a minute, here's the link: [link]. Thank you, [You]"
- Reminder: "Hi [Name], just a nudge in case it slipped by. Here's that review link again: [link]. Either way, thanks again for your business."
The rules
- No rewards. Google's guidance is direct: offering incentives such as free or discounted goods or services in exchange for reviews is prohibited.
- Ask everyone. Asking only the customers you expect to be positive goes against Google's policies. A mix of feedback also reads as more trustworthy.
- No fake reviews. Not from staff, friends, or paid services. The FTC's rule on reviews bans fake reviews, buying positive or negative reviews, and undisclosed insider reviews.
- Check each platform. Review sites have their own rules about asking, so read them before you send requests.
How to reply
In the same survey, 89% of consumers said they expect owners to respond. Keep replies short and specific.
- To a good review: "Thanks, [Name]. Glad we could get the AC running before the weekend. We appreciate you taking the time." Or, for a salon: "Thanks, [Name]. Glad the new cut worked out. See you next time."
- To a bad review: "I'm sorry we fell short, [Name]. This isn't the experience we aim for. I'd like to make it right. Please call me directly at [number]. [Your name], owner."
Don't argue in public, and don't share details about the customer's order, visit, or job. The reply is really for the next person reading.
