The anatomy of a good ask
A good request is short, personal and easy to act on. It thanks the customer by name, mentions the job, gives a direct link, and says that honest feedback is welcome. It does not offer a reward or demand a particular rating.
Create your direct review link from the profile dashboard and test it on a phone before using it. A link that opens to a login problem will kill your response rate.
Text message example
Texts work well for field services. Try something like: Hi Maria, thanks for choosing us for the water heater swap today. If you have a minute, we would value an honest review here, with your link. It helps neighbors find us. Thank you.
Send it within a day, while the experience is fresh. Keep it to two or three sentences, and send from a number the customer recognizes. Respect any text consent rules that apply to your business, and get legal advice if unsure.
Email and invoice wording
For email, use a clear subject such as How did we do, Maria. In the body, add one line about the work, one line asking, and the link on its own line. Avoid images and heavy formatting, which can land in spam folders.
On an invoice or receipt, a single line works: Enjoyed working with us? A review helps others find us, link below. Add a small QR code that points to the same link for printed paperwork.
In person and with signs
A spoken ask is often the strongest. At the end of a visit, say something like: if you were happy, would you mind sharing that online? I will text you the link. Then actually send it right away, while you are standing there.
Counter cards and door hangers with a QR code are useful for shops and restaurants. Keep the message modest and avoid pressure.
What to avoid
Do not pay for reviews, trade discounts for them, or write them on a customer's behalf. Do not ask only happy customers and skip the rest, a practice known as gating, which Google discourages. Never ask staff and family to post reviews as customers.
Do not send repeated reminders more than once. A single gentle follow-up after a week is plenty.
Record how many requests you send and how many reviews follow, by channel. After a month you will see whether texts beat emails for your customers. Adjust the wording and timing, test one change at a time, and keep the version that earns the most honest replies.
Handling replies and silence
When a customer answers your request with a complaint instead of a review, thank them and fix the issue. Do not then ask them to post anything. The point is to give everyone the same easy chance, not to steer.
When there is no response, leave it. One reminder after about a week is acceptable for people who said they would do it. After that, let it go. Constant nudging damages the relationship that earned the review.
Teach the whole team the same wording so that customers hear a consistent, friendly request. Role-play the in-person ask once, since many owners feel awkward and rush it. A calm, unforced sentence works far better than a script that sounds rehearsed. Keep a screenshot folder of new reviews to share with staff, because recognition from customers keeps people motivated to deliver good service.
Common questions
Is it okay to ask every customer?
Yes, provided every customer gets the same invitation and unhappy ones are not screened out. Consistency keeps you within platform rules.
How soon should I send the request?
Within a day or two of finishing the job is usual. The memory is fresh and the customer is more likely to respond.
This guide is general information. Search engines change how they work and their guidelines; check Google's current documentation for your situation. Nobody can guarantee a ranking.