20+ scripts & examples so you no longer wonder how to ask customers for reviews 

Let’s be honest—asking customers for reviews can feel like pulling teeth. They love your business, rave about your service, and promise to “totally write one,”… but then? Silence.

Meanwhile, that one negative review from months ago still sits at the top of your Google reviews, or a bad Yelp rating haunts your online reputation.

This brings us to the big question: How to ask customers for reviews?

Here’s the thing: Most customers won’t leave a review unless you ask them—the right way, at the right time. When you request reviews properly, you can turn happy customers into your biggest advocates. This secret boosts your visibility and builds trust with potential customers checking out your business profile for the first time.

So to help you gain reviews smartly, in this blog, you’ll get:

✔ 10 example scripts to make the review process effortless
✔ 5 templates of how to request reviews on the top channels
✔ 5 examples of how to ask for reviews the right way

Understand why customers leave reviews

Have you ever noticed how people quickly leave a review when upset but stay silent when they have a great experience? Customers usually don’t think about online reviews unless something pushes them to write good or bad.

So, what makes someone take a few minutes to write a review?

• They’re thrilled with your service – When people receive the best service, they feel appreciated and want to return the favor.
• They’re thrilled with your service – When people have an exceptional experience, they feel valued and often want to give back.
• They’re frustrated – Negative reviews often happen when a customer feels unheard or let down.
• They were personally asked. Many customers don’t realize how much their feedback helps until you invite them to share it.
• They see others doing it – If they notice other customers leaving reviews, they’re more likely to join in.

💡 Customers' time is precious, and even if they want to leave a review, timing matters. Ask at the wrong moment, and you could lose that opportunity. Let’s explore the best times to request reviews.

The best time to ask for a review

The right review request at the right moment can be the difference between glowing online reviews and no review at all. If you wait too long, customers forget about their experience. That’s why timing is everything.

Ask too soon, and they may not have formed a strong enough opinion. Finding the appropriate time ensures you get more customer reviews without feeling intrusive.

So, when should you ask for a review?

• Right after a positive experience – If a customer just enjoyed an amazing meal, had a smooth checkout, or received excellent service, they’re most likely to leave a review right away.
• Once they’ve seen results – If you’re in a results-driven industry (fitness, healthcare, home improvement), ask when they’ve experienced the benefit of your service.
• After a repeat purchase – Loyal customers are more likely to leave positive feedback since they’ve already chosen your business multiple times.
• When they engage with your brand – If a customer replies to your email, leaves a comment on your social media post, or fills out a survey, it’s a great time to send a review request.

💡Pro tip: If unsure when to ask, look at your past Google reviews and see when customers’ opinions were most positive. 

Instead of manually tracking the perfect timing for every review request, tools like Birdeye Reviews AI can automate review requests based on customer interactions.

How to ask for reviews the right way (with examples of what to do and not do)

Getting customer reviews isn’t about asking more—it’s about asking better. The best businesses don’t just chase positive reviews; they create experiences that naturally inspire customers to leave feedback. A strong ratings profile helps your company build trust, attract new customers, and strengthen customer relationships.

Yet many businesses struggle with reviews—some ask too aggressively, while others don’t ask at all. Even the happiest customers may need a little encouragement to share their experiences.

For example, BlendWorks Digital Marketing partnered with Birdeye to enhance their clients’ online reputations. By automating review requests and responses, they improved customer engagement and saw significant boosts in their clients’ SEO rankings.

Notably, a realtor client moved from the third page of Google search results to the top three positions within six months.

So, as you can see from this success story, here’s the good news: When done right, a customer review request can feel natural and effortless.

Here are a few examples of how to ask for customer reviews with real examples and scripts you can copy and tweak:

1. Focus on the experience first, the review second

A generic “Hey [Customer Name], please leave us a review” feels automated and impersonal. Customers are more likely to engage when they feel personally acknowledged.

Mentioning what they bought, the service they received, or a specific detail about their visit makes the request feel authentic and customer-focused, which increases their chances of leaving a meaningful review.

