In this guide
Key takeaways
- The tech plants the seed on site, the text does the asking. Nobody hands over a phone or stands there waiting.
- Send the link the same day, right after the job is done and paid, while the customer still remembers the tech’s name.
- One reminder a few days later, then stop. More than that starts to feel like a collections call.
- Ask every customer the same way. No discounts, no raffles, no asking them to mention a tech by name.
- Get permission to text at booking, and ask your texting provider what their rules require.
What should my tech say to ask for a review on site?
Most happy customers will never think to review you on their own. The unhappy ones don't need a reminder. That's why Google's own tips for getting more reviews start with reminding customers and handing them a link or QR code.
On site, the tech's job is not to get the review. It's to tell the customer a link is coming and that it matters to a small crew. One sentence, said once, while packing up. The text does the rest.
"You're all set. You'll get a text from us in a bit with your receipt and a link to leave a Google review. If you get a minute later, it really helps us out."
It tells them what to expect, so the text is not a surprise. And "later" takes all the pressure off.
"Glad we could help. If you ever feel like telling people about it, a Google review is the best thanks a small crew can get. The link's in the text we send."
A customer who just thanked you is primed. The tech only has to point them to the link.
"Hi [Name], it's [Your name] from [Business]. Just calling to make sure the [service] is holding up. ... Glad to hear it. I'll text you a link in case you'd like to leave us a Google review. Thanks again."
Works for jobs where nobody was home. Check the work first, ask second.
Do
- Ask after the work is done and the customer has checked it
- Say a link is coming by text, then let it go
- Use the same words with every customer
- Keep it to one sentence
Don't
- Hand them your phone or a tablet and wait
- Ask them to "mention Mike" in the review
- Ask for five stars, or any number of stars
- Ask before the job is finished or paid
What do I text a customer to ask for a Google review?
Text wins for the trades. Homeowners read texts, the link is one tap, and it lands while the job is fresh. Keep it under three lines, name the person they met, and put the link last. Swap the [bracketed] bits.
Hi [Name], it's [Tech] from [Business]. Thanks for having us out today for the [service]. If you have a minute, a Google review helps a small local crew like ours a lot: [review link]
Coming from the tech they just met, it reads like a person, not a marketing blast.
Thanks for your payment, [Name]. Your receipt is in your email. One quick favor: would you tell your neighbors how the [service] went? Here's our Google review link: [review link]
[Your name], [Business]
Payment is the real end of the job. Asking now means no awkward second message later.
Hi [Name], [Business] here. We've been looking after your [lawn/pool/pest service] for a while now and we appreciate you. Would you share your honest take on Google? [review link] See you [next visit].
Regulars are your easiest reviews and the ones most owners forget. Ask once, not every visit.
[Name], thanks again for trusting us with your new [system/roof/panel]. [Lead installer] and the crew enjoyed the project. Once you've lived with it a few days, an honest Google review would mean a lot: [review link]
People want to see a big purchase working first. Giving them time gets you a fuller review.
Two more you'll use every week:
Morning [Name], [Tech] from [Business]. Hope the house is back to normal after last night. When things settle down, we'd be grateful for a Google review: [review link]
Send it the next morning, not at 2am. Acknowledging the rough night shows you remember them.
Hi [Name], quick nudge from [Business]. If you didn't get a chance to leave that Google review, here's the link again: [review link]. No worries if not. Thanks for choosing us.
"No worries if not" is the easy out that keeps it friendly. After this one, stop.
When is the best time to ask for a review?
As close to "job done, customer happy" as you can get, during normal waking hours. The right moment depends on the kind of job more than the trade:
| Type of job | When to send it | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or service call | Same day, right after payment | The fix is fresh and the tech’s name is still on their mind. |
| Emergency or after-hours | The next morning | Nobody wants a review request at midnight with water on the floor. |
| Maintenance or tune-up | Same day, after the visit | Quick, low-stakes job. Easy yes. |
| Install or big project | After the final walkthrough, or a few days later | Let them use the new system or see the finished roof first. |
| Recurring route | After the 2nd or 3rd visit, then rarely | They need a couple of visits to judge you. Asking every week wears thin. |
| Commercial or net-terms | When the invoice is paid | The person paying the bill is often the one who reviews. |
- One reminder, a few days later. Life gets busy and the first text gets buried. A second nudge after that just reads as nagging.
