Want to earn more Google reviews, boost your visibility on search, and build credibility with future customers?
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A smarter way to collect reviews from customers

This guide gives you everything you need - best-practice strategies, timing tips, message templates, and examples tailored to eCommerce, service-based businesses, and SaaS platforms.

Whether you're looking to grow your brand or increase conversions, the right Google review request strategy will turn happy customers into advocates.

Why Google Reviews Matter

Google Reviews are public, user-generated ratings and written feedback left by customers directly on your Google Business Profile. 

Google reviews show up on your Google Business Profile - in Maps, search, and the Local Pack. These reviews typically include:

  • A star rating (1–5)
  • Text feedback
  • Optional photos
  • Timestamps and user profiles
An example of Google Review

They directly influence:

  • Local SEO performance
  • Trust signals in the buyer journey
  • Conversion rates

If your goal is to get more Google reviews, you’ll first want to implement a strategy that involves asking customers at multiple touchpoints.

It’s also important to ask for the right type of reviews – the ones which will have the greatest influence on your customers. From text to video, different forms of feedback come with different benefits.

So, before you start asking for feedback, get to grips with different formats, consider what impact do reviews have on purchasing decisions, and choose the right fit for your company.  

Benefits of Google Reviews?

Google reviews are powerful trust indicators, and as you start collecting more of them, you’ll see a number of benefits for your business.

Here’s how Google reviews can help your business grow:

1. Boost Trust With Social Proof

Positive reviews from real customers enhance credibility. A steady stream of high-quality feedback reassures new visitors and boosts purchase confidence.

Did you know? 

54% of consumers say star rating is the most important review factor!

2. Improve Local SEO and Search Visibility

Google prioritizes businesses with a strong review footprint. Benefits include:

3. Increase Conversions and Revenue

More reviews = more sales. Reviews influence 9 out of 10 consumers and can drive return purchases, especially when paired with timely responses.

46% of consumers consider the number of reviews critical when researching a business!

Who Should You Ask for Google Reviews?

Not all customers are equally likely to leave a positive review. Start with your:

  • Repeat buyers
  • Referral customers
  • Highly engaged followers

These customers are already invested in your brand and more likely to leave meaningful, high-quality feedback. As your strategy matures, you can scale review requests to all customers using automation tools.

And remember: don’t fear the occasional negative review. When handled well, it adds authenticity and gives you a chance to demonstrate great customer service. Tools like REVIEWS.io’s Reply With AI make it easier to respond professionally and in-brand.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing your review request is critical to getting more responses.

Business Type Best Time to Ask
eCommerce 7–10 days post-delivery
Service Immediately after successful completion
SaaS After onboarding milestones or product success moments

Pro Tip: Look for "delight moments" - times when the customer is happy and likely to recommend your business.

We break this down further, including specific email triggers and campaign examples, in our review timing guide.

How to Ask for Reviews: Best Practices

Email is a great method for review collection. It’s convenient for the customer, it’s not pushy or aggressive, and the whole process can be automated, saving you time and money.

How do I ask people for reviews? Here’s how to get it right:

1. Personalize Every Request

Use the customer's name, product, or service details to make it feel human. Automated platforms like REVIEWS.io can help personalize at scale.

2. Keep It Simple

Include a direct review link and a clear CTA - no hoops, no hunting.

3. Use Gentle Follow-Ups

Send one or two reminder messages spaced out over a few days.

4. Show Appreciation

Thank customers for their feedback - even before they leave it. Consider a loyalty boost via platforms like Influence (stay compliant with Google’s review policies).

Review Request Templates

Not sure how to ask? Use these copy-paste Google review message examples.

How to Ask for a Review by Email

Hi [FIRST NAME],
Thanks for your recent order of [PRODUCT NAME]!

We’d love your feedback. Could you leave us a quick Google review? It only takes a minute.

[REVIEW BUTTON / LINK]

Got questions? Call us at [NUMBER].

Thanks again,
The [BRAND NAME] Team

If you want help with layout and design, we’ve done the leg work and created a review request email example guide. Simply download and edit to suit your brand's guidelines.

You can also use REVIEWS.io to auto-generate personalized email templates based on your website content, making it even easier to create high-converting requests.

How to Ask for a Review by SMS/Text Message

When asking for feedback via SMS, ensure the message is concise and to the point. Long messages might be ignored or considered spam. Try something like:

Hi [Customer Name], thanks for choosing [Brand]! Could you leave a quick review? [Link]

How to Ask for Reviews on Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms provide an excellent opportunity to connect with your audience and request Google reviews, use quotes, UGC, or visuals.

Whether you're making a public post or sending a private message, include a direct link to simplify the review process. You can try:

“We love hearing from customers like [Name]!” If you’ve had a great experience, leave us a review: [Link]

How to Ask for a Review In Person

The ideal moment for asking for reviews in person is when the customer is happy and has just finished a positive interaction with your business. After a great service or sale, say:

“We’d love your feedback on Google. Can I show you the link or QR code?”

Tools to Manage Reviews

Don’t stop at collecting reviews - manage and respond to them. Tools like REVIEWS.io help you:

  • Automate multichannel review requests
  • Monitor and reply to reviews with AI
  • Sync feedback to your Google Business Profile
  • Showcase reviews on-site and across social

As a Google Licensed Review Partner, all reviews collected via REVIEWS.io are eligible for Google syndication.

Google Review Request Strategy Checklist

Google Review Request Checklist

  • Have you identified your best-fit customers to ask for reviews?
  • Are your review requests timed around key satisfaction moments?
  • Are you using multiple channels (email, SMS, social) with direct links?
  • Have you automated and personalized requests with a tool like REVIEWS.io?
  • Are you actively responding to reviews to show appreciation?
  • Do you showcase top reviews across your website or product pages?
  • Are you tracking review performance and sentiment over time?

Put Your Strategy Into Action

Getting Google reviews isn’t just about asking - it’s about asking the right people, at the right time, in the right way.

With a smart, repeatable strategy in place, your reviews will grow - and so will your trust, visibility, and conversions.

Want to boost your Google review count with ease? We’re a Google Licensed Review partner, so all feedback collected through REVIEWS.io can be shared with your Google profile. 

Book a demo with REVIEWS.io today to start collecting more Google reviews, build trust with future customers, and stand out in search results - automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Is it okay to ask for Google reviews?

Yes. Google encourages it, as long as it’s not manipulative or incentivized inappropriately.

Can I ask for a 5-star review?

No - you can ask for honest feedback, but not for a specific rating.

How do I encourage more reviews?

Make the process easy, personal, and timely. Direct links help a lot.

Can I delete bad reviews?

Only if they violate Google’s policies (e.g. spam, hate speech). Otherwise, respond professionally.

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