Guide for contractors
How to Ask for Google Reviews
Ask for the Google review at the end of the job, face to face, in one plain sentence. Then text your direct review link the same day, from your own phone. All the customer has to do is tap the link and write a couple of lines.
That’s the whole method. The hard part isn’t the words, it’s remembering to do it on every single job. Here it is step by step.
Updated October 2, 2026
The method in four steps
Pick the moment: wrap-up
The furnace is running, the panel is labeled, the leak is fixed and the customer has seen it. That’s when you’re freshest in their mind. Not three weeks later with the invoice.
Ask out loud
One sentence, no pressure. Tell them a link is coming so they expect it and know it’s from you.
Send the link the same day
By text, from your own number. First name, one line about the job, the link. No attachments, no essay.
Follow up once, then let it go
No click after a few days? One polite reminder. After that, move on.
What to say at the door
You don’t need a pitch. Say why it matters to you and what happens next:
“I’m going to text you a quick link. If you’ve got two minutes to leave a Google review on today’s job, it really helps. It’s how people around here find me.”
Shorter, for the customer who’s already halfway back inside:
“I’ll text you the link for a Google review. Even a line or two makes a difference. Thanks!”
What you don’t say: “give us five stars,” “if you were happy with everything,” or “I’ll knock something off if you leave a review.” Google prohibits incentives and selectively asking for positive reviews (Google’s policy). The same policy says not to pressure customers to write the review on the spot: you ask, they do it when they want.
The text to send afterward
Swap in [First name], [job], [link] and [Your name]. Get your direct link from our free Google review link generator.
Standard text
Hi [First name], thanks for having me out today for [job]. Here’s that link for a Google review, like I mentioned: [link] It really helps a small business. – [Your name]
Short text
Hi [First name], thanks again for today. Here’s the Google review link I mentioned: [link] [Your name]
More versions (email, WhatsApp, follow-up) are in the review request templates.
Mistakes that cost you reviews
- Waiting for the invoice. By then the customer has moved on.
- Sending your website or a Google Maps search instead of the direct review link. They have to hunt for the button, and they quit.
- Only asking the customers who seem thrilled. It breaks Google’s rules, and you miss the quiet customers who would have written something good.
- Following up three times. One reminder is a reminder. Three is nagging.
To stop relying on memory: Own Your Ratings writes the request with the customer’s name, opens it in your messaging app, then shows you who clicked and who to nudge.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to ask for a Google review?
At the end of the job, in person, then text the link the same day. That’s when the customer has the result right in front of them.
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. Google explicitly prohibits offering anything in exchange for a review: discounts, gift cards, free service (Google’s tips).
Should I ask every customer?
Yes. Asking only happy customers is against Google’s policy. Ask everyone, the same way.
What if I get a bad review?
Reply calmly, stick to the facts, and offer to make it right. Future customers read your replies too; they show how you handle a problem.