- Daytime only. Send between breakfast and dinner. A 10pm text gets ignored or resented.
- Skip the ask if something went wrong. Fix the problem first. Ask once it is actually fixed.
What should a review request email say?
Email works best for commercial customers, property managers and anyone who books online and never gives a mobile number. Short subject, short body, one button or link.
Subject: How did we do, [Name]?
Hi [Name],
Thanks for choosing [Business] for your [service] on [day]. [Tech] said it was a pleasure working at your place.
If you have two minutes, would you leave us a Google review? It helps neighbors find a crew they can trust.
[Review button]
Thanks,
[Your name], [Business]
A question as the subject line gets opened. The body gives one reason to act and one place to click.
Subject: Your new [roof/system/patio]
Hi [Name],
It was a big project and we appreciate you trusting us with it. If anything needs a tweak, just reply to this email.
Once you've had a chance to enjoy it, we'd love an honest Google review: [review link]
[Your name], owner
Leading with "anything need a tweak?" gets problems to you first, and makes the ask feel earned.
Subject: Thanks for having us at [Property]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for calling us for the [service] at [Property]. If our crew made your week easier, a short Google review would help us a lot: [review link]
We're here whenever the next work order comes up.
[Your name], [Business]
Managers book a lot of trades. A review from one tells others like them you show up.
How do I get the link that opens my Google review form?
Google gives you one. Per its review link and QR code page:
- Open your profileSign in to the Google account that manages your Business Profile and search your business name on Google.
- Find the buttonSelect Read reviews, then Get more reviews.
- Copy the linkSelect Copy. Paste it into your text and email templates exactly as Google gives it. Don’t build one by hand.
- Save the QR codeRight-click the QR code and choose Save image as. Google says review QR codes can only be made on a computer browser for now, not on a phone.
- Test itText the link to yourself and tap it on your phone. Then open it in a private browser window. Customers who aren’t signed in to Google get asked to sign in before they can post.
Can't find the button, or need the code for a truck magnet? Paste your Google Maps link into our free review link and QR generator. The full walkthrough is in how to get your Google review link.
Where else should my review link go?
The text after the job does the heavy lifting. These keep the ask in front of customers without anyone on the crew saying a word:
| Spot | What to put there |
|---|---|
| Invoice or receipt | One line under the total: "Happy with the work? A Google review helps us a lot: [review link]" |
| Leave-behind card | A QR code and "Scan to review [Business] on Google." Great for routes: cleaning, lawn, pest, pool. |
| Email signature | A plain "Review us on Google" link under the office manager’s name. |
| Your website | A "Leave us a review" button on the thank-you page and in the footer, for customers who look you up again. |
| Truck or tablet | The QR code on the sign-off screen, so the customer sees it as the job closes. |
Make your link and QR code with the free review link generator. Same rule everywhere: the same ask for every customer, nothing offered in return.
What am I not allowed to do when asking for reviews?
Google's review content policy says you can ask for reviews that reflect a genuine experience. For a home-service crew, the rules boil down to this: ask every customer, not just the happy ones. Then:
- No incentives. No discount, gift card, raffle entry or free service in exchange for a review. Google says offering incentives for reviews is strictly prohibited, even for an honest review.
- No pressure on the premises. Google says merchants shouldn't require or pressure people to review while on the premises. For you, that's their driveway and their kitchen. Nobody stands over a customer while they type.
- No scripting the review. Don't ask for specific content, like your tech's name or a keyword. Google lists staff soliciting reviews that identify a staff member as prohibited.
- No reviews from your own people. Family, employees and friends of the business have a conflict of interest under the same policy.
Do I need permission to text customers for reviews?
Get it, every time. Texting rules depend on where you are and which provider sends your texts, and they change. We won't pretend to be your lawyer. What we can tell you is the practical setup most service businesses use:
- Booking form or call script asks: "Is it OK if we text you about this job?"
- The answer is saved on the customer record
- Every text names your business
- Anyone who replies STOP never gets another text
- Your texting provider has confirmed what registration it needs from you
Once reviews start coming in, answer them. Our guide on how to respond to Google reviews has replies for every kind. Want the bigger picture? See how to get more Google reviews.
Free downloadReview request scriptsEvery on-site line, text and email in this guide, plus versions for more trades, on one sheet for your office and your techs.Get the scripts