# How to Ask Customers for Reviews (The Right Way)

Ask every customer right after a good experience, make it easy with a direct review link, and keep the request short. Never pay, discount or reward people.

Source page: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/small-business-guides/marketing/request-customer-reviews/
Updated: October 6, 2026

Ask every customer right after a good experience, make it easy with a direct review link, and keep the request short. Never pay, discount or reward people for reviews, never ask only happy customers through a filter, and never write fake reviews; both Google and the FTC prohibit these practices.

## A simple routine

- Get your review link from your Google Business Profile.
- Ask in person at the end of the job.
- Follow up by text or email the same day with the link.
- Thank everyone who leaves a review.

## Message you can copy

"Thanks for choosing us today. If you have a minute, a quick Google review helps other people find us: [your link]. Thank you!"

More templates in the review request templates.

## Do not do this

- Offer discounts, gifts or entries in exchange for reviews
- Ask employees or family to post reviews
- Send only satisfied customers to Google and others elsewhere ("review gating")
- Post reviews written by you

## Worked example

A landscaping company adds a review step to its routine: after the first month of service and after each install, the owner sends a short text thanking the client and including the direct review link. He never offers discounts for reviews and asks every client, not only those he thinks are happy. The number of reviews grows steadily, with clients describing specific work, which helps neighbors decide.

## Common mistakes

- Offering rewards for reviews
- Asking only happy customers
- Posting reviews on behalf of customers
- Sending repeated reminders

## When to ask by industry

Contractors: after final walkthrough. Salons: when the client sees the result. Restaurants: with the receipt or follow-up email. Service plans: after the first month.

## Making it routine

Put review requests in your process checklist so they happen every time: after job completion, checkout or delivery. Track monthly how many requests were sent and how many reviews arrived, and adjust the timing or wording if few respond.

## Common questions

### Can I offer a discount for a review?

No. Google prohibits incentives for reviews and the FTC treats incentivized or fake reviews as deceptive.

### Is it okay to ask every customer?

Yes. Asking all customers is the recommended approach.

### How do I get my review link?

Your Google Business Profile provides a share link for reviews.

### Should staff ask in person?

A personal ask followed by a text link works well.

### What if a customer says they'll review but doesn't?

A single friendly reminder is fine; don't pressure them.

### Can I ask for reviews on Facebook too?

Yes, following each platform's rules; focus on where customers look most.

### Should I ask for reviews by email or text?

Use whichever the customer prefers; text often gets faster responses.

## Sources

- Google Business Profile Help: Tips to get more reviews: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122
- FTC: Endorsements, influencers and reviews: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/advertising-marketing/endorsements-influencers-reviews
- FTC: Endorsement Guides, what people are asking: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking

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