Most happy customers will leave a Google review if you ask at the right moment and make it take thirty seconds. Most never do, because nobody asked.
Know the rules first
Google has clear rules about reviews. Breaking them can get reviews removed or your profile restricted. In short:
- You can ask customers for reviews.
- You cannot offer anything in return: no discounts, gifts or entries into a draw.
- You cannot ask only the happy customers, or steer unhappy ones away from reviewing.
- You cannot write reviews yourself or ask staff to review the business.
Check Google's own review policy for the full details, since it is updated from time to time.
Get your review link
In your Google Business Profile, look for the option to ask for reviews or share a review form. It gives you a direct link that opens the review box. Save it somewhere you can paste it quickly.
You can also turn the link into a QR code for your counter, receipts or invoices.
Ask at the right moment
The best moment is just after a good experience. The job is done, the order arrived, the customer thanked you. Ask within a day or two, while the feeling is fresh.
Ask everyone in the same way, at the same point. That keeps you inside the rules and builds the habit.
Template: by email
Subject: A quick favour, if you have 30 seconds
Hi Elena,
Thank you again for choosing us for your kitchen. I hope you are enjoying it.
If you have a moment, would you share your experience on Google? It helps other people in the area decide, and it means a lot to a small business like ours.
Here is the direct link: [your review link]
Thank you, Rami
Template: by text message
Hi Elena, thanks again for having us this week. If you have 30 seconds, an honest Google review would really help us: [your review link]. Rami from Northside Kitchens
Template: in person
Asking face to face often works best, then sending the link the same day.
"I am really glad you are happy with it. Would you mind leaving us a Google review? I will text you the link now, it takes about thirty seconds."
Make it easy
- Send the direct link, not "find us on Google".
- Ask for an honest review, not a five-star one.
- Send one reminder at most, a few days later.
- Thank everyone who reviews, in your reply on Google.
Reply to every review
Replies show future customers that a real person is listening. Thank people for good reviews by name. For the hard ones, there is a guide to replying to a negative review.
Reviews and a clear Google Business Profile description work together. One tells people what you do, the other proves you do it well. Testimonials for your own website are a separate ask, covered in how to ask for a testimonial.