✅ What to say instead: 

"Hey Sarah, we hope you’re loving your new haircut! Your stylist, Emily, mentioned how much you enjoyed the layered look. We'd appreciate your feedback if you have a moment—it helps others find the right stylist! Here’s a quick link: [Insert review link]."

This approach adds deep personalization, which makes the request genuine rather than transactional.

2. Give customers multiple ways to leave a review

Instead of limiting customers to just one platform, make the request flexible. If they frequently engage with you on social media, they might prefer tagging your business instead of leaving a Google review. A QR code might be the most convenient option if they visit your store. Giving multiple options removes friction and increases response rates.

❌ What people normally say:
“Hey, We hope you liked us. Can you leave us a review on Google?”

✅ 2 examples of what to say instead: 

Review request email template: "Your feedback matters! Share your experience—leave a review on Google, reply to this email, or even tag us on social media. Whatever’s easiest for you!" 

📲 Text message request: "Thanks for stopping by! If you’d like to share your experience, here’s a quick link: [Insert review link]. There's no pressure—just whenever you have a few minutes."

A customer might see your email and intend to reply, but something else catches their attention, and they forget. That’s why sending a well-crafted follow-up email can make all the difference.

3. Remove barriers with direct links

With Google business reviews making up 79% of all online reviews in 2023 (as per Birdeye’s study), businesses can’t afford to miss opportunities. Even a small amount of customers’ time is valuable. Instead of making them search for where to review you, reduce friction by providing a direct review link—making the process seamless.

This is especially useful for industries with repeat customers—placing a QR code on receipts, invoices, or post-service emails ensures they have one-click access to your company’s profile.

❌ What people normally say:
“You can go to Google Maps and find our business to leave a review.”

✅ What to say instead: 

"We love hearing from you! Here’s the direct link to leave a Google review: [Insert review link]. It only takes a few seconds!"

📌 Pro tip: Birdeye Reviews AI’s review generation capabilities automatically send review requests at the appropriate time based on customer interactions.

4. Express appreciation—but don’t offer incentives

A free gift in exchange for a review violates the policies of Google, Yelp, and other review platforms. Instead, show genuine appreciation without making reviews feel transactional.

❌ What people normally say:
“Leave us a review and get 10% off your next order!”

✅ What to say instead: 

"Thanks so much for your kind words! We'd truly appreciate your review if you’d like to help others make an informed choice. Here’s the link: [Insert review link]. Your feedback makes a difference!"

Highlighting great feedback encourages other customers to leave an online review without incentives. This approach keeps your online reputation organic, authentic, and compliant with platform rules.

10 scripts on how to ask customers for reviews

Let’s be real—asking for reviews can feel awkward. You know you need them, but how do you bring it up without sounding pushy? The secret? Make it effortless, natural, and convenient for your customers. Whether in person, through email, or via a QR code, a well-timed review request makes all the difference.

Here are 10 tested and proven ways to ask for customer reviews, complete with word-for-word scripts to make your job easier:

1. The friendly in-person ask

Right after checkout, when the customer expresses satisfaction. This method works best for businesses with face-to-face interactions, such as stores, restaurants, and salons. A personal request makes the experience more genuine and increases the likelihood of a review.

Script: "We’re so happy you enjoyed your visit! Your feedback matters! Share your experience here: [Insert review link]. It helps other potential customers discover us!"

2. The post-service email request

Send a request a few hours or days after a purchase or service completion. This is ideal for service providers, e-commerce businesses, and subscription-based brands where follow-ups are common. Email ensures the request reaches the customer when they’ve had enough time to reflect on their experience.

Script: "Thanks for choosing [Business Name]! Your feedback helps other customers make informed decisions. If you have a few minutes, could you leave a review? Click here: [Insert review link]."

✅ Pro tip: Birdeye’s review management capabilities integrate with Google’s private APIs and allow you to automate and customize review requests effortlessly.

3. The high-response SMS review request

Immediately after a service or transaction. Text messages have high open rates, making SMS one of the fastest ways to generate reviews. This approach is especially useful for appointment-based businesses, delivery services, or businesses that rely on quick engagement.

Script: "Hi [Customer’s Name], we appreciate your support! If you had a great experience, could you write us a review? Just click here: [Insert review link]."

