How to ask for Google reviews without it feeling awkward
Most happy customers would gladly leave a review. They just never think of it, and asking feels awkward. The trick is to ask at the right moment, with one tap to the right place, in words that sound like you.
It matters: Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking. And customers read them before they call.
Four moments to ask
- 1
Right after the job
They are happiest the moment the problem is solved or the order arrives.
- 2
When they say thank you
A compliment is an open door. "Would you mind saying that on Google?"
- 3
On the invoice or receipt
One line and a QR code. No extra effort for anyone.
- 4
Under every email you send
A small button in your email signature asks for you, every day.
Three ways to say it
Hi Lerato, thanks again for choosing us today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review would really help a small business like ours: [your review link]. Thank you!
Hi James, it was a pleasure helping you this week. Would you share how it went? It takes about a minute: [your review link]. Your words help other people in the area find us.
"I'm so glad you're happy with it. We're a small team and Google reviews make a big difference to us. Can I send you the link?"
Names are examples. Change the words so they sound like you.
What makes it work, and what to avoid
Do
- Send the direct link to your review page, so they never have to search for you
- Ask everyone, not only the customers you think are happy
- Ask once, and remind once a few days later. Never more
- Reply to every review that comes in, so people can see you read them
Don't
- Offering a discount, gift or prize in return for a review
- Asking only happy customers and steering unhappy ones away
- Writing reviews yourself, or asking staff and family to
- Asking for 5 stars. Ask for honest feedback
Most of the don'ts break Google's rules, not just good manners: see Google's review content policy.
Make asking automatic
Asking is easy once. Asking every customer, every week, is where it slips. Witty Worx gives you your own review page and link, a QR poster for the counter, a WhatsApp or text ask from your own phone, an email and one reminder to every customer you mark Won, and a review button in every email signature on your team. When a customer you asked leaves a review, Witty sends your thank-you the next morning.