The short answer
A good review request is short, specific, and easy to act on: thank the customer, name your business, ask for an honest Google review, and include one direct link. Do not offer a reward or ask for a particular rating. Copy the templates below, replace the words in brackets, and send the first request soon after the work and payment are complete.
Three copy-and-paste text message templates
Simple service follow-up: "Hi [First name] — thanks for choosing [Business name] today. Would you share an honest Google review about your experience? It helps local customers know what to expect: [Google review link] Reply STOP to opt out."
Owner voice: "Hi [First name], this is [Owner name] from [Business name]. Thank you for trusting us with [plain description, such as your repair or your move]. If you have a minute, I would appreciate an honest Google review: [Google review link] Reply STOP to opt out."
One gentle reminder: "Hi [First name] — one quick follow-up from [Business name]. If you have a minute to share an honest Google review, here is the link: [Google review link] Either way, thank you for your business. Reply STOP to opt out." Send this only when the customer has not acted, and do not keep nudging after it.
Two copy-and-paste email templates
Short email — Subject: "How did [Business name] do?" Body: "Hi [First name], Thank you for choosing [Business name] for [plain service]. Would you take a minute to leave an honest Google review? Your feedback helps other local customers know what to expect. [Leave a Google review] Thank you, [Name], [Business name]." Put the review link on the button or linked words.
Warm follow-up — Subject: "A quick follow-up from [Business name]" Body: "Hi [First name], I wanted to say thank you again for your business. If you have not had a chance and would like to share your experience, here is our Google review link: [Google review link]. There is no pressure — we appreciate the chance to help. Best, [Name], [Business name], [Business postal address], [Unsubscribe link]."
How to make the templates sound like you
Replace one generic phrase with a detail the customer will recognize: "your water-heater repair," "the move to Oak Street," or "Bella’s grooming appointment." Keep the detail ordinary and non-sensitive. A dentist, chiropractor, attorney, or locksmith should avoid treatment, case, address, and security details in a public-review request.
Keep the ask neutral. Say "honest Google review," not "five-star review." Do not offer a discount, gift, refund, contest entry, or future favor in exchange for a review. Send the same kind of request to every customer rather than choosing people based on the rating you expect.
How ReviewNudger sends the template at the right moment
ReviewNudger can start a saved text or email sequence after a completed payment in Jobber, Square, QuickBooks, Stripe, Housecall Pro, or another connected app. Your business name and direct Google review link are part of the message, the per-customer cooldown prevents repeated asks, and STOP replies and email unsubscribes are honored on future requests. You can edit the copy, timing, channels, and wait between steps instead of copying a template by hand after every job.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortest review request text I can send?
"Hi [Name] — thanks for choosing [Business]. Would you leave an honest Google review? [Link] Reply STOP to opt out." It has the business identity, a plain request, one action, and the opt-out instruction without extra sales copy.
Should I ask for a five-star review?
No. Ask for an honest review and let the customer choose the rating. Asking only for five stars can make the message feel pressured, and tying any reward to a rating or review breaks Google’s rules.
Can I send the exact same message to every customer?
Yes, and consistent neutral copy is safer than changing the ask based on who you think is happy. Personalize the name and ordinary service detail if your customer records are dependable, but keep the review path the same for everyone.
How many reminders should the template include?
Use one initial request and at most one gentle follow-up when the customer has not acted. More messages can turn a simple thank-you into pressure. A cooldown should also protect repeat customers across later jobs.