No matter which method you use, the secret is simplicity. If you want more reviews on Google, there's no tool better than Reviews AI. Using this, you can automate Google reviews in a fast and easy way. 

4. The handwritten thank-you note approach

Send after delivering a product or service or as a follow-up to a memorable customer experience. A handwritten request adds a personal touch, making customers feel valued and more likely to leave a review. This works well for boutique shops, personalized services, and high-end retail.

Script: "Thank you for choosing [Business Name]! We appreciate your support and hope you love your [product/service]. If you have a moment, we’d be grateful if you could share your experience—it helps others find us! 

Here’s a quick link: [Insert review link]. 

Looking forward to serving you again!"

5. The seamless website pop-up request

Display right after checkout, appointment booking, or account creation online. A well-timed pop-up ensures that customers are prompted to leave a review while the experience is still fresh in their minds.

Script: "Loved your experience? Let others know! Click here to leave a review—it only takes a few minutes."

Once you start collecting reviews, displaying them on your website can help build trust with potential customers. If you're using WordPress or Wix, check out these step-by-step guides to seamlessly embed Google reviews on your website:

How to embed Google reviews on a Wix website
How to embed Google reviews on a WordPress website

6. The effortless QR code method

Place it at checkout, on receipts, or on business cards, so customers can instantly scan and leave a review. This is a great way to capture feedback from in-person customers without requiring extra effort on their part.

Script: "Scan this QR code to share your experience! Your opinion matters, and it only takes a moment."

✅ Pro tip: Birdeye Reviews AI lets you generate scannable QR codes to collect more reviews instantly.

7. The engaging social media ask

Request reviews after interacting with a happy customer in the comments section, DMs, or as part of a marketing campaign. Social proof is crucial in influencing purchasing decisions and driving social media reviews, making the process feel less like a request and more like a conversation.

Script: "We love hearing from you! If you’ve had a great experience, consider leaving a review—your voice helps other potential customers make informed decisions. [Insert review link]"

8. The printed materials strategy

Use printed materials like receipts, invoices, business cards, or product packaging to request reviews from customers who may not return in person. This method works particularly well for businesses that rely on repeat customers or eCommerce stores that ship products.

Adding a QR code or a short review link makes it easy for customers to leave feedback at their convenience.

Script: "We value your feedback! Scan the QR code or visit [Insert review link] to share your experience—it only takes a few seconds and helps us improve!"

Review management across platforms can be overwhelming. Businesses using Birdeye Reviews AI experience higher review response rates, faster response times, and improved reputation scores—all while automating the process effortlessly.

9. The personalized follow-up call

For businesses that build strong client relationships, such as real estate agents, financial advisors, and B2B services, a personalized follow-up is recommended a few days after service completion. This helps reinforce trust and encourages long-term engagement.

Script: "Hi [Customer’s Name], I just wanted to personally check in and see how your experience with [product/service] has been. If you’re happy with everything, would you mind sharing a quick review? It helps others looking for [specific service/product] find the right fit. 

You can leave your thoughts here: [Insert review link]. We’re always here if you need anything!"

10. The automated chatbot review request

At the end of a customer support chat or online service interaction, chatbots provide a seamless way to request reviews without disrupting the customer experience. This makes them an excellent choice for SaaS companies, online stores, and tech support.

Script: "Glad we could help! If you’re happy with our support, click here to leave a review on Google Maps: [Insert review link]."

Top 3 examples of how not to ask for reviews

 ❌ 1. The vague and forgettable request
"Hey, if you get a chance, could you leave us a review?"
Why it’s bad: Too generic, no clear instructions or review link, and easy to ignore.

❌ 2. The transactional bribe
"Leave us a review and get 10% off your next order!"
Why it’s bad: Violates Google and Yelp reviews' policies, making your company's reviews seem inauthentic.

❌ 3. The overly aggressive push
"Can you leave us a 5-star review?"
Why it’s bad: Pressures customers, biases feedback, and sounds inauthentic.

Best channels to request reviews with 5 examples

Now that you know the best ways to ask for a review, the next step is making sure it reaches customers on the right review platforms. A great review request can go unnoticed if sent to the wrong place or requires too much effort.

