Most happy customers never leave a review unless someone asks. Asking is allowed and expected. The way you ask decides whether the reviews stay up, so this page covers the ask, the link, the timing and the three mistakes that get reviews removed.
Write your requests free, in your browser
Every extra step costs responses. Use your direct review link, so the customer lands on the review box, not your listing. Review Reply Desk builds the link from your Google Place ID or accepts the g.page link from your Business Profile.
Within a day or two of the visit or job, at a calm moment: after the invoice is paid or the work is signed off, not mid-job. Add a line to receipts and invoices so customers who skip the message still have the link.
These are written by Review Reply Desk and the test suite recomputes them and runs them through the same checker, so they match what the tool writes today.
Hi Maria, thanks for choosing Luigi's Trattoria. Would you share your honest feedback? It takes a minute and helps others decide: https://g.page/r/your-business/review Reply STOP to opt out.
Subject: Your honest feedback on Luigi's Trattoria
Hi Maria,
Thanks for choosing Luigi's Trattoria. Whatever your experience was, a short honest review helps us improve and helps other people decide.
https://g.page/r/your-business/review
It takes about a minute. If something went wrong, the review is the place to say so and we will read it.
Thank you,
Luigi
How was your visit? Tell us honestly, good or bad: https://g.page/r/your-business/review
Only text people who gave you their number and agreed to hear from you, and always include a way to opt out. The rules differ by country and state; this page is general information, not legal advice.
Yes. Google encourages businesses to ask customers to leave reviews and lets you share a direct link to your review form. What is not allowed is offering something in return, asking only the customers you expect to be happy, or discouraging negative reviews.
Review gating means screening customers first, for example asking how their experience was and only sending the happy ones to the public review page. Google's policy prohibits selectively soliciting positive reviews, so send the same request to every customer.
No. Offering a discount, gift or entry into a draw in exchange for a review breaks Google's policy, and rules on bought reviews, such as the FTC's, point the same way. Say thank you instead. This is not legal advice.
Soon after the job or visit, while it is fresh, and at a moment the customer is not rushed: after the invoice is paid or the work is signed off. A text or email within a day or two works better than a request weeks later.
Open your Business Profile on Google, choose Ask for reviews, and copy the link, or use your Place ID with Google's write-review format. Paste either into Review Reply Desk and it builds the link for you.
Texting people without their agreement can break telephone and carrier rules in many places. Only text customers who gave you their number and agreed to be contacted, and include a way to opt out. Ask your own adviser what applies to you.