The easiest way to get more Google reviews is to ask, and to make asking take five seconds. A good Google review template does that: you copy it, change the name and send. Below are short text and email templates written for tradies, for straight after the job, a friendly reminder and past customers, plus how to ask in person and the few things Google doesn't allow.
- Ask the same day, ideally within an hour or two of finishing the job.
- Keep the message short, personal and include your direct review link.
- One polite reminder is fine. More than that starts to annoy people.
- Never offer anything for a review, and ask every customer, not only the ones you think are happy.
Before you start: get your review link
Every template here needs your direct Google review link, so the customer lands right on the review box. If you don't have it yet, read how to find your Google review link, or use our free Google review link generator.
In the templates, swap the parts in square brackets for your own details.
Text message templates
Texts get read. Most people open a text within minutes, which is why a text after the job usually works better than an email. Keep it short enough to fit in one SMS where you can.
Hi [Name], thanks for having us out today. If you're happy with the job, a quick Google review would really help us. It takes a minute: [link] Cheers, [Your name]
Hi [Name], glad you're happy with the new [hot water system / switchboard / deck]. Would you mind saying so on Google? It helps locals find us: [link] Thanks, [Your name]
Hi [Name], just a quick reminder in case you missed it. If you have a minute, we'd love a Google review: [link] No worries if not. [Your name]
Hi [Name], it's [Your name] from [Business]. We did your [job] in [month]. We're asking past customers for Google reviews and would really appreciate one if you were happy: [link] Thanks!
Email templates
Email suits office-based businesses, bigger jobs, or customers who'd rather not get texts. Put the link on a clear button or its own line, and keep the email short.
Subject: Thanks from [Business] Hi [Name], Thanks again for choosing us for your [job] in [suburb]. We hope everything's working well. If you were happy with the job, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps other locals find a tradie they can trust. [Leave a review: link] Thanks, [Your name] [Business] | [Phone]
Subject: A quick favour? Hi [Name], We did your [job] a while back and hope it's still going strong. We're a small local business and Google reviews make a big difference to us. If you have a minute, we'd really appreciate one: [Leave a review: link] Thanks for your support, [Your name]
When to send a review request
- The same day as the job, ideally within an hour or two of leaving
- After the customer has said they're happy, or after they've paid
- During the day or early evening, not late at night
- One reminder about 3 days later if they haven't left one
- For past customers, any time, but only once
How to ask for Google reviews in person
A quick word at the door makes the text far more likely to work. Keep it casual:
"Glad that's sorted for you. I'll send you a text with a link to Google. If you've got a minute to leave a review, it really helps a small business like ours."
That's it. You're not asking them to do it now, you're telling them a text is coming. When it arrives, they already know what it is.
What not to do
Google has clear rules about reviews. Break them and Google can remove reviews or restrict your profile.
• No incentives. Don't offer a discount, gift, prize draw or anything else for a review, even an honest one. • No review gating. Don't ask "how did we go?" first and only send happy customers to Google. Ask everyone the same way. • Don't write reviews for customers or ask staff, friends or family to review you. • Don't pester. One reminder is plenty.
Also, only text or email customers who have agreed to be contacted. Most customers who gave you their number for the job expect a follow-up, but if someone has asked you not to contact them, respect that.
For more ideas, read how to get more Google reviews. And once the reviews start coming in, here's how to respond to Google reviews.
Let ReviewRank send them for you
Templates help, but you still have to remember to send them at the end of a long day. ReviewRank is a phone app made in Adelaide for Australian tradies that sends your review requests for you.
- Job done text. After a job, tap Job done and add the customer's first name and mobile. They get a short, friendly text with a link straight to your Google review box. The short link keeps it to one SMS.
- Quiet hours. Texts at night wait until the morning.
- The 3-day reminder. One polite reminder 3 days later, skipped if they've already reviewed or replied STOP.
- Ask past customers. Paste a list of names and mobiles, one per line, and ask up to 20 at once. Anyone you asked in the last 90 days is skipped, so nobody gets asked twice.
Every customer is asked the same way, with no filters and no incentives, so you stay inside Google's rules.
Stop forgetting to ask for reviews
Tap Job done and ReviewRank texts your customer a link to your Google review box, then sends one polite reminder 3 days later.
ReviewRank is $29 a month with a 14-day free trial, includes 100 review-request texts a month, and you can cancel any time in the app. It also writes replies to your reviews and shows where you show up on Google Maps. No one can guarantee a position on Google, but steady, honest reviews help.
Frequently asked questions
Mention it at the end of the job, then send a short text the same day with your direct review link. Keep it personal and easy, and ask every customer the same way.
Get website tips by email
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Rhys builds and looks after every Reactive Web website himself, from Redwood Park in Adelaide, for local service businesses that want more calls, bookings and enquiries.