Whether it’s email, SMS, or social media, meeting customers where they are increases the likelihood of receiving genuine feedback.

1. Email campaigns

Emails account for 60% of all review requests sent by businesses, according to Birdeye’s 2024 State of Online Reviews study of over 150,000 businesses. They work well for post-purchase follow-ups and service-based businesses where customers need time to reflect on their experience.

📩 Example: "Thanks for choosing [Company Name]! Your valuable feedback helps us improve and assist other customers. If you have a few minutes, would you be open to leaving a review? Here’s the link: [Insert review link]."

2. SMS review requests

Text messages have high open rates, making them great for time-sensitive review requests. A concise, direct request works best.

📱Example: "Hi [Customer’s Name], we appreciate your support! Your genuine feedback helps us deliver the best service. Click here to leave a review: [Insert review link]."

3. Google review link

Providing a direct Google review link eliminates extra steps and ensures customers land on the right page.
📌 Pro tip: Automating review requests with Birdeye Reviews AI for small business owners ensures customers leave feedback without delay.

4. QR codes

For businesses with physical locations, QR codes on receipts, packaging, or business cards provide a seamless way for customers to leave a review on the spot.

📲 Example: "Loved your experience? Scan this QR code and share your thoughts—it only takes a moment, and your opinion matters!"

5. Social media platform requests

Social media is a powerful tool for review collection. A well-placed post or direct message on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn can encourage positive reviews and build trust with your followers.

📢 Example: "We appreciate our amazing community! If we’ve made a difference, consider leaving a review—your voice helps other potential customers make informed decisions. [Insert review link]"

6. Phone follow-up review requests

A phone call works well for industries where relationships matter, such as real estate, finance, and consulting. This method ensures that happy customers don’t forget to leave a review.

📞 Example: "We truly appreciate your business! Are you open to sharing your thoughts in a Google review if you're satisfied with our service? It helps other customers find us!"

Did the customer miss your call? Don't worry—you can send a voicemail. Check out our 40 business voicemail greeting examples to make sure they respond to your request.

What to do after getting a review?

Responding to reviews isn’t just good practice—it’s a trust-building strategy. It feels one-sided when youask for a review but don’t respond. Acknowledging feedback makes your company more authentic and encourages more reviews over time. Plus, reviews improve customer perception and strengthen brand credibility.

In fact, as per Birdeye’s State of Online Reviews study, 63% of reviews received a response in 2023. Businesses that actively engage with their reviews see higher retention rates and better SEO reputation management. Further, addressing customer feedback helps with visibility and ensures that important customer information is acknowledged, creating a better experience.

Since reputation management should be a top priority, here’s what you should do to maximize the impact of every review you receive:

✅ Respond to review, good or bad – A simple thank-you reinforces positive experiences, while a thoughtful reply to negative reviews shows you care about improvement.

✅ Personalize your responses – Avoid generic replies. Mention the customer’s experience, name, or service received to make your engagement feel real.

✅ Share positive reviews – Highlight top reviews on your website, social media, and marketing materials to attract potential customers.

Birdeye's review marketing capabilities help you amplify positive reviews. Display them on your website through easy-to-use widgets or turn them into social posts.

FAQs about how to ask customers for reviews

How to ask customers for reviews using Birdeye Reviews AI to maximize results

Asking for reviews doesn’t have to be complicated. When done right, it becomes a seamless part of your customer interactions—helping you build trust, attract more potential customers, and improve your business profile across review platforms.

But let’s be honest—manually managing the review process can be overwhelming, especially for businesses handling a high volume of customer interactions. That’s where Birdeye Reviews AI comes in.

Why do businesses choose Birdeye Reviews AI for review management?

✅ Easily generate multiple review request email templates to send helpful reminders
✅ Leverage AI-powered responses to maintain a professional and consistent tone when replying to reviews.
✅ Gain review insights to monitor trends and track customer sentiment effortlessly from a single dashboard.
✅ Access a multi-platform integration across Google, Yelp, Facebook, and 200+ review platforms to maximize visibility.