How to ask for a Google review without sounding pushy

Who it's for: owners who do good work but feel awkward asking for reviews.
Time needed: 15 minutes to set up. About a minute per customer after that.
You'll need: access to your Google Business Profile and your phone.

Our Google Review Guide

Step 2. Pick the happiest moment

• the job's finished and they've said thanks

• they've paid and signed off

• they've sent a nice text or email

Don't wait weeks. The longer you leave it, the less likely they'll get round to it.

Step 3. Ask in one line

"Glad you're happy with it. Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I'll text you the link so it's easy."

If they say no, say "No worries" and move on.

Step 1. Get your review link

Leave it a few hours so you don't reply angry, but reply within a couple of days. Silence looks like you don't care.

Step 5. Make it easy and say thanks

• Put the QR code on your invoice, quote template or business card.

• Add the link to your email signature: "Happy with our work? Leave us a review."

• Reply to every review, good or bad. See guide R2, Responding to a bad review.

Step 4. Send the link the same day

Text:

Hi [name], thanks again for having us today. If you've got a minute, a Google review really helps a small local business like ours: [link]. Cheers, [your name], [business]

Email:

Subject: Thanks from [business]

Hi [name], thanks for choosing us for [the job]. We'd really appreciate a quick Google review. It helps other locals find us. [link]

Thanks again, [your name]

Example: George's doorstep habit

Google's review policy (Prohibited and restricted content) says businesses must not:

• offer anything in return for a review (a discount, a gift, entry into a draw)

• ask only happy customers, or discourage bad reviews

• pressure people to review on the spot, or tell them what to write (so don't ask for "5 stars" or for a staff member's name)

• set staff a target number of reviews

Breaking these rules can get reviews removed and limits put on your profile (Google). Don't post reviews from family, staff or friends either.

How to check it's working

• Note your review count today and check it monthly.

• Asking plenty but few reviews? Send the link sooner.

• Ask new callers how they found you.

Want us to do it for you?

Our Local Lead Kit sets up your review request templates (email, text and a QR card), tidies your Google profile and lists you on up to 15 NZ directories. $895 +GST a month. See the Maintenance Plan

Part of the Local Trust Score guides from Buzz Marketing.
Check your score: Local Trust Score quiz

Example: George's doorstep habit

George runs a two-ute plumbing business and only asked for reviews when he remembered. He saved his link as a text shortcut and now asks at the end of every call-out. New reviews arrive most weeks, and callers mention them.

The rule: Every, Easy, Early

1. Every customer, not just the ones you think will give 5 stars.

2. Easy: one tap from a text, email or QR code.

3. Early: the same day, while the job is fresh.

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