Send a short, personal email soon after the job, with one direct link to your Google review page, and ask everyone you served the same way. Keep it to a few lines, sign it with your name, and don't offer anything in return for a review.
What a good review request email does
- It comes from you. Use the address your customer already knows, and write like you'd talk to them.
- It names the job. "Thanks for having us out to fix the furnace on Tuesday" says more than "Thanks for your business."
- It has one link. Point straight to your Google review page. Google lets you create a link or QR code for this from your Business Profile (Google's help page).
- It asks everyone the same way. Google doesn't allow businesses to "selectively solicit positive reviews from customers" (Google Maps content policy). Send the same request whether you think the job went perfectly or not.
- It doesn't ask for stars or particular words. Ask for an honest review. Google's policy says businesses shouldn't try to influence the rating or the content.
- It offers nothing in return. Payment, discounts or free goods or services in exchange for reviews break Google's rules, and Google can remove those reviews.
- It's easy to ignore politely. One gentle follow-up is fine. More than that starts to feel like pressure.
Template 1: right after the job
Subject: Thanks for having us out, [first name]
Hi [first name],
Thanks for having us out for [the job] today. If you have a minute, we'd really appreciate an honest review on Google. It can help other people in the area find us.
[Your Google review link]
If you'd rather not get emails like this, just reply and let me know.
Thanks again,
[Your name]
[Business name]
Template 2: a little more personal
Subject: How did we do, [first name]?
Hi [first name],
It was good to meet you on [day]. I hope [the new water heater / the fresh lawn / the repaired door] is doing its job.
We're a small business, so reviews from real customers matter a lot to us. If you're willing, you can leave one here:
[Your Google review link]
And if anything wasn't right, just reply to this email and tell me. I'd like the chance to fix it.
If you'd rather not get emails like this, just reply and let me know.
[Your name]
[Business name]
Template 3: one follow-up, a few days later
Subject: Re: Thanks for having us out, [first name]
Hi [first name],
Just a quick follow-up in case my last email got buried. If you have a moment, an honest Google review would mean a lot:
[Your Google review link]
No worries if not. Thanks again for choosing us.
If you'd rather not get emails like this, just reply and let me know.
[Your name]
[Business name]
You're responsible for following the email rules where you do business.
Things to avoid
- "If you were happy, please leave us a review." That asks only happy customers, which Google doesn't allow.
- "Please leave us 5 stars." Ask for an honest review instead.
- "Leave a review and get 10% off your next visit." Incentives aren't allowed.
- Sending a big batch to every old customer at once. Ask after each job, while it's fresh.
Where to find your Google review link
In your Business Profile, go to Read Reviews, then Get more reviews, and copy the link. Google's page Create a Google link or QR code to request reviews shows the steps. Paste that link into your template once and reuse it.
Rapid Feedback sends a short email from your own Gmail or Outlook address after you've helped a customer, asking how it went. Everyone you ask gets your Google review link. Start your 90-day free trial. No credit card.