How to Ask for Reviews—Without the Awkwardness
Here’s how to make asking for reviews feel natural, easy, and effective.
1. Ask When the Moment Feels Right
The best time to ask is when someone expresses appreciation. For example, if a customer says, “Thanks, that was really helpful,” you can respond with:
“I’m so glad! If you’re open to it, would you mind sharing that in a quick Google review? It really helps others know what to expect.”
This approach works well in person, over the phone, or via text.
2. Make It Easy to Leave a Review
Provide a direct link to your review platform (like Google or Facebook) so customers can leave a review with just one click. You can include this link in:
Email signatures
Text messages
Thank-you pages
Receipts
For example, in a follow-up email:
“Thanks again for your visit! If you have a moment, we’d love your feedback: [Review Link]”
3. Use Templates to Save Time
Having a few go-to templates can streamline the process. Here are some examples:
Email Template:
“Hi [Name],
It was great working with you! If you have a moment, we’d appreciate your feedback on [Platform]: [Review Link]
Thank you!”
Text Message Template:
“Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business Name]! We’d love to hear your thoughts: [Review Link]”
4. Share Positive Reviews on Social Media
Highlighting positive reviews on your social media platforms not only showcases customer satisfaction but also encourages others to share their experiences. For instance, you can post a recent review with a caption like:
“We love hearing from our customers! Thanks for the kind words, [Customer Name]! If you’ve had a great experience with us, share it here: [Review Link]”
5. Be Genuine and Respectful
Always ask politely and thank customers in advance for their time. Avoid offering incentives for reviews, as this can violate the terms of many review platforms and may lead to less authentic feedback. Instead, focus on the value their review brings to your business and future customers.
Final Thoughts
Asking for reviews doesn’t have to be daunting. By making it a natural part of your customer interactions and providing easy ways for customers to leave feedback, you can build a strong online reputation that attracts new business. Remember, every positive interaction is an opportunity for a review—even if no money changed hands.
If you need assistance setting up review links, crafting templates, or integrating review requests into your customer communications, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you make the most of your customer relationships.
