Guide for contractors
Google Reviews by Text
To get Google reviews by text, send a short message the day of the job, from your own number, with the customer’s first name and your direct review link. They tap the link, the Google review box opens, they write a few lines.
Texting is the simplest channel for a contractor: everybody reads their texts, and the customer already has your number in their phone from booking the job.
Updated October 2, 2026
Sending the request by text, step by step
Get your direct review link
That’s the link that opens the “write a review” box on your Business Profile. Google gives you one in your Business Profile, or you can make one in seconds with our free Google review link generator.
Tell the customer before you leave
One line at wrap-up: “I’ll text you a link for a Google review, it really helps.” Now the text isn’t a surprise.
Send it the same day, from your number
They recognize the number they called. A text from an unknown number gets treated like spam.
Make one line personal
First name and the actual job: “the water heater,” “the new panel,” “the roof repair.” That’s what gets the text read down to the link.
Follow up once
If the link hasn’t been clicked after a few days, one short reminder. That’s it.
Three review request texts to copy
Swap in [First name], [job], [link] and [Your name]. Keep the link on its own line so it’s easy to tap.
Text 1 — the standard
Hi [First name], thanks for trusting us today. If you have a couple of minutes, a Google review would mean a lot: [link] Have a good evening, [Your name]
Text 2 — mentions the job
Hi [First name], it’s [Your name] from this morning’s [job]. Here’s the link I mentioned for a Google review: [link] Thanks, it makes a real difference for a small shop.
Text 3 — short
Thanks [First name]! Here’s the Google review link: [link] – [Your name]
More versions (email, WhatsApp, follow-ups) in the review request templates.
What not to write
- “Please give us 5 stars.” You’re asking for a review, not a score. The customer decides.
- “If you were happy, leave a review,” sent only to the customers who seemed happy. Google prohibits selectively soliciting positive reviews.
- A discount or gift card in exchange. Prohibited by Google, and the review can be taken down.
- A mystery short link. Some people won’t tap a link they don’t recognize. Your name in the message and a recognizable link build trust.
The full rules: Google’s content policy.
Texting by hand vs. a texting platform
Bulk texting platforms send from a number that isn’t yours, often to a whole list at once. That can make sense for a store. For a contractor whose customer is expecting to hear from them, it reads as marketing, and texting a list from a platform brings consent rules into play.
Own Your Ratings works the other way around: it writes the text with the name and the link, then opens Messages on your phone. You tap Send, and it goes out on your own plan. Afterward you see whether the customer clicked, and Own Your Ratings reminds you who to nudge.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to ask for a Google review by text?
Yes. Google itself suggests sending customers your review link. What’s prohibited is paying for reviews or asking only satisfied customers.
When should I send the text?
The day of the job, after you’ve left. The work is still fresh.
Does it cost me anything per text?
Sent from your phone, it’s a normal text on your plan.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. A link in a text opens on either, in the Google Maps app or the browser.
